In this context, investors intend to focus on new investments (31%) or on raising funds for future projects (19%). One in three expect the efficiency of their portfolio to improve, two times more than those who expect it to deteriorate. The industrial sector is still perceived as the most competitive (31%), followed by residential (21%).
Among developers, reprofiling seems to be the most important trend in 2024, as one in four consider such a change. This trend resonates the strongest with office and retail developers, where three in four and respectively half of the respondents expressed their intention to also focus on other sectors in 2024 (mainly mixed-use assets or residential projects for rent). Among the challenges to be faced by developers this year, the study indicates financing (26%), followed by plot acquisition for future developments (23%) due to the economic recovery prospects, and commercialization (18%).
"The slowdown in office market sector is also noticeable in Romania since 2023, and the deals in progress mainly concern the lease agreements renegotiation, with a focus on making the terms more flexible or extending the contract period. However, in terms of retail projects, the local market differs from the regional one, given the large number of ongoing projects and increased appetite for investments in this segment, stimulated by the lower inflation prospects and, implicitly, by the increase in the purchasing power across the country. The industrial segment benefits from growth prospects, due to the geo-political situation, to the low availability of such premises at national level and to friendshoring - the global and regional trend consisting of relocating or establishing production units in countries regarded as political allies," said Irina Dimitriu, Partner at Reff & Associates | Deloitte Legal and Real Estate Industry Leader at Deloitte Romania. Deloitte has been conducting the Real Estate Confidence Survey for Central Europe since 2019 to find out how professionals in the field perceive the market. Three groups of stakeholders participate in the survey - developers, investors, and market advisers. In the 2024 edition, the most respondents came from Poland (33%), the Czech Republic (24%), Hungary (10%), while 24% operate across Central European markets.
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit and assurance, tax and legal, consulting, financial advisory, and risk advisory services to nearly 90% of the Fortune Global 500® and thousands of private companies. The firm’s professionals deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in capital markets, enable clients to transform and thrive, and lead the way toward a stronger economy, a more equitable society and a sustainable world. Building on its 175-plus year history, Deloitte spans more than 150 countries and territories. Its objective is to make an impact that matters through its 457,000 people worldwide.
Deloitte Romania is one of the leading professional services organizations in the country providing, in cooperation with Reff & Associates | Deloitte Legal, services in audit, tax, legal, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, business processes as well as technology services and other related services, through over 3,400 professionals.
