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.
