Cluj-Napoca: Romania's Regional Office Powerhouse

Cluj-Napoca has cemented its position as Romania's most developed office market outside Bucharest, demonstrating impressive growth and stability. In 2025, office leasing activity in the city surpassed 18,000 sqm, building on a robust 2024 performance that saw 50,000 sqm of office space leased. This consistent demand highlights the city's appeal to businesses looking for a vibrant and growing environment.

The city boasts a substantial modern office stock, reaching 350,000 sqm – representing 8% of Romania's total. With an enviable average vacancy rate of just 5% and prime rents at €17/sqm, Cluj-Napoca offers a competitive yet thriving market. Future projections are even brighter, with the total stock estimated to exceed 400,000 sqm in the coming years, driven by new, innovative projects.

Beyond office space, Cluj-Napoca is bolstered by significant public and private investments. Over €2 billion in public infrastructure investments, complemented by more than €1 billion in private capital, are transforming the city. Key projects include a €330 million expansion at Cluj-Napoca International Airport, aiming for a capacity of 10 million passengers annually, and Rivus Cluj-Napoca, a colossal €500 million mixed-use urban regeneration project by Iulius and Atterbury Europe. These developments underscore a commitment to creating a world-class business and living environment.

Growing Opportunities in Iași and Timișoara

While Cluj-Napoca leads, other regional cities like Iași and Timișoara are also experiencing remarkable growth, presenting additional attractive options for businesses.

Iași: A Tripled Growth in Leasing Activity

Iași's office market is on a steep upward trajectory, with leasing activity exceeding 6,000 sqm in 2025 – a threefold increase year-on-year. The city’s total modern office stock has reached 290,000 sqm. Although it currently has a 15% vacancy rate, prime rents sit competitively at €14-16/sqm, indicating strong potential for businesses looking to enter a dynamic, expanding market.

Timișoara: Significant Year-on-Year Expansion

Timișoara has also shown impressive vitality, with office leasing activity surpassing 14,000 sqm in 2025, marking a 60% increase year-on-year. The total stock of modern office spaces stands at 280,000 sqm, with a 13% vacancy rate and prime rents ranging from €14-15/sqm. Timișoara offers a robust market with consistent growth, making it an appealing destination for companies seeking modern office solutions.

Why Regional Cities are Key for Your Business in Romania

As Andreea Păun, Managing Partner Griffes, observes, "regional cities continue to be central to Romania's office market evolution, driven by demand for modern spaces, long-term planning, and employee experience." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates why businesses should look to these regional hubs.

Investing in Romania's regional cities means tapping into markets characterized by:

  • Strong and sustained demand for modern office spaces.
  • Significant public and private investments enhancing infrastructure and quality of life.
  • Competitive rental rates compared to major Western European cities.
  • A focus on employee experience and long-term business growth.

These factors combine to create an environment ripe for business expansion and success. Whether it's Cluj-Napoca's market leadership, Iași's rapid growth, or Timișoara's consistent expansion, Romania's regional cities offer compelling opportunities for businesses seeking to establish or grow their presence in Eastern Europe.

Source: property-forum.eu