Real Estate Regional Hubs

Europe’s largest private bioremediation project underway in Constanța
Europe’s largest private bioremediation project underway in Constanța 1918 1080 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

In central Constanța, on the site of the former Oil Terminal platform, real estate developer IULIUS has launched the largest bioremediation project ever undertaken by a private investor in Europe.

The soil remediation phase represents an investment exceeding €29 million. It marks the second stage—following extensive archaeological surveys—of a broader €800+ million urban regeneration initiative aimed at transforming 38 hectares of contaminated industrial land, left idle for over a decade, into a vibrant, mixed-use district.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The site carries a heavy industrial legacy: for nearly a century, it housed an oil storage depot featuring more than 30 petroleum product tanks. Given the age of the facilities and the site’s proximity to the city center after eight decades of operation, traditional mechanical remediation was no longer viable.

The breakthrough came from Romanian scientific research. Specialists at the National Research and Development Institute for Soil Science, Agrochemistry and Environmental Protection (ICPA Bucharest) developed a proprietary formula using natural microorganisms isolated directly from the contaminated soil to biodegrade petroleum hydrocarbons. The non-genetically modified bacterial strains pose no risk to human health or the environment, leveraging an enhanced natural degradation process to significantly shorten the site’s recovery timeline.

THE THREE-STAGE BIOREMEDIATION PROCESS

The entire process is being conducted fully on-site through three distinct phases:

  • Soil Bioremediation: Excavated earth is sorted, processed, and arranged into biopiles—structured mounds mixed with compost and organic fertilizers. These are inoculated with the selected microorganisms and maintained under optimal moisture, temperature, and aeration conditions.
  • Contaminant Isolation: A high-density geomembrane lines the base of the excavation, physically preventing any horizontal or vertical migration of pollutants.
  • Groundwater Treatment: A hydrogeological barrier consisting of perimeter wells diverts contaminated groundwater to an on-site treatment facility. The purified water is then recycled for safe operational uses, such as site cleaning and green space irrigation.

INTEGRATED MULTIDISCIPLINARY EXPERTISE

The project brings together top-tier international and domestic expertise. Dr. Anca-Rovena Lăcătușu, Head of Laboratory at ICPA Bucharest, developed the bio-inoculum technology. Water treatment operations are handled by Hoelscher Wasserbau, a leading German environmental engineering firm with over 60 years of industry experience. Engineering design was overseen by Auditeco, led by Cicerone Ionescu, bringing nearly three decades of expertise in environmental compliance and remediation.

To scale the technology, IULIUS invested over €420,000 in research infrastructure:

  • ~€300,000 to equip an ICPA laboratory dedicated to microorganism cultivation.
  • ~€120,000 to establish a chemical analysis laboratory at Ovidius University in Constanța.

VISION: “CONSTANȚA 365”

Beyond environmental restoration, the ultimate goal is urban transformation. IULIUS is advancing Romania’s largest urban regeneration concept—a mixed-use master plan designed by world-renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners to establish Constanța as a year-round destination.

The development will feature cultural and educational venues, retail, office space, entertainment, sports facilities, and a central park with a botanical garden (supported by Dobrogea’s first dedicated tree nursery, where over 1,100 mature trees have already been acclimatized). The master plan also prioritizes sustainable mobility through extensive pedestrian, cycling, and road networks.

Under the tagline “Nature works. Science helps. Constanța wins,” the initiative sets a benchmark for industrial brownfield redevelopment—converting a decades-old environmental liability into a safe urban asset while paving the way for similar soil restoration projects across the region.

Port of Constanța acquires Giurgiulești Port in Moldova & signs agreement with UAE’s AD PORTS GROUP
Port of Constanța acquires Giurgiulești Port in Moldova & signs agreement with UAE’s AD PORTS GROUP 2309 1299 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Following the exceptional years driven by Ukrainian transit, the Port of Constanța has entered a clear stabilization phase. Freight traffic through the port totaled 67.5 million tonnes in 2025, marking a 12.6% decline compared to 2024. For context, 2023 remains the benchmark year, when the port reached a record high of 92 million tonnes of cargo handled. As such, the decline over the past two years reflects a return to structural levels rather than an operational crisis.

The drop was even more pronounced along inland waterways: cargo volume on the Danube–Black Sea Canal reached 14.5 million tonnes in 2025—down 21.1% from 2024. Total ship transits fell from 25,683 to 21,906 (−14.7%), with foreign-flagged vessel transits dropping by 30.6%. This downward trend was apparent from early in the year, with Q1 2025 traffic standing at 15.4 million tonnes (−27% year-over-year).

Key Drivers Behind the Decline

Two primary factors account for the lower volumes:

  • Flow Normalization: Traffic adjusted downward as Ukrainian ports resumed regular operations, reducing the surge in grain transits that inflated figures throughout 2022 and 2023.
  • Domestic Headwinds: Port operators cite rising inflation and sharp tax increases as key drivers, both of which have weighed on labor capacity and future investment plans.

ONGOING INVESTMENTS IN 2026

In contrast to the traffic downturn, the port’s capital expenditure pipeline is accelerating, aimed at bolstering long-term competitiveness:

  • Hinterland Expansion: The acquisition of the Giurgiulești International Free Port was finalized on April 21, 2026—a strategic move expanding Constanța’s regional reach. Romanian authorities have committed to long-term development investments in Giurgiulești to boost capacity, modernize infrastructure, and solidify its position across the Black Sea and Danube basins. The port is also well-positioned to play a pivotal role in Ukraine’s future reconstruction.
  • Dredging Works: A €180 million dredging program across maritime ports (Constanța and Midia) is underway throughout 2025–2026.
  • Rail Infrastructure Upgrade: On February 4, 2026, the winning bidder was announced for Stage III of the rail infrastructure modernization project in the Port of Constanța.
  • EU Funding Absorption: Over €500 million in EU funds is being channeled into road network upgrades, electrical grid enhancements, water and supply networks, and dredging.
  • Strategic Foreign Direct Investment: Representatives from Abu Dhabi Ports Group (AD Ports Group) have voiced formal interest in major investments, with a focus on Piers 3 and 4.
  • Road & Access Connectivity: Works began in April 2026 on a 24 million RON project to rehabilitate and expand port roads and overpasses over a 24-month period, addressing a recognized imbalance between road and rail capacity.

RPC Talks with Ștefan Gheorghiu, Managing Partner, 4Biz Properties
RPC Talks with Ștefan Gheorghiu, Managing Partner, 4Biz Properties 646 631 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

RPC Talks with Ștefan Gheorghiu

Managing Partner, 4Biz Properties

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.

Supply Dynamics: How is the supply landscape in the Iași region shifting after years of being the “Cinderella” of the national logistics market? What are the main projects under development, and what new logistics hubs are emerging?

Ștefan Gheorghiu: Iași is entering a new chapter. After years of being considered the “Cinderella” of the national logistics market, supply is beginning to structure itself around major developers and Class A projects. While it is not yet a mature market like Bucharest, Timișoara, or Cluj, the difference now is that Iași is no longer just a promise—it is becoming a tangible logistics destination.

The primary projects remain Proinvest, ELI Park Iași, Olympian Parks, and Oresa Industra. A major highlight is WDP’s entry into the market through the acquisition of the Proinvest park—a transaction valued at over €20 million, which serves as institutional validation for Iași. Additionally, another project of approximately 20,000 sq m is currently in the permitting phase, which could bring further liquidity to the market.

In terms of growth hubs, I would particularly look at the Lețcani–Miroslava area in connection with the A8 motorway. This is driven by both its proximity to the Pașcani–A7 junction and its strong connectivity potential toward Ungheni and the Republic of Moldova. The A8 is becoming vital, not merely as road infrastructure, but as a strategic element capable of repositioning the entire Moldavia region on Romania’s logistics map.

Tenant Profile: Who is driving demand in 2026, given the large number of projects currently under construction?

Ștefan Gheorghiu: In 2026, demand is being driven primarily by regional and national players rather than global mega-tenants. We are seeing strong interest from distribution companies, FMCG, retail, e-commerce, courier services, building materials, light manufacturing, and related services.

Iași holds an interesting strategic position: it doesn’t compete purely for storage, but rather for a blend of regional distribution, proximity to the Republic of Moldova, and access to a strong labor pool. For many occupiers, Iași can serve as a comprehensive hub for northeastern Romania, far beyond a mere local outpost.

Operational Challenges & Costs: How significantly have industrial land prices risen alongside the progress of major infrastructure projects?

Ștefan Gheorghiu: Industrial land prices have risen visibly, particularly in locations offering good infrastructure access, utilities, and proximity to primary roads. I wouldn’t call the market overheated, but landowners have begun pricing in the anticipated impact of the A8 motorway and the entry of major institutional developers.

The main challenge is that not every “industrial” plot is ready for immediate development. The true differentiators are road access, utility capacity, zoning status, electrical grid power, and permitting timelines. In Iași, the real cost isn’t just the land price—it’s the time-to-market. Consequently, shovel-ready land with clean zoning, access, and utilities will remain both scarce and expensive.

Nearshoring: Are Western companies moving production from Asia or high-risk zones closer to the EU, selecting Iași or northeastern Romania for its competitive labor costs?

Ștefan Gheorghiu: Yes, nearshoring is a real trend, but we need to look at Iași through a realistic lens. We are not yet seeing a massive wave of Western companies relocating production directly from Asia to Iași, but we are seeing a shift in strategic logic. Companies are actively seeking locations closer to the EU that offer greater stability and predictability than far-flung or geopolitically exposed markets.

Iași and northeastern Romania are well-positioned with competitive labor costs, strong universities, a large demographic basin, and proximity to the EU’s eastern border. However, for large manufacturing projects, final decisions hinge on infrastructure delivery, technical workforce availability, and permitting predictability.

I would describe Iași as currently being in a regional logistics consolidation phase, which precedes a mature industrial nearshoring phase. The potential is undeniably there, but it will be unlocked as transport infrastructure and the supply of modern space continue to solidify.

Iași Steps Into the Modern Logistics Spotlight
Iași Steps Into the Modern Logistics Spotlight 2560 1829 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Iași is entering a new phase of industrial development, driven by two major infrastructure catalysts: the A7 motorway (Ploiești–Siret)—set to reach Pașcani by the end of this year—and the A8 motorway (Târgu Mureș–Iași–Ungheni), currently in its early stages with full completion targeted for 2030. Once finished, these two transport arteries will fully integrate the Moldavia region into Romania’s national transport grid and open direct corridors toward the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine—a compelling proposition for logistics and industrial operators eyeing the region.

Current Stock and Pipeline

Despite growing investor appetite, Iași County has historically suffered from an undersupply of modern industrial space. However, the market is shifting rapidly. Over 50,000 sq m are currently under construction, with completions scheduled for 2025–2026:

  • ELI Park Iași (Element Industrial) — 20,000 sq m (2025 delivery)
  • Industra Park Iași (Oresa Ventures) — 16,000 sq m (under development)
  • Proinvest Park Miroslava (Proinvest) — 16,000 sq m (under construction)

An additional 125,000 sq m are in the planning pipeline. According to real estate consultancy iO Partners, this expansion is set to double Iași’s modern industrial stock within a relatively short timeframe.

Rental Rates

Prime Class A industrial and logistics rents in Iași County currently range between €4.2 and €4.6 per sq m per month, depending on unit size and lease terms. Class B properties offer lower-cost alternatives, catering to price-sensitive tenants.

Demand Breakdown

The tenant mix closely reflects the city’s broader economic footprint. The automotive sector historically commands the largest share of occupied space (35%), followed by pharmaceuticals (27%) and retail/FMCG (17%). Pure-play logistics remains underrepresented compared to other Romanian hubs at just 12%—a gap that presents a clear upside and growth opportunity as motorway connectivity improves.

Iași – Romania’s Regional Retail Capital: The Country’s Highest Retail Density and a Rapidly Expanding Commercial Market
Iași – Romania’s Regional Retail Capital: The Country’s Highest Retail Density and a Rapidly Expanding Commercial Market 1920 1079 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

With a county population approaching one million inhabitants, of whom 48% live in urban areas, Iași has become one of Romania’s most attractive expansion destinations for both international and domestic retailers.

At city level, Iași boasts the highest retail density in Romania, with 764 sqm of modern retail space per 1,000 inhabitants, outperforming Bucharest, Timișoara, Brașov and Cluj-Napoca.

The city’s retail landscape underwent a major transformation in 2025 with the opening of Mall Moldova, developed by Prime Kapital. Covering a total gross leasable area of 110,000 sqm, the shopping centre accommodates more than 250 brands, including 50 retailers making their debut in the Iași market. Its food court features 30 dining concepts and seating for approximately 2,500 visitors.

Iași’s modern retail stock currently totals approximately 207,700 sqm, dominated by three flagship schemes: Mall Moldova, Palas Mall and Iulius Mall. Each serves a distinct catchment area: Iulius Mall benefits from its proximity to the city’s university district, Palas anchors the historic city centre around the Palace of Culture, while Mall Moldova serves the rapidly expanding western gateway of the city.

The area surrounding Mall Moldova continues to attract major investment. Construction is currently underway on IKEA’s first store in north-eastern Romania, covering approximately 16,000 sqm. Iași will become the Swedish retailer’s third Romanian city after Bucharest and Timișoara.

According to information provided by 4BIZ Properties to Romania Property Club (RPC), two DIY retailers have recently completed or are in the process of completing acquisitions of development land totalling approximately 19.5 hectares, signalling continued confidence in the region’s retail potential.

Retail expansion is also extending into Iași’s metropolitan area, following the rapid development of new residential communities. After successful projects in Miroslava and Bucium, IULIUS is further expanding its neighbourhood retail concept with Family Market Tomești, a mixed-use retail destination offering approximately 13,000 sqm of leasable space alongside nearly 10,000 sqm of landscaped green areas. The scheme will be anchored by a Kaufland hypermarket, while Stay Fit Gym will operate the sports component and KFC will open its first Drive-Thru restaurant in the Iași metropolitan area. The total investment amounts to EUR 28 million.

Prime Retail Rents

Segment Prime Rent
High street – Main retail streets EUR 20–40/sqm/month
High street – Secondary retail streets EUR 10–20/sqm/month
Shopping centres (prime units) EUR 40–60/sqm/month
Retail parks EUR 8.5–9/sqm/month

Source: iO Partners (retail parks – Iași County)

Developed around the iconic Palace of Culture, Palas Iași represents one of Romania’s most successful public-private partnership projects. The development was selected following a public tender organised by the Iași City Council in 2004–2005 and implemented through a joint venture agreement under which the municipality contributed the land-use rights while sharing the project’s profits according to the contractual terms.

When inaugurated in 2012, Palas became Romania’s first large-scale mixed-use urban regeneration project, setting a benchmark for integrated city-centre developments. Between 2007 and 2024, the project generated a total of EUR 89.4 million in taxes, local contributions and payments under the public-private partnership agreement. Of this amount, EUR 86.26 million was generated after the project’s opening, between 2012 and 2024.

Having already invested approximately EUR 490 million in Iași, IULIUS is reinforcing its long-term commitment to the city through a further EUR 80 million investment programme. Central to this strategy is the comprehensive redevelopment of Palas Iași, designed in collaboration with the internationally renowned architectural practice Foster + Partners.

The redevelopment focuses on optimising and reconfiguring existing spaces rather than constructing new buildings. Both the architectural and functional transformation will create approximately 16,000 sqm of additional leasable space, enabling the introduction of new international brands while allowing existing retailers to expand.

Gabriel Iațco, Shopping Center Manager, Palas Iași:

“Overall, 2025 evolved broadly in line with our expectations, despite an economic environment that became increasingly volatile during the second half of the year. Even in a climate of greater consumer caution, we continue to see strong demand for premium shopping and lifestyle experiences, with customers prioritising products and services that deliver immediate value.

Against this backdrop, we continued implementing the Palas redevelopment strategy while closely monitoring consumer behaviour. As part of the transformation, we welcomed several new international brands, including Furla, Oltre, JD Sports, Buzz, LEGO, Crocs, Rituals, KIKO Milano, L’Occitane, Stay Fit and Popeyes.

Our diversification strategy continues throughout 2026 with the opening of highly anticipated brands such as Primark and Sport Guru. As the redevelopment progresses, additional retailers will join the project, further strengthening our tenant mix across high fashion, jewellery, sports, beauty, food & beverage, dining, entertainment and edutainment, while introducing new leisure experiences within Palas Park.”

Iași Office Market: Competitive Talent, Lower Costs, Big Ambitions
Iași Office Market: Competitive Talent, Lower Costs, Big Ambitions 2048 1152 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Iași combines its position as one of Romania’s leading university cities with one of the most competitive cost profiles among the country’s secondary office markets. The city’s salary gap compared with Cluj-Napoca – around 30%, and Timișoara – approximately 15%, is not a disadvantage but rather a compelling argument for IT, outsourcing and professional services companies looking to optimise operating costs without compromising access to skilled talent. While Cluj-Napoca remains the country’s largest regional office market in terms of stock and demand, Iași offers an efficient alternative, combining a highly qualified workforce with lower operating costs and rapidly improving connectivity.

Prime office rents in Iași currently range between EUR 13 and EUR 18 per sqm/month for Class A buildings and between EUR 10 and EUR 13 per sqm/month for Class B properties, according to data provided by iO Partners to Romania Property Club (RPC).

“There are currently no office buildings under construction in Iași, which is understandable given the significant expansion of the city’s office stock in recent years. More than 80,000 sqm of leasable office space was delivered in 2023 alone, through the completion of Palas Campus and the first office phase of Silk District, representing an increase of almost 40% in the city’s modern office stock within a single year. It is evident that a market of Iași’s size cannot absorb deliveries of this magnitude every year,” explain iO Partners representatives.

Although no office projects are currently under construction, the market retains considerable development potential. Future office phases within Silk District, an additional office building within the United Business Center (UBC) complex, and several smaller projects currently in early planning stages could accommodate any increase in occupier demand over the coming years.

The IT and telecommunications sector remains by far the dominant occupier in Iași’s office market, reflecting the city’s growing reputation as one of Romania’s leading technology hubs. Historically, this sector has generated just over 70% of total office demand, while professional services and business process outsourcing (BPO) account for approximately 12%.

As of November 2025, Iași’s IT and communications sector employed nearly 19,000 professionals, providing a strong foundation for office demand. At the same time, occupier requirements are evolving, shifting away from large-scale outsourcing operations towards smaller, higher-value teams specialising in artificial intelligence, cloud technologies and machine learning. This trend increasingly favours premium Class A office buildings over older Class B assets.

Iași benefits from a substantial stock of modern, high-quality office space. However, demand remains relatively lower than in other regional markets, resulting in a comparatively higher vacancy rate. At 13.3%, Iași records the highest office vacancy level among Romania’s major regional cities, although this figure is largely driven by older, less competitive buildings. Premium office assets continue to perform strongly, with leasing activity primarily consisting of renewals and expansions within established business parks.

With a total modern office stock of approximately 296,000 sqm, Iași ranks as Romania’s second-largest regional office market after Cluj-Napoca (340,000 sqm) and slightly ahead of Timișoara (293,000 sqm).

Ionuț Pavel, Office Buildings Manager, United Business Center Palas:

“Iași has established itself as a strong player in both the Romanian and wider regional office markets. In terms of attracting international companies, the city competes not only with other Romanian cities but increasingly with business destinations across Europe, benefiting from a highly qualified workforce, competitive operating costs and an attractive quality of life.

We started 2026 by signing new lease transactions exceeding 3,300 sqm across Palas and Palas Campus. At the same time, we are engaged in advanced negotiations for larger office requirements of more than 1,000 sqm, although most current enquiries are for spaces ranging between 300 and 500 sqm. Demand is primarily driven by companies operating in banking, business services and AI solutions.

We tailor each project to our tenants’ specific requirements, which frequently involve redesigning layouts, reconfiguring office space and providing a high degree of flexibility. Our objective remains to maintain occupancy levels between 95% and 100% across all office buildings within the IULIUS network.”

New Residential Market in Iași: Moderate Price Growth Keeps the City Among Romania’s Most Affordable
New Residential Market in Iași: Moderate Price Growth Keeps the City Among Romania’s Most Affordable 2560 1440 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

In April 2026, the average asking price for new apartments in Iași reached EUR 2,053 per sqm usable area, marking a 15% year-on-year increase, according to the Imobiliare.ro Index. Despite this upward trend, Iași continues to be one of the most affordable residential markets among Romania’s major cities.

For comparison, the average asking price for new apartments stands at EUR 3,434/sqm in Cluj-Napoca, EUR 2,717/sqm in Brașov, EUR 2,245/sqm in Timișoara, and EUR 2,632/sqm in Bucharest. The only major city with a comparable price level is Constanța, where the average reaches EUR 2,112/sqm.

At the same time, the supply of newly built homes in Iași declined significantly during the first part of 2026, falling 43% compared with the same period last year. Around 1,240 new apartments were available for sale during the first quarter of 2026.

The city’s highest residential prices are recorded in the Ultracentral area, where average asking prices exceed EUR 3,100/sqm, followed by the Copou district at approximately EUR 2,800/sqm. Meanwhile, Bucium, Dacia, and Mircea cel Bătrân remain the city’s most affordable residential neighbourhoods, with average asking prices below EUR 1,800/sqm.

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.

 

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