Real estate development is a long-term venture where the end results (including profitability) are often unpredictable, especially in the current challenging global environment. Property Forum talked to Norbert Schőmer MRICS, Country Director at Atenor Hungary and the recently appointed Chairman of RICS in Hungary, covering the topics of ESG, changes in the office market, affordable housing and education, among others. He also provided an update on Atenor’s ongoing projects in Hungary and shared his priorities as RICS Chairman.

Industrial developer Accolade published its year-end results for 2023. Despite lower construction activity across the market overall, Accolade’s total lease volume remained the same as 2022 thanks to renegotiations. Accolade either leased or extended the lease of existing agreements for 555,000 sqm worth of properties (of which 168,000 sqm is part of the fund’s portfolio). Furthermore, total rental income grew by 26% to €148 million (with nearly €100 million falling under the fund’s portfolio) over the course of last year. By expanding into Croatia, 2023 also saw Accolade further grow its operation through the addition of another European country.

Industrial developer CTP recorded a 20.1% gain of net rental income to €543.2 million in 2023 compared to the previous year over a combination of indexation and reversion on renegotiations and expiring leases.

Ultimately, more than 10 MW of green energy from photovoltaic farms will power Warsaw UNIT, an office building developed and owned by Ghelamco. It is the first skyscraper in Poland entirely powered by green energy. Funding for the innovative remote farm project was provided by ESCOlight, and the contractor is Revolt Energy, part of the Blachotrapez Group.

MLP Group has successfully placed €41 million worth of bonds, comprising an entire issue, with 35 investors in a public offering intended for qualified buyers. The transaction was arranged and conducted by mBank. The Warsaw office of global law firm Taylor Wessing provided legal advice to MLP Group, and mBank was advised by CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang.

The office stock in Bucharest’s sublease niche totaled 67,400 sqm in 2023, while new transactions in this segment amounted to 5,856 sqm, according to an iO Partners report.

Danbuiu Enterprises will start in Q2 2024 the development of A1 Shopping Center, a new retail project near Bucharest that will have a value over €10 million. The project is slated for completion in Q3 2025 and will target wholesale and cash & carry retailers.

Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG (pbb), a leading European specialist bank for commercial real estate finance, expects its results for the current financial year to be significantly higher than in 2023. 

UBM Development Czechia announced a significant milestone in sustainable construction in the Czech Republic, allowing the construction of wooden buildings up to 22.5 meters using the engineering method.

Focus Estate Fund announced its successful restructuring in Luxembourg, Europe's largest fund and asset management destination. From now on Focus Estate Fund shall operate as a Luxembourg-based Alternative Investment Fund.