ARTICLES LABELLED WITH TAG report

As commercial real estate evolves to meet sustainability goals, rooftop solar systems are becoming a key solution for property owners and tenants alike. With the increasing demand for energy efficiency and the push toward decarbonization, rooftop solar solutions offer significant environmental, economic, and strategic benefits for the real estate sector. The new report "Harnessing Your Rooftop: A Guide to Photovoltaic Projects in Commercial Buildings in CEE", released today by CBRE and CMS, provides an analysis of the opportunities and challenges associated with rooftop solar installations across the CEE region.

Amid technological advances, growing client demands, legal regulations and the need to urgently respond to economic developments, the commercial real estate market is increasingly being influenced by AI-based solutions. According to the latest report from BNP Paribas Real Estate Poland, sophisticated technological solutions are becoming - and will continue to be - key at all stages, from project planning and construction to tenant screening, property and energy management, and even investment.

The demand for industrial spaces in CEE is moderating after a record year, with vacancy rates having slightly increased but still at a healthy level. The shift in demand patterns has included larger deals and tenant diversification. Despite challenges, logistics is an attractive asset class with yields comparable to offices and retail, revealed the discussion at CEE Property Forum 2024 in Vienna, chaired by Martin Polák, Managing Director CEE at GARBE Industrial Real Estate.

CBRE has summarised this year's developments in the Czech commercial real estate market and provides an up-to-date outlook for 2025. The report highlights anticipated investment activity and the evolution of key segments for the upcoming year.

Like other real estate segments, retail has always been adapting to changes in customer behaviour. This evolution thus is a subject of constant investment and innovation, based on the quality and uniqueness of locations. CEE Property Forum 2024 in Vienna has explored financing challenges together with the importance of data-based decisions in the discussion panel focused on retail.

Countries in the Southeast Europe (SEE) region are making significant efforts to adapt EU regulations in order to attract international investors. Several nations have successfully utilized both domestic and foreign capital to improve infrastructure, and certain market segments have outperformed expectations, setting the stage for further development in the coming years. These insights were highlighted during CEE Property Forum 2024, held in Vienna at the end of November.

The real estate market in Southeast Europe has been influenced by various crises in recent years, leading to lower investment levels. However, in 2025, a growth in investment activities is expected as a result of lower interest rates. Investors are particularly interested in the Balkans region, especially in Serbia, with the highest demand anticipated for investments in the hotel and residential sectors, while demand for office space is somewhat lower. These are some of the conclusions drawn by participants at the 8th edition of Balkans Property Forum 2024, organized in Belgrade by Property Forum.

Only one new office building has been completed in Prague in Q3 of 2024. On the other side, efforts to upgrade some older properties have continued either on an ongoing basis or by temporarily taking them off the market, according to a survey prepared by Colliers. 

According to the 2024 European Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) Investment Barometer, conducted by The Class Foundation and Savills, involving investors and operators with portfolios totalling over 132,000 beds across Europe, with an asset value of c.€25.3 billion, respondents expect to increase the number of beds they have by 70% over the next 2-5 years. 

Despite the improving performance, inflation and financing costs remain significant challenges in the hospitality sector in CEE. However, reduced interest rates, stabilised construction costs, and strong recovery in midscale and budget segments may stimulate investment, panellists stressed at CEE Property Forum 2024 in Vienna.