ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Leading Sustainable and Innovative Real Estate Development in Romania
Elena Bocan Head Of Market Nhood Romania – photo 1

Nhood Romania transforms abandoned or underutilized spaces into active community projects through real estate upcycling
Nhood Romania transforms abandoned or underutilized spaces into active community projects through real estate upcycling 2560 2225 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB
Nhood RomâNia, – photo 1

Nhood, an integrated real estate services and solutions company present in 10 European countries, including Romania, proposes an innovative solution to transform abandoned or underutilized spaces into community-relevant projects through real estate upcycling, a practical and sustainable approach to the challenges of accelerated urban development. Nhood proposes the reconversion of former industrial platforms, vacant commercial buildings, and unused land. These spaces are given a new life, becoming active community centers with housing, offices, green areas, and commercial spaces, thus revitalizing urban areas.

Nhood applies the real estate upcycling strategy in several projects within the services portfolio it manages for its clients, which, unlike recycling, offers a second life to existing spaces, leveraging on their uniqueness and history. Through this urban intervention, the company combines sustainability with respect for the history and specifics of each location, transforming non-functional buildings and areas into sustainable urban ecosystems with a real economic, social, and cultural impact on cities.

One such example is Coresi District in Brașov – the largest urban regeneration project in Romania – which Nhood manages and supports in its continuous development. Covering an area of 120 hectares, the former industrial platform has been transformed into a modern and dynamic district that integrates mixed functions – from retail and offices to residential, education, culture, and green spaces, while preserving the historical identity of the place. Within the same project, Nhood is coordinating the rehabilitation of a 3,000 sqm industrial hangar, which will become an entertainment space, retaining its original architecture and adding a new urban functionality.

At the same time, the company offers real estate upcycling solutions to several Aushopping commercial centers, proposing the remodeling of existing spaces to better meet the current needs of local communities. And in Bucharest, Nhood has proposed transforming the roof of the Drumul Taberelor shopping center – a previously unused space – into a 17,000 sqm urban garden, intended for relaxation, educational activities, and community initiatives.

Elena Bocan Head Of Market Nhood Romania – photo 1

“Romanian cities have a real opportunity to actively regenerate abandoned or underutilized areas without erasing their history. Real estate upcycling means exactly that: transforming spaces with an industrial or commercial past into a coherent, connected, and sustainable urban future. It is an efficient, scalable solution with proven positive impact,” stated Elena Bocan, Head of Market Nhood Romania.

These types of projects have the potential to fundamentally change the lives of local communities by attracting investments, generating jobs, stimulating cultural and social initiatives, and revitalizing areas once neglected.

The real estate upcycling process contributes to balancing urban development, bringing complementary functions to neighborhoods that need diversification and revitalization. These interventions reuse existing infrastructure and create opportunities for a more sustainable, connected, and participatory lifestyle.

In addition to ongoing projects, Nhood Romania is considering such initiatives in key cities across the country, aiming to transform commercial or industrial areas into mixed-use complexes – with complementary retail, office, residential, services, and green space functions.

Nhood Romania transforms abandoned or underutilized spaces into active community projects through real estate upcycling

“Through this campaign, we reaffirm Nhood’s mission to transform existing spaces into valuable places for the community, with respect for their history. Real estate upcycling means building the future from what we already have – with responsibility, vision, and creativity,” stated Monica Dima, Head of Brand Marketing & Communication at Nhood România.

The campaign conveys the belief that the future of real estate development lies not in demolition and reconstruction, but in the creative repurposing of what already exists. The campaign’s visual identity is created by Estonian illustrator Eiko Ojala, whose minimalist and conceptual work symbolizes transformation, depth, and the intelligent reuse of space — central themes in Nhood’s philosophy.

Through this manifesto, Nhood presents a truly innovative vision: real estate upcycling is not just a trend, but the future of cities and regions.

Initiatives

Romania Steps into the Spotlight at the BREEAM Awards 2025: Five Nominations and One Trophy
Romania Steps into the Spotlight at the BREEAM Awards 2025: Five Nominations and One Trophy 2560 1176 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB
Initiatives

Romania made a strong impression at the BREEAM Awards 2025, the most prestigious international event dedicated to sustainability in the real estate sector. Organized in London by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), the awards gala brought attention to five Romanian projects and initiatives—one of which was awarded the ESG Rising Star trophy.

Adrian Pop

Adrian Pop, architect and founder of ADP, was named the winner of the ESG Rising Star category, a recognition for professionals who have made an accelerated and significant impact in promoting sustainability in real estate.

“The winner is an architect, sustainability consultant, and systems thinker whose mission has been to embed ESG principles across real estate, public architecture, and community infrastructure. He has built a company that leads by example—through rigorous technical expertise, impactful sustainability strategies, and a genuine commitment to social and environmental value.

In 2024 alone, his organisation delivered 168 BREEAM certifications, covering over 2 million square metres, across 9 countries, with zero halted assessments and an average score of 72.4%.

His vision is to make sustainability scalable, practical, and transformative—using BREEAM not only for compliance, but to shape investment strategies, community resilience, and public policy.”
— James Fisher, jury member and Head of Strategic Partnerships at BRE.

In addition to Adrian Pop’s win, Romania was represented by four other shortlistings:

  • ADP, shortlisted for Best Assessor Company
  • Adrian Pop, shortlisted for ESG Outstanding Achievement
  • YUNITY Park – Building F, shortlisted for BREEAM Lifecycle
  • Arghezi 4 Office Building, also shortlisted in the Best BREEAM In-Use | Commercial.
    Building category and awarded a Highly Commended distinction
Cta Hotels

Old touristic infrastructure in Constanța demolished for new, modern projects
Old touristic infrastructure in Constanța demolished for new, modern projects 1920 1078 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB
Cta Hotels

With an old touristic infrastructure, a new trend emerges in the Constanta hotel market: the outstanding hotels are being demolished to make room for new, modern projects, adapted to the present demand. Statistics show that in 2024 around 3,000 hotels rooms were closed in Constanta County. This trend will continue in the coming years due to old hotel infrastructure and intensive investment budgets to increase quality of services.

As infrastructure works for better mobility in the south of the seaside advance, we expect to see new investments in Eforie, Costinesti and Neptun-Olimp.

EST HOSPITALITY CONCLUSIONS REGARDING MAIN TRENDS ON SEASIDE TOURISM

  • In the last two years the number of hotels for sale in Constanta county increased. Most of the properties for sale are ranked at 2* and 3*.
  • There is a big potential for new supply addition in 5* category for Constanta and Mamaia where seasonality is reduced.
  • The highest potential is for the hotels with medical treatment (ie sapropelic mud and other medical procedures) that can operate year-round with the lowest seasonality.
  • 5% of tourist’ arrivals and overnights in 2024 were in apartments for rent.
  • Average length of stay in hotels was 2.7 nights and 2.8 nights in apartments for rent.
Port

2025 Constanța Economic Outlook
2025 Constanța Economic Outlook 1620 1080 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB
2025 Constanța Economic Outlook

Constanța is steadily continuing on its path of being one of Romania’s regional powerhouses. The touristic destination is also an unshakeable pillar of the country’s defence, energy, and food security. Constanta is looking ahead to turbo-boosting its superpowers and a slow transition towards building a corporate culture.

One of the country’s most powerful developers & investors, IULIUS, moves forward with its master planning for the urban regeneration project on 38 hectares, which previously housed the operations of the country’s largest oil products storage and import/export. To draw its vision, the company has retained one of the most prestigious UK-based architectural companies, launched public debates over future functions, and is progressing with the soil decontamination and regeneration phases.

Meanwhile, a smaller, yet more agile entrepreneurial developer is analysing the opportunity of promptly answering the city’s needs for modern office and retail space, potentially serving as an incubator for companies looking to tap into one of Romania’s largest pools of graduates. These initiatives are crucial for Constanta. While the county is uniquely strong in terms of military, energy, shipping & logistics, and agricultural capabilities, these sectors tend to be moderately employment-intensive; thus, a significant part of the locals rely on seasonal tourism jobs for their livelihood. Should the county be able to retain its generous student pool and enjoy year-round employment, the overall prosperity of the region will significantly increase.

Until construction takes shape, the county needs to focus on developing its current strengths. Constanta experiences one of the highest increases in incoming tourists, 11.47% y-o-y growth, above the capital city’s expansion (9.35%) and more than double the national average (4.75%). The city’s grand reopening of the Casino, an art nouveau historical landmark, after years of restoration efforts, should attract new interest. It is to be determined whether it can fully balance out the adverse effects of cancelling the Neversea festival and the restrictions on vacation vouchers during a more cautious consumer behaviour season. New emerging festivals such as “Beach!Please” could help maintain numbers.

New investments in energy infrastructure are steadily moving forward. This year, the authorities began drilling for the first well of Neptun Deep and overcame multiple attempts to stall or block construction initiated by international NGOs. Neptun Deep is of utmost importance not only for Romania, but for Europe as well. In addition to Germany, Hungary is now negotiating to purchase future production. The project can redraw the map of political and economic influence on the continent. Another key event during the past 6 months has been the signing for building the 3rd and 4th nuclear reactors of Cernavoda Power Plant. An international consortium formed by Flour, Sargent & Lundy, Atkins Realis, and Ansaldo will deliver 1,400 MWh of new energy production in seven years. Meanwhile, a 2 billion EUR retrofit contract for Unit 1 was signed. Thanks to its strategic positioning along the Black Sea coast, Constanta plays an essential role in renewable energy, as well. GWhs are built or under development by powerful international investors such as INGKA, Monsson, Rezolv Energy, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Electrica, Eurowind, PPC, Ecoenergy, among others. By mixing the local energy expertise and agricultural production strength, BSOG Energy, backed by Carlyle, launched a new 65 million EUR biomethane and organic fertilized plant in Constanta.

In addition to the expansion of the Mihail Kogalniceanu military base, the strategic defence role of Constanta shall be enhanced by further investments in the Military Port. The Romanian Naval Forces began work on a new wharf and advanced military logistic capabilities. Most recently, the EU unveiled its defence strategy for the Black Sea. In addition to the NATO military base, Kaja Kallas, the EU Diplomacy-Chief, announced major investments in road, air, sea, and rail logistics for heavy equipment transportation. The EU shall establish a Sea Security Hub in the Black Sea, which will serve as an early warning system for potential threats. At the 3Seas Initiative security forum in Warsaw this year, the importance of building the northern corridor of Via Carpathia was yet again underlined by the President.

Port

Meanwhile, at the local level, the city council made small steps towards improving the living infrastructure, mostly relying on EU funds: the student housing was refurbished, the central heating system underwent upgrades, and the flagship Gheorghe Hagi stadium finally signed the financing contract. At the county level, one of the most significant developments is the “Techirgiol Alternative Highway”, which enables much faster traffic distribution to the beach villages along the coast. The government approved the feasibility numbers, and the bid for works is pending. Meanwhile, the Eforie public authorities are attempting to streamline traffic by constructing a couple of flyovers; the bid was recently caught in red tape, and we’re waiting for new developments.

1.5 Million tourists speed up Brașov’s touristic infrastructure development
1.5 Million tourists speed up Brașov’s touristic infrastructure development 1621 1080 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB
Matca Hotel Relais & ChâTeaux, ȘImon

1.5 mln tourists were registered in Brasov county in 2024, 3rd destination nationwide, following Bucharest – 1.9 million and Constanta – 1.7 million (hotels & short-term rentals), according to National Statistics Institute. Overnight stays in both hotels and apartments recorded 2.8 million people, third value nationwide, following Constanța -5.5 million and Bucharest -3.9 million.

As Brasov is gaining a lot of attention as a touristic destination, making it on the recommendation list of publications such as National Geographic or Vogue, international hotel brands are targeting this city. Over 700 branded hotel rooms are expected to be inaugurated in 2025. In total, the county has 128 hotels with 5,871 rooms.

The information for Brasov, gathered by RPC from Est Hospitality, a tourism consultancy company, shows that:

  • Tourist arrivals and overnights in hotels are still below levels of 2019.
  • 19% notable increase of overnights in apartments – competition is getting serious for hotels.
  • Growing trend is expected to continue in the coming years due to the pipeline of new branded hotels, the number of festivals and the increased number of MICE events.
Mircea Draghici

Mircea Draghici, Managing Partner, Est Hospitality: “2025 is a key year for Brasov with five new branded hotels following to open and bring an offer of 727 rooms on the market. Those inaugurations are expected to also boost the number of foreign tourists looking for standardized hotel services.”

Brasov Ec Foto

BRAȘOV, expected to become more strategically on Romania’s map
BRAȘOV, expected to become more strategically on Romania’s map 1618 1080 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB
Brasov Ec Foto

Traditionally a manufacturing and tourist destination, its location is gaining even more significance due to the strengthening of the defence sector and transportation routes.

The Cincu military base was extended and is now ready to receive 4,000 troops engaged in tactic exercises. The newly inaugurated Brasov Airport received infrastructure upgrades to extend its capacity to receive military cargo and to improve response time. Rheinmetall is building Europe’s largest gunpowder factories in Victoria, supported by European Defence Fund financing. The delivery is forecasted for Q1 2027 and shall strategically contribute to Romania’s defence independence.

900 Million EUR Public Investments

The City Hall has budgeted 154 million EUR for investments in 2025 to be allocated for education (new kindergartens and nursery schools, as well as consolidation of old schools), public development (new Pneumology Hospital, Polyvalent Hall, Youth Stadium, new parks and rehabilitation of public buildings), infrastructure and tourism (expansion and streamlining of the ski area in Poiana Braşov – stage II)

The County Council has a budget of 172 million EUR for infrastructure updates: 100km for county roads and 53.1 km for Brasov Metropolitan Belt.

One of the most talked about projects is the Rheinmetall gunpowder factory in Victoria, a project totalling over 500 million EUR, backed by funds from European Commission as well as Romanian public funds.

Another 20 million EUR are allocated for an integrated dual education campus to be build In Stupini area, comprising classrooms, technological workshops, a library, student housing, a cafeteria and a gym.

Looking ahead, road infrastructure investments such as the Comarnic motorway, Sibiu–Fagaras highway, and the future Bacau – Brasov highway (feasibility study stage) truly put Brasov at the heart of the country.

Tourism in the Spotlight

In terms of the local economy, the slowdown of the auto sector led to temporary unemployment and a priorities realignment for multinational companies present in the areas. However, the versatility of the local economy proved powerful, as the new hotel openings and commitments buffered any concerning news.

As Brasov is gaining a lot of attention as a touristic destination, making it on the recommendation list of publications such as National Geographic or Vogue, international hotel brands are targeting this city. Last year Swissotel inaugurated in Poiana Brasov, while another 1,100 rooms are under development from brands such as Hyatt, Kempinski, Mercure, AC by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Ibis Styles, or Double Tree by Hilton. The inauguration are estimated between 2025 – 2028.

Finding a suitable operator with the right flight frequency for the summer and winter seasons took a while, but Wizzair proposed the right balance to take advantage of the great cultural heritage and natural treasures Brasov has to offer to the world.

New Hotspots & Real Estate Investments

The next step of the city’s development is the urban regeneration of the former Rulmentul industrial platform. Several studies performed by both the World Bank and an association of architects led to a design solution. We’re still waiting for a PUZ, a decision, and financing to redefine what the modern Brasov will look like. At the end of the process, the former Tractorul and Rulmentul platforms shall unite to provide a good case practice on how to perfectly blend heritage with functionality and modernity in a city.

The largest international investors present on Brasov market, French-based Ceetrus & Israeli-owned AFI Europe announced new expansion plans.

Bv Ec Outlook NhooD Ruxandra Dragomir

Ruxandra Dragomir, Head of Development at Nhood Services Romania, the exclusive Development , Property & Asset Management, Leasing, ESG service provider for Coresi mixed-use development by Ceetrus: “Coresi is Romania’s largest urban mixed-use regeneration project with 55,884 sqm of retail, 59,400 sqm of offices, a 4* hotel with 133 rooms, and a residential component with 2,400 finalized apartments as well as 90,000 sqm green spaces and 7,000 parking spots. Future development plans include a 10,800 sqm office building, the rehabilitation of Hangar historical building (3,000 sqm) with a gastro entertainment concept, a 20,000 sqm sports arena and a 4,000 sqm educational campus in partnership with a private school.”

Rivus Cluj Napoca Iulius 01

IULIUS and Atterbury Europe secure the largest loan granted to a real-estate development in Romania – 400 million Euro for the RIVUS Cluj-Napoca mixed-use urban reconversion project
IULIUS and Atterbury Europe secure the largest loan granted to a real-estate development in Romania – 400 million Euro for the RIVUS Cluj-Napoca mixed-use urban reconversion project 1000 500 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB
Rivus Cluj Napoca Iulius 01

RIVUS Cluj-Napoca, the mixed-use urban reconversion project developed by companies IULIUS and Atterbury Europe, was granted the largest loan for a new real-estate development in Romania. The loan adds up to approximately 400 million Euro and it is in the form of syndicated financing granted four loan institutions: Erste Bank, BCR, BERD, and BRD. RIVUS restores 14 hectares of a former industrial platform back to the city, in the form of a mixed-use project with likely the widest functional diversity in Romania – retail, office, culture, entertainment, park. The project investment is estimated upwards of half-billion Euro, and it is currently in the building permitting phase.

 

Rivus Cluj Napoca Iulius 03

RIVUS Cluj-Napoca is a project tackling the urban reconversion of a brownfield area spanning more than 14 hectares into a regional attraction, customized to the expectations and needs of the community and the city. This is a sustainable project and the concept for it was designed by the prestigious international architecture firm UNStudio, with a focus on leveraging Someș River and making it accessible to the public, and integrating the entirety of the former industrial area with the city as a pole of urban development. The largest loan granted to an industrial real estate development in Romania, adding up to 400 million Euro, was secured for this project developed by companies IULIUS and Atterbury Europe. This is a green syndicated loan, secured by meeting the LEED Platinum and EDGE Advanced sustainability standards, which cover the entire development-operation-top-up cycle. The syndicate of banks providing the financing is comprised of Erste Bank (Lead Arranger), Banca Comercială Română (BCR), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and BRD Groupe Société Générale. The financing primarily focuses on the retail component of the project, including the cultural areas and green spaces, which means a total leasable area of 132,500 sqm.

“For IULIUS, this loan continues the series of premieres in terms of financing: from the first green loan granted to a Romanian company back in 2021, to the largest real-estate refinancing loan in Romania in 2022, and now the largest development loan in the industry. To us, all these milestones certify the attractiveness and quality of IULIUS projects. We are excited that every single time we are able to attract new partners in the financing process, with EBRD now joining the group of banks with which we are collaborating. The mix of local, regional, and global banks provide the financial stability we need in order to focus on what we do best: large scale green mixed-use project, with significant investment values (usually upwards of half-billion Euro), in central locations, and contributing to the economic development of their respective local and regional communities. The trust placed in us by our clients, tenants, and banks motivate us to bring ever more daring, more complex projects on the market, with even greater positive impacts on their respective communities,” said Marius Perșenea, Chief Operating Officer IULIUS.

Processed With Vsco With Kc25 Preset

RIVUS – The largest lifestyle center in Romania

The functional diversity of RIVUS includes:

  • The largest retail area in Romania, spanning 142,000 sqm (integrating the shopping mall, as well as the complementary retail facilities) in a mixed-use concept that enhances the shopping experience with public and leisure services and facilities
  • More than 400 stores, including regional and national premieres
  • 30+ new concept-restaurants and coffee shops overlooking Someș River
  • A new park and landscaped green spaces spanning more than 52,000 sqm
  • Japanese rooftop garden
  • Two industrial buildings reconverted to accommodate cultural venues, office spaces, and services
  • Live arts center– feature integrated for the first time in a real estate project based in Romania
  • First-to-region entertainment concepts for all ages
  • The latest cinema technologies for the first time in Transylvania, as well as open air cinema

Premium green office spaces – 15,000 sqm GLA

A traditional manufacturing destination, Brașov consolidates its hub status

A traditional manufacturing destination, Brașov consolidates its hub status
A traditional manufacturing destination, Brașov consolidates its hub status 1621 1080 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB
A traditional manufacturing destination, Brașov consolidates its hub status

The county is the third largest industrial & logistics hub in Romania, after Timisoara and Ploiesti. Brasov enjoyed a growing modern warehousing & production market, with nearly 16% of the total 470,000 sqm stock being built in the past twelve months.

Moving forward, an additional 13,000 sqm shall be built, as Brasov is one of the few regional hubs with active construction pipelines in 2025. VGP is one of the top three dominant players that is pursuing new developments in the county.

The vacancy rate is one of the lowest in the country – just under 2%, but that is due to the non-speculative character of the region. For comparison, the vacancy rate in Bucharest-Ilfov (the region that hosts half of Romania’s modern stock) is at 5%; in Timisoara, the second-largest industrial & logistics hub, the vacancy rate stands at nearly 11%.

The take-up stood at 16,200 sqm, a significant drop compared to the previous period when jumbo deals such as the 47,000 sqm Intercars pre-lease made headlines. However, the region gave signs of steady, sustainable demand.

The asking headline rents slightly dropped from 4.5 EUR/sqm to 4.4 EUR/sqm due to the market dynamics. The county is dominated by auto and electronics producers, which are under market pressure due to economic developments. This triggered a schedule of mass layoffs and production properties put up for sale. It is to be determined whether this will have long-term consequences or if it is simply a natural transformative period.

Dana Bordei

Dana Bordei, Country Commercial Manager, VGP Romania:

“Brasov, a city with a fast economic growth, is an increasingly strong pole of attraction for national and international companies. VGP Park Brasov enjoys the fastest growth of VGP’s portfolio in Romania, reflecting the robust demand for class A spaces in the proximity of the production units located in the western part of the city.

This region is becoming increasingly attractive for new suppliers and business partners, due to the availability of a qualified workforce and the presence of rapidly developing production and distribution companies.

With the five buildings already delivered, totalling approximately 123,000 sqm, which are designed and built according to the strictest sustainability and energy efficiency standards, VGP Park Brașov is positioning itself as a reference example in sustainable real estate development.

Infrastructure developments such as the Sibiu-Brasov-Bacau A13 highway shall bring new development opportunities. The Sibiu–Fagaras 70 km lot is under active construction, with works expected to be done by 2027. While the Brasov – Bacau lots are at the feasibility stage, the opening of the Sibiu-Fagaras lot will bring new development opportunities as connectivity to Western Europe is significantly improved.

Initiatives – photo 11

RPC Talks with Alexandros Diamantis, MEDCITY
RPC Talks with Alexandros Diamantis, MEDCITY 2202 2560 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

RPC Talks to Alexandros Diamantis

Managing Director, MEDCITY

RPC Talks with Alexandros Diamantis, Medcity

Profile of the company

MEDCITY is a leading real estate developer in South Eastern Europe focused in developing and leasing high standards medical buildings for hosting exclusively healthcare activities and related services.
MEDCITY is a member of SofMedica Group, a leading organization in Europe focused in healthcare innovation since 1994.

What were the main business results for 2024 and what are the company’s business targets and plans for 2025?

In 2024, MEDCITY continued its strategic expansion across Romania, reaching 12 medical hubs and reinforcing its position as the leading developer in the sector. We successfully completed the extension of MEDCITY Craiova and launched the reconversion of MEDCITY Timisoara, marking our expansion into Western Romania. This milestone enables us to better serve the growing demand for modern, high-quality healthcare spaces nationwide.

With our existing portfolio nearing full occupancy, we are now laying the groundwork for MEDCITY 2.0—an ambitious initiative to further expand real estate concepts that deliver a meaningful social impact to local communities and redefine the future of healthcare infrastructure.

In 2025, MEDCITY aims to accelerate its expansion by developing new projects in strategic locations across Romania, bringing state-of-the-art medical hubs closer to more communities and integrating top healthcare providers with innovative medical services.

The upcoming completion of MEDCITY Timisoara, extensions of two existing buildings, the launch of a new project in Otopeni, and the preparation of future developments are key steps in our strategy to strengthen our presence in major urban centers. Our goal is to double our total portfolio GLA within the next 2–3 years, addressing the increasing demand for modern, purpose-built healthcare facilities.

A major milestone in our roadmap will be the launch of our flagship project in northern Bucharest. This development will set a new benchmark in the medical real estate sector, redefining industry standards and establishing a premier healthcare ecosystem through a carefully curated mix of leading healthcare operators.

How do you perceive the growth of the medical real estate sector in Romania in 2025, especially in light of the increasing demand for modern healthcare facilities and tech-enabled spaces?

MEDCITY, as a real estate developer exclusively focused on the healthcare industry for the past two decades, has witnessed a significant shift in the mindset of medical operators. More than ever, they are transitioning from non-compliant, outdated facilities to purpose-built, high-standard medical spaces.

Given these evolving dynamics, we anticipate strong growth in Romania’s medical real estate sector in 2025. This expansion is driven by the rapid rise of the private medical services sector, increasingly stringent regulations governing medical properties, a growing demand for high-quality healthcare, and a rising interest in modern medical facilities that enhance operational efficiency, improve patient care, and comply with strict standards.

In response to these market trends, MEDCITY is well-positioned to meet the rising demand with our state-of-the-art healthcare hubs, designed to integrate advanced medical facilities while ensuring full compliance with the highest regulatory standards.

 

What are the top priorities for healthcare providers when leasing medical real estate in 2025? What MEDCITY offers them?

Healthcare operators prioritize medical spaces that offer flexibility, accessibility, regulatory compliance, and adaptability to evolving healthcare needs. They seek real estate solutions that are strategically located in high-traffic areas with strong demographic demand, ensuring ease of access for patients. Additionally, modern medical facilities must enhance operational efficiency, elevate patient comfort, and integrate advanced healthcare technologies.

Beyond these fundamental requirements, MEDCITY developments stand out as synergy-driven platforms, where top medical providers offer complementary services in high-standard facilities under one roof. This model enhances the patient’s experience, streamlines operations, and transforms each hub into a true one-stop-shop medical destination.

Through our integrated approach, we manage the entire process—from development and fit-out to 24/7 operational support—tailoring every aspect to meet our tenants’ needs. This allows healthcare providers to focus entirely on their core mission: delivering high-quality medical care, while we take care of the complexities of real estate management.

Unlike commercial, office, or logistics real estate, healthcare real estate development comes with inherently lower yields. However, as part of a Group dedicated to healthcare innovation for over 30 years (SOFMEDICA GROUP), we recognize the critical need for purpose-built medical facilities. We have committed to investing in this sector—even with lower returns—because we strongly believe that someone must fill this gap in the real estate market.

This commitment is not only appreciated by the ecosystem but also generates collateral benefits for other companies within our Group. By bridging this market gap, we contribute to the long-term development of Romania’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that both medical operators and the communities they serve have access to the high-quality facilities they deserve.

What impact are Romanian and EU regulations having on the development and operation of medical real estate in 2025?

Romanian and EU regulations governing medical real estate have become increasingly stringent, reinforcing the need for healthcare facilities to operate in purpose-built, fully compliant spaces. Stricter guidelines on patient safety, accessibility, infection control, and energy efficiency underscore the necessity of hosting medical activities in buildings specifically designed for this purpose.

Unlike classic real estate developments—such as residential, commercial, or retail spaces — these regulatory requirements cannot be adequately met through simple adaptations. In most cases, attempts to retrofit such spaces for medical use prove impractical and ultimately result in compromised functionality.

At MEDCITY, our developments are designed from the ground up exclusively for healthcare activities, ensuring full compliance with the latest regulatory standards. This approach provides an optimal environment for medical operators to deliver high-quality services while meeting the strictest safety and operational requirements.

Aligned with ESG principles and local regulations, our projects integrate nZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) design principles and eco-friendly solutions such as photovoltaic systems and green roofs to enhance sustainability.

By prioritizing compliance with these evolving regulations, we create sustainable, future-ready healthcare environments that support operational efficiency, enhance safety for both patients and healthcare professionals, and uphold environmental responsibility.

Mariana GarșTea Sixense

RPC Talks with Mariana Garștea, Sixense România
RPC Talks with Mariana Garștea, Sixense România 2560 1999 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

RPC Talks to Mariana Garștea

Director General, Sixense România

Mariana GarșTea Sixense

Profile of the company

Sixense Romania is a company that provides technologies, solutions and expertise related to the monitoring of structural and geotechnical risks associated to the built environment.
The company is part of Sixense Group, the global leader of this industry, and has been established in Romania for more than 14 years. During this period of time, it has run complex monitoring projects during both the execution and the operational phase of construction and infrastructure projects.

What were the main business results for 2024?

In 2024, we exceeded the threshold of 1.4 million euros from services related to monitoring the behavior of buildings over time. We estimate a healthy, sustainable growth for this year as well.

Regardless of volumes or figures, maintaining high standards of quality is and will remain our priority, especially in an industry like ours, where, unfortunately, things are not always done by the book or with the necessary expertise. Therefore, we always balance business results with how we manage to bring specialists into the team and with the investments we make to improve certain processes and standards.

What are the company’s business targets and plans for 2025?

Our plans for 2025 focus on several directions. On one hand, we wish to strengthen our presence in the western part of the country, thanks to the opening of our second office in Cluj just last year.

On the other hand, I want us to continue confirming our position as the leader of the building behavior monitoring industry, a position we have earned through many years of work and achieving our goals at the highest standards.

As before, our plans include collaboration with public authorities on critical infrastructure projects, the continuous development of our team of specialists, and the integration of real-time monitoring solutions whenever the project context and objectives require it.

What role do you think technology and smart building solutions will play in shaping residential and commercial developments in 2025?

I believe technology already plays an extremely important role, at least in what we do. We are advocates for digitalization and modern geotechnical and structural monitoring solutions – something we’ve been doing for many years. Of course, as I always say, the introduction of technology requires at least several favorable factors: 1) openness from all players involved in a construction project, 2) the necessary education and professional skills to allow us to use it to its full potential, and 3) the know-how to understand when technology should be integrated, when it truly serves the project, and when it’s more about technology for the sake of technology.

As we use it, however, technology has long entered the realm of geotechnical and structural monitoring and provides us access to transparent, real-time data, alerts when safety thresholds are exceeded, and the visualization of the bigger picture that enables responsible, informed, and efficient decision-making.

What economic pressures (e.g., inflation, material costs) or regulatory changes do you anticipate impacting the market in 2025, and how is your company preparing for them?

The measures taken for the beginning of this year – I’m referring here to the elimination of fiscal facilities in the construction industry – are already putting pressure on everyone. It’s not at all easy to maintain the level of quality we want at Sixense Romania, which also involves constant investments in professional development, technology, and better processes, in this context.

But if I were to take it a step further, the changes we’re looking at for 2025 are more related to the adoption of the new CATUC (Code for Territorial Planning, Urbanism, and Constructions), which we’ve been waiting for some time now – and which should clarify and unequivocally define how the monitoring of building behavior over time is done.

Otherwise, strictly related to regulatory changes, the industry we are part of has an anomaly: I believe we already have the legislative framework and quality standards to successfully complete our work, we just need to truly adhere to them. We’ve been ready for all of this for a long time, and we hope the market itself will move closer to the same mentality in 2025.

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