Real Estate: CEE Real Estate Investments Surge 38% in First Three Quarters

The Romanian real estate investment market recorded a total volume of just over €425 million in the first three quarters of 2025, representing a 6% share of real estate transactions in the CEE-6 region, down from over 8% in 2024 and a peak of more than 11% in 2022, according to Colliers’ ”CEE Investment Scene Q1-Q3 2025” report.   The postponement of several large transactions contributed to a lower volume compared to the same period last year, as multiple assets remain in various stages of negotiation. Across the six major markets in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) – Bulgaria, Czechia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary – investment volumes grew by 38%, surpassing €7 billion, driven mainly by Poland and Czechia, which together accounted for nearly three quarters of the total.   “2025 is shaping up similarly to 2019 – a year that was not particularly strong in terms of volumes, but was followed by two strong years that prepared the ground for the peak of activity seen in 2022. In the same way, in the first three quarters, we are seeing in the market a number of transactions with a cumulative value of hundred million euros currently in different stages of implementation. 2026 has the potential of yield compression provided the domestic and global macroeconomic environment remain at least neutral. Analysts’ expectations regarding further interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank support this outlook for next year”, explains Robert Miklo, Partner, Head of Capital Markets  at Colliers.   At regional level, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Bulgaria) attracted over 7 billion euro in real estate investment in the first nine months of 2025, 38% more than the previous year – the highest level since 2022. Romania stands out through its growing exposure to logistics and manufacturing, and is perceived as a selectively attractive market, offering projects with value-add potential and yields above the regional average.   “A noteworthy trend is that the office sector is gaining increasing momentum on the investment side. Prime projects in central locations have strong traction and feature rising rents, driven by limited supply, high development costs, and robust demand. Although demand for other asset classes is also very dynamic, I believe that 2026 has the potential to become the year of the office sector in the investment market”, underlines Robert Miklo, Partner, Head of Capital Markets at Colliers.   Most transactions in Romania occurred in the industrial, logistics and manufacturing segments, according to Colliers consultants. At the same time, Chinese investors have returned actively to the market through significant acquisitions in the furniture and materials industries, marking the highest level of Asian investment in the past three years.   “Romania remains an attractive market for investment due to healthy yields and growth potential across developing sectors. Prime yields stand at around 7.5% and 7.75% for prime office and industrial projects, respectively, higher than in Czechia or Poland, making the local market appealing to investors seeking solid medium- to long-term opportunities”, highlights Silviu Pop, Director CEE & Romania Research at Colliers.   Regionally, the Colliers report indicates a shift in sentiment: from “cautious optimism” to a more pragmatic, results-driven approach. Investors are more willing to deploy capital but are scrutinizing the quality of assets and income security more closely. Local capital has become a major force in the region, accounting for 57% of all transactions – double the share seen before the pandemic.   The US and China Lead Investment Activity in Central and Eastern Europe Alongside regional capital, US investors have made a strong comeback in Central and Eastern Europe, with investment volumes nearly six times higher than in 2024, particularly across the industrial, office and hotel segments. Overall, inflows from outside the European Union – especially from the US and China – continue to highlight the region’s attractiveness in an increasingly competitive global landscape. Czechia recorded the strongest performance in the region, with a 131% increase in investment volume, supported by major office and hotel transactions. Poland remains the largest and most liquid market, attracting 2.6 billion euro, while Romania and Hungary stand out for rising investment in logistics, retail and light industry.   The outlook remains optimistic. Collier’s consultants estimate that Romania’s total investment volume across the CEE-6 region could reach 9-10 billion euro in 2026. Economic stability, potential interest rate cuts and the growing involvement of local capital are expected to support a more active and diversified market, with increasing interest in long-term value-driven projects – from urban regeneration to energy-efficient buildings.   In the medium term, Colliers anticipate a gradual recovery in transactions, as pricing expectations between buyers and sellers converge and access to financing becomes easier, marking the beginning of a new investment cycle defined by pragmatism, quality and sustainability.