Romania's residential market slowed in the first half of 2026 following several years of strong growth, though data does not indicate a major correction, according to Colliers' half-year report. Nationwide, apartment sales declined by approximately 9%, while Bucharest ended the period with around 2% fewer transactions than in the same period of 2025, recovering much of the ground lost after a weak start to the year. The market remains above pre-pandemic levels, but high inflation, expensive borrowing and pressure on household budgets are making buyers more attentive to prices, the total cost of home ownership and development quality.
Bucharest's residential market recovered much of the ground lost after a weak start to 2026, ending the first half with apartment transactions down just 2% year-on-year, according to Colliers. Developers are also accelerating preparations for new projects, with the net floor area authorised for residential buildings in Bucharest increasing 3.6-fold in the first five months — the strongest pace in five years. Nationwide, however, apartment sales fell 9%, reflecting continued caution amid inflation, high financing costs and pressure on real incomes. Trends varied across regional cities: Cluj-Napoca recorded a 16% fall in transactions and Iași dropped 11%, while Timișoara posted a modest 3% increase.
Bucharest's residential market is showing signs of recovery as the first half of 2026 drew to a close. After a start to the year marked by adjustment, with apartment transactions falling 16.6% in the first three months compared to the same period in 2025, the second quarter brought a rebound in demand, confirmed by ANCPI data.
The residential market started 2024 on a strong note, with an 18% increase in residential transactions in Bucharest in the first quarter compared to the same period last year.
The areas located in the northern parts of the city will continue to attract the most residential developments, with almost 40% of new housing supply located here.
Despite initial challenges, Romania's residential real estate market demonstrated resilience throughout 2023, setting the stage for a promising outlook in 2024.
Bucharest is consolidating its position within the Central and Eastern European (CEE) real estate market, combining rental growth across major asset classes with investment yields that remain well above Western European levels, according to the DNA of Real Estate Europe Q2 2026 report published by Cushman & Wakefield. Across Europe in Q2 2026, prime office rents rose 4.5% year-on-year, retail rents increased 3.0%, and logistics rents grew 2.4%, while investors remained selective as yield movements pointed to a more balanced market following the repricing cycle of recent years.
Energy company Electrica informs investors and the capital market that it has obtained the technical grid connection permits (ATR) for 17 new battery energy storage projects (BESS), with a total capacity of approximately 700 MWh.
The European Retail Banking Radar, Kearney's latest study now in its 18th edition, shows that Europe is entering a period of normalisation following the conditions of 2023–2025. For Romania, the challenge extends beyond the normalisation of interest rates.
Romania's national electricity transmission network operator, Transelectrica, has halted scheduled maintenance shutdowns to ensure the grid operates at maximum capacity during an ongoing extreme heatwave. The preventive measures aim to mitigate operational risks associated with severe weather conditions.
Digi Spain has announced its intention to launch an initial public offering (IPO) on the Spanish stock exchanges, aiming to raise approximately €150 million.
