Bucharest office developers resume construction activity

Business Forum
Office development activity in Bucharest accelerated over the past year, with the volume of projects currently under construction exceeding 200,000 sqm of gross leasable area, the highest level since 2021. At least eight new office buildings are expected to be delivered by the end of 2028, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

This renewed development momentum follows two years of low delivery levels, totalling just 15,000 sqm, corresponding to a single building. Moreover, no new office projects were completed in Bucharest in 2025, a first in the history of the city's modern office era.

The largest project under construction is a new phase of Timpuri Noi Square, developed by Vastint in the Centre submarket. Other developments underway include ARC Project in the Grozăvești - Politehnica area (PPF Real Estate) - 30,000 sqm, Promenada Offices (NEPI Rockcastle), part of the Promenada Mall extension in the Floreasca - Barbu Văcărescu submarket - 23,400 sqm, One Technology District in Dimitrie Pompeiu (One United Properties) - 20,600 sqm, AFI Central Tower (AFI Europe), a redevelopment of the former Bucharest Financial Plaza building - 28,000 sqm and U - Center 3 (Forte Partners) - 16,300 sqm.

Mădălina Cojocaru, Partner, Office Agency at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, said: "The tenants' selection criteria currently extend well beyond the traditional parameters of space efficiency. Access to public transportation, proximity to residential areas, and a well developed network of services have become critical decision making factors. The office has evolved from a purely operational location into an ecosystem designed to support collaboration, organisational culture, and the everyday employee experience."

The limited deliveries of the past two years, combined with increasing net demand, brought the vacancy rate down to 12.1%, while also pushing rents up in submarkets with constrained availability. A gross take-up volume of 85,000 sqm was registered in Q4 in Bucharest, while the total for the year reached 282,200 sqm, corresponding to a 23% decrease compared with 2024.

RECOMMENDED
Romanias industrial stock tops 8 million sqm in Q1 2026
Real estate

Romania's industrial stock tops 8 million sqm in Q1 2026

Romania's industrial and logistics market reached over 8 million sqm in Q1 2026, with approximately 115,000 sqm of new space delivered. At the same time, around 500,000 sqm are currently under construction, according to Cushman & Wakefield Echinox's report.

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.

Luxury brands hit €150 million sales record in Bucharest
Real estate

Luxury brands hit €150 million sales record in Bucharest

Bucharest is emerging as a key luxury retail destination in CEE, supported by rising purchasing power, growing tourism (over one million foreign tourists spent at least one night in the capital in 2025), and consolidation of prime high street locations, according to Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

German group Ireks buys land near Bucharest for HQ
Real estate

German group Ireks buys land near Bucharest for HQ

German group Ireks, a producer of baking ingredients for bread and confectionery, has acquired a 13,000 sqm land plot in Chitila, near Bucharest, in a deal brokered by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

Romanias retail stock second largest in CEE despite low density
Real estate

Romania's retail stock second largest in CEE despite low density

Retail developers continue to accelerate expansion plans across Romania, with projects totalling more than 750,000 sqm currently in construction and planning stages for delivery until 2029, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Hidroelectrica posts 122% profit surge in Q1 2026
Energy

Hidroelectrica posts 122% profit surge in Q1 2026

Romanian energy giant Hidroelectrica recorded a net profit of €263 million in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 122% increase compared to same period last year, according to a report submitted to the BVB.

Industry

Digi Communications reports 10% revenue growth in Q1 2026

Digi Communications reported consolidated revenues of €583 million in Q1 2026, a 10% year-on-year increase. At the same time, adjusted EBITDA (excluding IFRS 16 impact) reached €161.2 million, up 15% compared to Q1 2025.

Industry

Uber launches hotel bookings and AI voice features

Uber Technologies announced new products and features at its annual Go-Get product event, including hotel bookings and travel tools that are planned to roll out globally in the coming months.

Finance

CEC Bank gets rating upgrade from Fitch

Fitch Ratings has upgraded CEC Bank's Long-Term Issuer Default Rating from BB to BB+ with a Stable Outlook, following the publication of Fitch's updated Bank Rating Criteria on 8 May 2026.

READ MORE
Business Forum  |  15 May, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Business Forum  |  15 May, 2026 at 7:26 AM