Real Estate Regional Hubs

RPC Talks with Răzvan Calița, Managing Partner, The Seller & Partners
RPC Talks with Răzvan Calița, Managing Partner, The Seller & Partners 763 574 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

RPC Talks with Răzvan Calița

Managing Partner, The Seller & Partners

Company Profile

The Seller & Partners is a prominent, independent real estate agency based in Brașov, Romania. Founded in January 2025, the firm specializes in trading high-end and new-construction properties, connecting local sellers with international capital.

How is the sharp growth of tourism in Brașov influencing the new apartment market?

Demand from investors—who possess higher liquidity than buyers purchasing for personal use—has put upward pressure on prices. Developers are well aware that an apartment in a prime location can be sold at a premium to an investor calculating yield, compared to a local family relying on a standard mortgage.

Another consequence is a shift in the property mix. In new central or semi-central projects (such as the Coresi area or the Civic Center), developers tend to design more studios and 2-room apartments, and fewer 3- to 4-room units. The reason? These are the ideal units for short-term holiday rentals via platforms like Airbnb and Booking.

Moreover, the opening of the Ghimbav Airport has accelerated the perception of Brașov as an easily accessible international destination. Many buyers—hailing from Bucharest, but also from abroad, including the diaspora and foreign investors—are acquiring apartments as vacation homes, renting them out for the remainder of the year.

Due to high prices in the city driven by this tourism potential, many locals looking strictly for a home are being pushed toward metropolitan suburbs like Sânpetru, Ghimbav, Cristian, and Hărman. This is rapidly transforming “inner-mountain” Brașov into a commercial and tourism hub.

Are we entering the era of “Branded Residences” in Poiana Brașov?

The “Branded Residences” model offers owners the prestige of a 5-star brand alongside full access to hotel amenities, including spa services, concierge, and room service. The interest shown by major international players confirms the long-term growth potential of the area, effectively turning real estate into a luxury financial product.

Swissôtel Poiana Brașov stands as one of the most advanced projects of this kind. Apartment owners here benefit directly from the Accor Group’s premium standards. It is a professionally managed buy-to-let investment model where interior design is strictly dictated by the brand’s criteria. Already an established name on the local market, Swissôtel has been operational for 1.5 years, delivering concrete performance data that exceeds initial estimates. Investors who acquired this type of product are already enjoying net yields of over 10% per year. This historic performance has validated the business model to skeptical investors, proving that professional hotel management under a global brand is the key to profitability in 2026.

On the other hand, while geographically located in Cristian, Radisson Blu Grand Mountain Resort is designed as an extension of the mountain experience. It is an integrated resort with a strong emphasis on extensive amenities, such as wellness centers and restaurants. Its location in Cristian is strategic: it offers faster access to the highway and airport, bypassing seasonal traffic on the main Poiana road.

The Investor Appeal: Hands-Off Management & High Yields

Investors heavily favor the “Branded Residences” model due to its hassle-free management: the hotel handles maintenance, cleaning, and leasing, while the owner receives a share of the profit. Furthermore, a property backed by a renowned brand retains its value far better than an anonymous apartment building. Last but not least, these units boast superior liquidity, making them much easier to resell.

In Poiana Brașov, this specific segment is estimated to generate yields of over 9% per year, significantly outperforming the 4-5% average of standard apartments in the city.

Conclusion: If Tractorul is the residential “heart” of Brașov, Poiana Brașov and Calea Poienii are its “crown”. The shift toward branded residences marks Brașov’s departure from mass tourism and its grand entry into the international luxury league.

CONTACT

Brașov Market: Residential transactions freeze, but prices refuse to drop
Brașov Market: Residential transactions freeze, but prices refuse to drop 2048 1152 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

The New Home (NH) market grew steadily throughout 2025, climbing from €2,384/sqm in January to €2,668/sqm in December. This represents an annual increase of approximately 11.9%. Meanwhile, the Old Market experienced more tempered growth (from €1,999 to €2,190/sqm), suggesting that demand is increasingly shifting toward new properties, despite their higher price tags.

The growth peak was recorded in Q2, when the overall market average jumped by over 3% compared to the beginning of the year.

When it comes to the housing segment, Sânpetru emerged as the “star” of 2025. Although it started with the lowest price point (€1,512/sqm in January), it wrapped up the year at €1,824/sqm, making a massive recovery compared to other areas. It stands as the region with the highest appreciation rate. Conversely, Stupini and Ghimbav remained more expensive overall but showed a more linear evolution with minor month-to-month fluctuations—a clear sign of a market that has reached a certain level of maturity and local capping.

Apartment Market Evolution (Average Prices €/sqm) in 2025

The table below summarizes quarterly averages for the general market, highlighting the pricing gap between new and old constructions.

Quarter New Home (NH) Average Old Market Average General Average Quarterly Change (%)
Quarter 1 (Q1) €2,457 €2,031 €2,186 —
Quarter 2 (Q2) €2,530 €2,116 €2,255 +3.15%
Quarter 3 (Q3) €2,586 €2,157 €2,300 +2.00%
Quarter 4 (Q4) €2,641 €2,179 €2,355 +2.39%

Regional Analysis (Housing Segment – NH Average Price) in 2025

For the house/villa segment in suburban areas, the evolution was more volatile but maintained an upward trajectory:

Area Q1 Average Q2 Average Q3 Average Q4 Average Annual Change (Q4 vs Q1)
Sânpetru €1,550 €1,690 €1,749 €1,797 +15.9%
Stupini €1,874 €1,811 €1,953 €1,951 +4.1%
Ghimbav €1,819 €1,884 €1,896 €1,891 +3.9%

Market Resilience and the 2026 Outlook

The residential market analyzed shows a high resilience to price increases. There were no negative quarters (declines), only correction and stabilization periods (such as Q3 for apartments). The price gap between new and old apartments widened throughout the year, reaching nearly €480/sqm in December.

Currently, the market is undergoing a transaction volume “freeze” (fewer closed deals), yet prices stubbornly refuse to drop.

Brașov in 2026 is no longer playing in the apartment speculation league. The city has entered a phase of technical consolidation, where the price per square meter is no longer driven solely by supply and demand. Instead, it is dictated by new regulatory rigors and a metropolitan infrastructure that has outpaced any other city in Romania.

In 2026, the average listing price for new apartments hit the €2,700/sqm threshold. Moving forward, we expect stagnation or a slight increase (3-5%), below the inflation rate. In real terms, this translates to a massive drop in purchasing power, not in shelf prices.

Key influencing factors include lending (stubbornly high interest rates are dampening enthusiasm for credit buyers) and energy efficiency. Old buildings will begin to rapidly lose ground to new developments due to skyrocketing maintenance costs.

Why Prices Will NOT Drop

  • The Regulatory Squeeze: New legislation (the “Nordis Law”) has cut off oxygen for developers who previously relied heavily on large down payments to finance other ongoing projects.
  • Rising Financing Costs: Forced to seek external financing (bank loans, investment funds), developers are now facing high development interest rates. Furthermore, the banking system—compelled to create specific products to guarantee client down payments—charges risk fees. All of these financial costs (amounting to 2-4% of the project’s value) are transferred directly into the final price paid by the buyer.
  • Higher Execution Costs: The mandatory implementation of high energy efficiency standards means construction costs are 15-20% higher than they were 5 years ago.

The Bottom Line: Price per square meter has become a direct reflection of legal security and energy efficiency. Anyone selling “cheap” in 2026 is, most likely, a project with a high risk of non-completion.

Market analysis conducted with the support of The Seller & Partners

RPC Talks with Emma Toma, AFI Romania
RPC Talks with Emma Toma, AFI Romania 915 910 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

RPC Talks with Emma Toma

Head of Office Division, AFI Romania

Company Profile

AFI Romania is part of AFI Properties, a leading real estate development, management and investment companies, operating in Central and Eastern Europe since 1997.
AFI BRASOV is the second mixed-use project developed by AFI in Romania, inaugurated in 2020 in the hart of Brasov city, combining 45,000 sqm GLA of retail with 25,000 sqm offices (AFI PARK BRASOV) developed in phases.
AFI Romania has under management aprox. 300,000 sqm office areas and close to 175,000 sqm retail spaces.

What are the primary challenges and opportunities currently shaping the Brașov office market?

Brașov benefits heavily from a motivated, highly educated workforce and a low unemployment rate. The opening of the International Airport in 2023 was a game-changer, removing major logistical hurdles and drastically improving connectivity for corporate operations. Additionally, thriving tourism has fostered a robust hospitality infrastructure that helps attract and retain top-tier talent in the city.

On the flip side, the supply of Class A office spaces has historically lagged behind the demand of expanding corporations. In the tech and services sectors, workplace quality—spanning sustainability, premium amenities, and wellness—has now become a deciding factor in talent recruitment. AFI Romania’s footprint here since 2020 gives us a front-row seat to this emerging economic hub’s evolution. The success of our first phase confirms that the market is mature enough for premium investments, and there is immense potential in closing the gap between the demand for premium spaces and the current supply.

 

How has AFI Park Brașov 1 performed, and what kind of companies have moved in?

AFI Park Brașov 1 has been a resounding success and a powerful proof of concept for the local market. The building is 100% leased to high-profile IT companies, BPOs, and multinational service firms. In a market where quality space was scarce, full occupancy is the clearest testament to the depth of local demand and the quality we introduced in 2020. This definitive response is precisely why we launched Phase 2: Brașov’s appetite for premium workspaces is far from satisfied, and we intend to keep raising the bar.

 

What new features will AFI Park Brașov 2 bring to the market?

AFI Park Brașov is designed as a comprehensive work-and-lifestyle ecosystem, not just an office building. What makes this project truly unique in Brașov is its integration. Physically connected to the AFI Brașov shopping center, our tenants enjoy direct access to 45,000 sqm of retail, featuring over 150 international and local brands, a fitness club, cinema, beauty salon, and various daily services. Corporate tenants also benefit from the AFI Club loyalty program, which grants employees discounts between 10% and 30% across partner retailers and services.

Currently under construction, AFI Park Brașov 2 will deliver an additional 12,000 sqm of Gross Leasable Area (GLA), bringing the total footprint of the AFI Park Brașov office project to 27,500 sqm GLA.

Sustainability is at the core of our identity. The new building is targeting LEED Gold certification, designed to deliver over 20% in energy savings and a 30% reduction in water consumption compared to standard baselines. Furthermore, the project is on track to achieve LEED Zero Carbon certification—a commitment that firmly places AFI Park Brașov 2 at the forefront of responsible, forward-thinking real estate development in Romania.

 

Business Blueprint in Brașov: Global Leaders and Local Champions Meet in an Emerging Office Hub
Business Blueprint in Brașov: Global Leaders and Local Champions Meet in an Emerging Office Hub 2560 1440 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Brașov is rapidly cementing its status as an emerging office market. Currently holding a total stock of 155,000 sqm, with an additional 21,000 sqm actively under development, the city accounts for just under 5% of Romania’s total modern office inventory.

According to data from iO Partners, monthly office rents in Brașov span between €11 and €15 per sqm for Class A buildings, while Class B spaces remain accessible at rates under €10 per sqm.

Historically, the tech and telecom sectors have been the main drivers of the local office market, commanding nearly 60% of total transaction volumes, followed by professional services and BPOs at 18%. Today, Brașov’s office infrastructure serves as a vital backbone for a wide array of sectors, including manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, BPO, SSC, and IT services.

Major employers are drawn to the region by a highly competitive advantages:

  • An educated workforce: Over 20,000 students graduate annually.
  • Language skills: The local talent market offers a robust pool of multilingual candidates.
  • Cost-efficiency: Annual gross salaries range from €10,000 to €20,000 for general services, and between €10,000 and €50,000 for IT roles—significantly lower than Western European standards or other primary hubs in Romania.

As of mid-2025, Brașov county counts over 205,000 active employees across more than 30,000 businesses (including 26,179 micro-enterprises, 1,784 small businesses, 331 medium enterprises, and 82 large corporations).

The undisputed corporate titan of the region remains Autoliv, boasting 8,561 employees and a massive turnover of 6.06 billion RON in 2024, followed by other major employers like Selgros Cash & Carry and Schaeffler România. On the domestic front, Bilka Steel reigns as the largest 100% Romanian-owned company in the county and a national leader in the roofing sector, clearing the 1.5 billion RON turnover milestone in 2025. Meanwhile, state-owned IAR Brașov achieved an exceptional 2025, booking a profit surge of over 50% (reaching 48 million RON) fueled by robust aerospace manufacturing and maintenance contracts

The Two Pillars of Brașov’s Office Market: Coresi and AFI

The city’s commercial gravity centers around two main office hubs: Coresi and AFI.

Spanning 100 hectares, the Coresi district has fundamentally reshaped how the city lives, works, and grows. Managed by Nhood, the hub features 75,000 sqm of modern Class A office spaces, hosting more than 30 national and international companies and over 6,000 employees.

The hub maintains strong momentum:

  • In 2025, the leasing team closed 5,000 sqm in deals for prominent names like Terma, Arvato Systems, and Eviden.

  • The technical team seamlessly managed complete fit-outs to ensure zero-downtime relocations.

  • Looking ahead to 2026, the new U1 building is set to open, bringing 11,000 sqm of GLA to the market, with its first 2,000 sqm already pre-leased.

AFI Park Brașov 1 has been a resounding success and a powerful proof of concept for the local market. The building is 100% leased to high-profile IT companies, BPOs, and multinational service firms. In a market where quality space was scarce, full occupancy is the clearest testament to the depth of local demand and the quality we introduced in 2020. This definitive response is precisely why we launched Phase 2: Brașov’s appetite for premium workspaces is far from satisfied, and we intend to keep raising the bar.

IULIUS launches TILIA – Today’s Ideas and Leadership In Action (Summit of Romanian Cities), in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
IULIUS launches TILIA – Today’s Ideas and Leadership In Action (Summit of Romanian Cities), in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) 2560 1707 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB
  • IULIUS launches new national initiative dedicated to concrete solutions for the development of Romanian cities.
  • The first edition of TILIA Romanian Cities Summit will take place in Iasi on April 23-24, 2026.
  • Over 300 leaders from administration, investment and financing, architecture and civil society gather in Iasi to discuss urban planning and mobility, public-private partnerships and affordable housing.
  • EBRD, one of the largest institutional investors in Romania and a leader in urban regeneration and sustainable real estate, joins TILIA as strategic partner to advance practical, finance‑ready solutions for greener, more inclusive cities.
  • First ever architectural exhibition from Foster + Partners, a renowned international architecture firm, to open to public at the Palace of Culture in Iași. Available for visit April 7 – May 3, 2026.

IULIUS announces the launch of TILIA – Today’s Ideas and Leadership In Action, a national initiative dedicated to concrete solutions for the development of Romanian cities. Implemented through the IULIUS Foundation, TILIA marks the beginning of an annual initiative of dialogue and collaboration for urban development. The first edition of the Romanian Cities Summit will bring together, on April 23–24, 2026, at the Palace of Culture in Iași, over 300 mayors, architects, urban planners, representatives of international financial institutions, academia and civil society, to build together applicable solutions for a better life in Romania’s cities. The summit will be complemented by a national premiere architecture exhibition that can be visited at the Palace of Culture between April 7 and May 3.

The ambition of the initiative is to become an annual benchmark for all actors involved in the transformation of cities in Romania – a space for dialogue in which the urban vision is directly connected with concrete financing and implementation mechanisms, in order to generate real solutions and collaborations that can be put into practice.

“We often talk about cities either in terms of the future or looking backwards. Through TILIA we want to bring the conversation to the present, to what we can do concretely, today, for the cities in which we live. We thought of this approach as a framework in which administrations, investors, architects, academia and civil society work together, not only to generate ideas, but to transform them into applicable solutions, based on real examples and on the application of lessons learned and on the exchange of good practices” said Raluca Munteanu, Development Director, IULIUS.

“The EBRD is delighted to partner with IULIUS in TILIA, bringing Romania’s cities into the spotlight and working together to chart practical pathways towards greener urban spaces, better housing standards and more inclusive communities. We’re excited to lend our expertise to drive the initiative forward.” said Victoria Zinchuk, EBRD Director, Head of Romania.

Future Proof: Foster + Partners architectural exhibition (April 7 – May 3, 2026, Palace of Culture, Iași)

One of the key moments of the first edition is the exhibition, Future Proof by Foster + Partners, presented for the first time in Romania. Recognized worldwide for emblematic projects on six continents and built projects in over 45 countries, Foster + Partners will bring to the Palace of Culture in Iasi 30 models, 3D modulations of representative international projects.

The opening of the exhibition will take place on April 7, 2026, and the works can be visited until May 3, 2026 at the Palace of Culture in Iași – offering the general public, but also professionals in the field, the opportunity to explore decades of world-renowned architecture and urbanism, from Apple Park to the Great Court at the British Museum, the Reichstag (the new building of the Berlin

The exhibition reflects Foster + Partners’ approach to architecture and urbanism, built over more than five decades, around responsible, adaptable and sustainable design. From interventions on historic buildings to masterplans for low-carbon cities and urban systems, the projects presented explore how infrastructure, energy and public spaces can contribute to the development of resilient communities.

Maximilian Zielinski, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to present over five decades of the practice’s work to the people of Iași – inside an incredible building that is the centrepiece of our new masterplan for the historic area. The exhibition sheds light on our approach, which has always been defined by a future-facing commitment to innovation and responsible design”.

During the TILIA – Today’s Ideas and Leadership In Action, the exhibition will be complemented by a masterclass held by the Foster + Partners team, giving architects, urban planners and decision-makers the opportunity to dialogue directly about the application of these principles in real projects.

IULIUS entered a new strategic phase in its development and partnered with Foster + Partners on two projects that were underway: the redevelopment of the Palas mixed-use complex adjacent to the Palace of Culture in Iași, and a vision for the urban regeneration of 38 hectares of former industrial land in central Constanța.

Romanian Cities Summit: from vision to implementation (April 23-24, 2026, Palace of Culture, Iași)

The first edition of the Romanian Cities Summit is built around the idea that cities transform when vision and implementation are approached together.

Day one, April 23 – Urban Vision and Design – explores the principles behind vibrant and people-oriented cities, with international perspectives and case studies in urban regeneration.

The next day, April 24 – Financing and implementation – moves the discussion from vision to concrete mechanisms: financing urban projects, structuring public-private partnerships and solutions for one of the most pressing urban challenges: affordable housing.

Full agenda is available on TILIA official website.

On the main stage, representatives of commercial banks, international development finance institutions together with public policy experts will debate the current challenges of cities – from financing to the legislative framework – with the aim of generating solutions that can then be taken over by all the actors involved.

In parallel, on the second stage, Cities in the Making: Design, Culture and Nature explores the forces that shape the character of a city – from architecture and creative industries, to mental health and green infrastructure.

At TILIA – Today’s Ideas and Leadership In Action, the Romanian Cities Summit, an event held between April 23-24, in Iași, over 300 participants – mayors, architects, urban planners, representatives of academia and civil society – are expected to discuss concrete solutions for the development of cities in Romania.

About TILIA – Today’s Ideas and Leadership In Action

TILIA – Today’s Ideas and Leadership In Action, the Summit of Cities in Romania, is an initiative developed by the IULIUS group, through the IULIUS Foundation, dedicated to concrete solutions for the development of cities in Romania.

TILIA is designed as an annual initiative, which brings together public administrations, investors, financial institutions, architects, academia and civil society in an implementation-oriented framework of dialogue and collaboration.

TILIA aims to become a benchmark for collaboration between actors involved in urban development in Romania.

Details: www.tilia-summit.ro

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, 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.

“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.

“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.

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

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, 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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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, 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.”

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