FDI in Romanian real estate triples in past decade

Business Forum
Foreign direct investments (FDI) in Romania's real estate and construction sector more than tripled between 2014 and 2024, increasing by €15.1 billion to reach €21.6 billion by the end of last year. The sector's share of total FDI stock rose from 10.6% to 17.3%, according to National Bank of Romania (BNR) data analyzed by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

Foreign capital contributed to expanding modern real estate stock from approximately 5 million sqm in 2014 to nearly 17 million sqm at the end of 2024, with around 70% owned by foreign investors. The total FDI stock reached €125 billion in 2024, with real estate and construction among the top recipients of net foreign capital inflows last year, gaining €651 million compared to the previous year.

Four sectors concentrate 86.6% of total net FDI stock: industry (37.1%), construction and real estate transactions (17.3%), trade (17.2%), and financial intermediation and insurance (14%). Between 2014 and 2024, industry saw a modest 54.4% increase, while trade and construction both tripled their FDI stock. Financial intermediation grew by 123%.

"The real estate and construction sector continues to be one of the most stable and attractive industries for foreign investors, even in a context of economic and geopolitical uncertainties," said Bogdan Sergentu, Head of Valuation & Consulting at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox. "Yields for prime assets in Romania are 1-2 percentage points above reference values from most Central and Eastern European countries, representing a competitive advantage."

Total FDI flows in Romania were €5.6 billion in 2024, down 17% from the previous year due to global uncertainties and domestic vulnerabilities including modest economic growth, a deepening budget deficit, and a politically sensitive electoral context.

RECOMMENDED
Bucharest yields remain well above Western European levels
Real estate

Bucharest yields remain well above Western European levels

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.

Bucharest office fit-out, among the most affordable in CEE
Real estate

Bucharest office fit-out, among the most affordable in CEE

The average total office fit-out costs in Bucharest increased slightly in 2025 to around €1,000 per sqm, according to data from Cushman & Wakefield Echinox. However, Bucharest remains one of the most affordable markets in CEE, with fit-out costs 18% and 15% lower than in Warsaw and Prague, respectively.

Regional retail centres lead Romanias property investment in 2025
Real estate

Regional retail centres lead Romania's property investment in 2025

Shopping centres outside Bucharest were the most attractive real estate asset class for investors in 2025, accounting for almost 40% of the total transaction volume, according a new report by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox. Bucharest office buildings came second, with a 30% share in the total investment volume.

CPI Romania ends 2025 with 280,000 sqm of offices in Bucharest
Real estate

CPI Romania ends 2025 with 280,000 sqm of offices in Bucharest

CPI Romania concluded 2025 by strengthening its position as a key player on the Romanian real estate market, with a portfolio of 280,000 sqm of modern office space, representing 8% of Bucharest's modern stock. The shopping centres in the company's portfolio recorded an occupancy rate of 98%, while Sun Plaza Bucharest launched a remodelling process.

Office administration costs in Bucharest up 17% in 2025
Real estate

Office administration costs in Bucharest up 17% in 2025

Office administration costs in Bucharest increased by approximately 17% in 2025, according to analysis by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox. The rise was driven by inflation, increased personnel costs, and fiscal policy changes.

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Bucharest yields remain well above Western European levels
Real estate

Bucharest yields remain well above Western European levels

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

Electrica secures grid permits for 700 MWh of storage

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.

Energy

Romanian grid operator to support peak power consumption during heatwave

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.