Romania's real estate market sees significant transactions despite a challenging economy

In the first half of 2026, Romania's real estate investment market recorded total transactions worth 211 million euros, highlighting the resilience of the sector amidst economic challenges.

While this figure represents a 46% decrease compared to the same period last year, it is encouraging to note that after the first seven months of 2026, the total transaction volume exceeded that of the entire year of 2025.

The office segment led the investment activity, accounting for 138 million euros, which is approximately 65% of the total volume. Notably, a significant transaction between AFI Europe and MAS Real Estate valued at 282 million euros marks it as the second largest transaction in Romanian real estate history.

The retail sector saw a resurgence at the beginning of July 2026, becoming the most traded asset class with a volume surpassing 350 million euros, as investors refocus on this area.

Cushman & Wakefield Echinox's Marketbeat Investment H1 2026 report reveals that investors from Central and Eastern Europe contributed a total of 144 million euros, representing 68% of the overall investment. Turkish investors accounted for 52 million euros, making up 25% of the total.

Mondo Development from Turkey took over the @EXPO office complex located in northern Bucharest, while Star Capital Finance from the Czech Republic became the new owner of the NEST retail parks in Miercurea Ciuc and Moinești. Additionally, the Record Park offices are situated in Cluj-Napoca, and the Equilibrium 2 building is located in the Floreasca - Barbu Vacarescu area.

Despite a 0.3% contraction in the local economy in the second quarter and inflation hovering around 10% in the first half of 2026, the yield for prime office buildings and shopping centers remained stable at 7.25%. Industrial space yields are slightly higher at 7.5%, while retail spaces on Calea Victoriei see yields of 7%. These yields remain 100-200 basis points higher than those recorded in most markets in Central and Eastern Europe.