Real Estate Regional Hubs

Despite falling tourist number in 2025, the hotel development pipeline remains robust
Despite falling tourist number in 2025, the hotel development pipeline remains robust 1620 1080 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Brașov is increasingly positioning itself as a major hub of attraction, driven by its unique blend of economic development, tourism opportunities, and high quality of life. The destination benefits from upgraded infrastructure, easy access to major cities, and a landscape that harmoniously blends history with natural beauty. Beyond ranking among the top three national destinations, Brașov has been a constant fixture in major international travel guides over recent years.

  • National Geographic – “Best of the World 2025”: Brașov was included in this exclusive list of the 25 must-visit destinations for 2025. The publication described it as the “gateway to Transylvania,” praising its mix of medieval history, ancient forests, and the accessibility provided by the new international airport.

  • CNN Travel – Top Destinations for 2025: CNN included Romania in its recommended travel list for 2025, calling Brașov a central pillar of the “Transylvanian experience.” American journalists presented it as an authentic and less crowded alternative to Western Europe’s classic destinations.

Accommodation Capacity on the Rise

Currently, hotel capacity within the municipality of Brașov recorded a 4.7% increase in 2025 compared to 2024, expanding from 47 hotels (2,427 rooms) to 50 hotels (2,542 rooms). The most substantial growth in 2025 versus 2024—a striking 21.4%—was reported in the short-term rental apartments and units category, which surged from 2,081 units in 2024 to 2,527 units in 2025. This data is based on figures from the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship & Tourism, analyzed by Est Hospitality.

HOTEL CAPACITY IN THE CITY OF BRAȘOV

Accommodation Type 2024 2025 2025 vs 2024 (%)

1-5 Star Hotel Rooms

2,427

2,542

4.70%

Short-Term Rental Apartments

2,081

2,527

21.40%

A Temporary Cooldown in Tourist Traffic

When it comes to tourist numbers, the 2025 figures indicate a decline compared to both the previous year and the pre-pandemic benchmark. In 2025, the county ranked 3rd nationally, attracting nearly 1.39 million visitors and registering 2.62 million overnight stays. A solid performance in the first half of the year was followed by a slight deceleration in the second semester—a trend observed across the entire mountain region.

In 2025, tourist arrivals and overnight stays remained below 2019 levels and lower than in 2024. Compared to 2024, the hotel market experienced a contraction of approximately 4%. Conversely, arrivals and overnight stays in short-term rental apartments remained relatively stable in 2025 compared to 2024.

TOURISM IN THE CITY OF BRAȘOV

Metric 2019 2024 2025 2025 vs 2019 2025 vs 2024

Hotel Arrivals

517,641

489,529

470,637

-9.10%

-3.90%

Rental Apartment Arrivals

N/A

116,794

114,954

—

-1.60%

Hotel Overnight Stays

1,002,192

900,733

868,730

—

-3.60%

Rental Apartment Overnight Stays

N/A

211,790

215,011

Source: Est Hospitality based on NIS (National Institute of Statistics) data

International Brands Bet Heavily on the Pipeline

Interest from international hotel chains remains exceptionally high. The most anticipated entries are in the ultra-luxury 5-star segment: Hyatt (rebranding the former ARO Palace) and Kempinski, which is debuting with a brand-new development in Poiana Brașov.

HOTEL DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE (2026-2028)

Property Rating Keys / Rooms Operator Estimated Opening

Hilton Garden Inn

4*

130

Hilton

2026

Radisson Blu Grand Mountain Resort Cristian

5*

46 villas & 20 rooms

Radisson

2026

Ibis Styles

3*

126

Accor

2027

Mercure Brașov Center

4*

180

Accor

2027

Hyatt Regency

5*

189

Hyatt

2028

Kempinski Poiana Brașov

5*

120

Kempinski

2028

TOTAL

811

Source: Est Hospitality

Industry Insight

“This year will mark the opening of the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn, which represents only the third hotel affiliated with an international chain in the city. Brașov will also welcome its first internationally branded 3-star hotel in 2027. Concurrently, in 2026, the number of short-term rental apartments is projected to surpass Brașov’s total hotel capacity.”

— Mircea Drăghici, Managing Partner, Est Hospitality

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.

Brașov consolidates its status as Romania’s central industrial hub
Brașov consolidates its status as Romania’s central industrial hub 2560 1708 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

As a region traditionally renowned for its industrial heritage, Brașov ranks as Romania’s fourth-largest industrial hub—following Bucharest, Timișoara, and Ploiești—boasting a total stock of approximately 480,000 square meters. Positioned at the geographical heart of the country, it represents a core area of strategic interest.

According to data from iO Partners, prime Class A industrial and logistics rents in Brașov oscillate between €4.1 and €4.5 per sqm per month, fluctuating based on unit size and lease terms. The profile of major industrial tenants locally mirrors the region’s manufacturing DNA. Consequently, the automotive industry (auto parts) generates roughly 50% of multi-annual demand, followed by light manufacturing (22%), the logistics sector (15%), and retail & FMCG (6%).

Major institutional investors maintain a strong local footprint and continue to expand. VGP currently has a new 35,000 sqm warehouse under construction. Concurrently, CTP is developing two industrial parks in the region: CTPark Brașov and CTPark Brașov West. Furthermore, M Core is set to launch its first-ever industrial project in Romania here—a 16,000 sqm development. This will be an in-city logistics project, meticulously partitioned into small-business modules.

According to analysts at The Seller & Partners, Brașov is undergoing a phase of organic expansion. This trajectory is fueled by major international players, a nationwide repositioning of the workforce, and forward-thinking urban planning that balances production areas with residential growth.

Investor appetite for industrial land remains high, with a clear focus on the North-West axis. While the strategic triangle formed by Cristian, Râșnov, and Ghimbav continues to attract the bulk of capital placement, development pressure is visibly shifting toward the wider metropolitan area. In 2026, attention is strategically turning toward Codlea. Its geographical positioning is evolving into an unbeatable competitive advantage: immediate proximity to Brașov International Airport and a direct connection to the future highway interchanges leading toward Sibiu (A13) and the Moldova region.

INSIGHTS FROM THE EXPERT

Dana Bordei, Country Commercial Manager, VGP Romania

Q: Brașov is a traditional manufacturing destination. What were the main challenges over the past year, and where do you see future growth opportunities?

Dana Bordei: Over the past year, the market has been shaped by several converging pressures: higher financing costs, continuous sensitivity toward construction and fit-out budgets, and a more cautious tenant base hesitant to make early commitments.

Simultaneously, occupiers have raised the bar regarding energy performance and operational cost predictability. This shift has moved negotiations away from mere base rents toward total occupancy costs and sustainability certifications. In essence, projects capable of delivering modern specifications, energy efficiency, and flexible unit sizing have consistently managed to capture demand.

Looking ahead, Brașov’s growth opportunity lies in its role as Romania’s central hub, both for production-adjacent operations and regional distribution. We see sustained demand coming particularly from: * Automotive and industrial supply chains (including suppliers and light assembly); * 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) and contract logistics servicing Transylvania and broader national coverage; * Pharmaceutical and healthcare distribution; * Companies seeking more resilient “nearshoring” footprints backed by solid labor access and reliable infrastructure.

At VGP, we have heavily focused on sustainability-driven differentiation, which is increasingly becoming a deal-breaker for international tenants.

Q: What is the current status of the VGP park, and who are the anchor tenants?

Dana Bordei: VGP Park Brașov already hosts an impressive portfolio of tenants spanning a wide array of sectors, such as automotive, pharma, distribution, and manufacturing—a testament to the park’s versatility and market appeal.

Among them are household names such as Inter Cars, Autoliv, RETURO, DB Schenker, Miele Tehnica, and Fildas, among others. These tenants highly value our strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and VGP’s unyielding commitment to quality and sustainability, which were key drivers in choosing us as a partner.

Developed on an impressive land footprint of approximately 360,000 sqm, the logistics park is master-planned to meet both current and future market demands, offering a total potential build-up area of 180,000 sqm.

Brașov Market: Urban agglomerations capture the attention of retail investors
Brașov Market: Urban agglomerations capture the attention of retail investors 2160 1440 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

While Brașov’s shopping center stock has remained constant at approximately 140,000 square meters—dominated by its two mega-projects, Coresi and AFI—investor attention has pivoting toward proximity retail and new urban agglomerations.

The Coresi Shopping Resort spans a gross leasable area (GLA) of 63,000 sqm and reached a milestone of 15 million annual visitors last year. This footprint was sustained by continuous community engagement and a dedicated campaign celebrating Coresi’s 10th anniversary, featuring music festivals, sports, and cultural projects. The Coresi brand remains one of the most acclaimed in the city, ranking 3rd in the “Top 100 Most Loved Brands in Brașov,” securing leadership positions in brand awareness and loyalty, according to Nhood data.

The next strategic milestone for Coresi is the transformation of The Hangar, a historic industrial structure that predates the current project and forms a vital part of the area’s identity. The development approach focuses on preservation and transformation rather than demolition, aiming to reactivate the space and integrate it as a new urban landmark and a connection point between generations, Nhood reports.

On the other hand, AFI Mall opened its doors in October 2020 with a footprint of 45,000 sqm. It hosts 150 stores and premium brands, including Zara, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Under Armour, Mango, and many others. The center features a 3,500 sqm terrace offering panoramic views of the Carpathian Mountains, equipped with playgrounds, relaxation zones, cafes, and numerous restaurants. Strategically located just a few minutes’ walk from the historical center , the mall boasts a monthly footfall of 750,000 visitors, 51% of whom are women.

RETAIL RENTS IN BRAȘOV

Asset Type Rent Range (Euro/sqm)
Shopping Centers / Malls €30 – €40
High Street Retail (Stradal) €10 – €30
Retail Parks €8.5 – €9

Source: iO Partners

Market Maturity: The Shift to Flexibility and Proximity

According to data from The Seller & Partners, the starting point for 2026 reveals a retail market that has reached full maturity. Large “one-stop-shop” commercial formats have successfully covered the city’s main consumer axes. With a stabilized stock of modern space, Brașov no longer requires new commercial giants, but rather a more intelligent distribution of existing points of sale.

Despite high occupancy rates, the market is far from stagnant. While a wave of new pipeline projects is on the horizon, the underlying format has shifted radically. Developers are now betting heavily on Retail Parks and Strip Malls—more flexible structures with lower operational costs and direct street-level access. These developments aim to fill the “gaps” left by the massive expansion of previous years, offering a fast-paced alternative to lengthy mall shopping trips.

Currently, two such pipeline projects are under construction:

  • Bartolomeu Retail Park: Developed by Repaco Capital in the north-western district of Brașov, this retail park is scheduled for inauguration in the near future and will feature a leasable area of approximately 5,500 sqm.
  • Codlea Project (M Core): The British investor M Core is adding Brașov to its expansion map with a new project in Codlea. The investment targets the construction of three buildings on a 26,436 sqm plot of land. One building will host a supermarket, while the other two will be dedicated to commercial galleries, bringing the total announced built-up area to 6,864 sqm.

The “Catchment Area” and Community Target Strategy

Ranked as the second most visited region in Romania after the capital, Brașov benefits from an extended catchment area, driven not only by the ski season but also by robust weekend leisure traffic. Consequently, prime downtown locations command high interest from investors and retailers alike.

A prime example is City Grill Group, the largest Romanian-capital restaurant chain, which closed 2025 with a consolidated turnover of €90 million. The group recently announced plans to renovate the famous Cerbul Carpatin restaurant. “The group invests in buildings that tell a story, where the public is drawn to an experience that is difficult to replicate in any other context or location,” company officials explained.

The chronology of recent developments points to a clear trend, note analysts at The Seller & Partners: where residential development builds up, retail inevitably follows. The current investor strategy targets high-density population clusters, shifting focus from general “high-footfall” thoroughfares to specific, localized communities. New projects are strategically positioned at the intersection of commuter flows between residential neighborhoods and business hubs, transforming retail into an essential proximity service.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, the dynamics of the retail sector will remain intrinsically linked to medium and large-scale urban expansion. The growth of districts such as Tractorul Nord, Bartolomeu, or the new residential axis in the Astra-Noua area serves as the catalyst for the next phase of commercial construction. The strip mall is no longer an isolated project, but a mandatory component of the urban mix, validated by the modern consumer’s need to save time.

The Bottom Line: High-street retail and proximity retail parks currently represent the most resilient asset class in Brașov. In a market deemed “fully covered,” survival and profitability now hinge on developers’ ability to accurately read the city’s new residential maps and deliver retail spaces exactly where “the lights go on” in the newly completed apartments.

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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