Asian capital drives Central Europe property boom

Business Forum
Central Europe's commercial real estate sector is experiencing a transformation, with Hungary leading the recovery through an 86% year-on-year increase in investment driven by Asian capital from China and South Korea. The CATL factory in Debrecen and BYD in Szeged, along with the planned Volvo plant in Košice, Slovakia, are reshaping the region's industrial landscape and creating demand for logistics space.

The Czech Republic strengthened its position as a logistics and tourism hub in 2025. After a slow start, the warehouse and logistics market saw dramatic growth, with the third quarter bringing almost 500,000 sqm of newly leased space. Construction continues at record pace, with 1.7 million sqm in various completion stages, potentially bringing the market close to 20 million sqm. Tourism development sparked hotel sector activity, with PPF acquiring the Hilton, Four Seasons and Diplomat hotels in Prague, pushing total hotel transactions above €500 million for the first time since 2019.

Slovakia's investment market recovered significantly, with commercial real estate transactions exceeding €800 million. Regional investors from CEE accounted for 60% of transactions, with Czech investors representing two-fifths of that total. "In 2025, no office building exceeding 10,000 sqm was completed, and the Slovak capital now has the highest stock of office space per thousand inhabitants among the Visegrad Four countries," said Josef Stanko, Director of Market Research at Colliers.

Bulgaria experienced a landmark year with full Schengen integration, removing border controls and boosting investor confidence. The country's economy exceeded forecasts with accelerated GDP growth, falling unemployment and rising wages. Poland maintained solid commercial real estate performance, with notable transactions including the sale of half of Mennica Legacy Tower for €180 million and TAG Immobilien's Resi4Rent portfolio sale for €565 million.

Looking ahead to 2026, Stanko predicts mixed prospects across the region. "2026 will bring new impulses to the commercial real estate market in CEE – from growing investment and modernization of office and retail space to strengthening demand for residential and logistics projects," he said. Bulgaria faces adopting the euro, Hungary expects 2.5% GDP growth from new manufacturing plants, while Romania faces challenges with expected GDP growth of just over 1%.

RECOMMENDED
CEE emerges as Europes new defence industry powerhouse, says KPMG
Industry

CEE emerges as Europe's new defence industry powerhouse, says KPMG

CEE is transforming from Europe's periphery into a defence industry powerhouse, according to a new KPMG study. The region's combination of cost efficiency, industrial capacity, and strategic location is attracting investment as European defence spending increases.

CEE property investment climbs 24% above 5-year average in 2025
Real estate

CEE property investment climbs 24% above 5-year average in 2025

Commercial property investment in CEE rebounded strongly in 2025, with a combined volume of €11.3 billion across Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. This represents a 34% year-on-year increase and stands 24% above the five-year average, according to data by Knight Frank.

CEE property investment surges 31% in 2025
Real estate

CEE property investment surges 31% in 2025

CEE property investment reached a turning point in 2025, with transaction volumes across the region's six main markets totalling €11.6 billion, representing 31% annual growth according to Colliers' latest analysis.

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
IFC to acquire 10% stake in Romanian pension firm Carpathia
Finance

IFC to acquire 10% stake in Romanian pension firm Carpathia

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has signed an agreement with Vienna Insurance Group (VIG) to acquire approximately 10% of the shares of Carpathia Pensii, a Romanian private pension company.

Industry

Polpharma to launch takeover bid for Biofarm

Polish pharmaceutical company Zakłady Farmaceutyczne Polpharma has agreed to launch a voluntary public takeover offer (VTO) for all shares of Romanian drugmaker Biofarm, according to a regulatory filing.

READ MORE
Business Forum  |  8 May, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Business Forum  |  8 May, 2026 at 6:00 PM