In the first quarter of 2025, the total volume of leasing activity in the industrial and logistics sector reached 204,400 sqm, a level comparable to the record years 2023 and 2024. Demand was diversified, covering all regions of the country, with Bucharest concentrating 62% of total transactions.
Recent developments have delivered 67,500 sqm of new space, and another 300,000 sqm are expected by the end of the year, in a balanced pipeline that responds to the consistent demand coming from logistics, production and warehousing. Romania's integration into the Schengen area at the beginning of 2025 has also strengthened the attractiveness of the industrial market for nearshoring and major logistics investments.
“The solid demand, spread across all regions of the country, and the interest of investors in Romania reconfirm our position as a strategic regional logistics hub,” points out Răzvan Iorgu, Managing Director & Head of Industrial & Logistics, CBRE Romania.
As for the retail sector, it continues to perform above expectations. The modern stock has increased to 4.51 million sqm, with deliveries of new retail parks, and by the end of 2025, another 188,000 sqm of commercial spaces are forecast.
At the prime rent level, shopping centers recorded an annual increase of 6.25%, reaching EUR 85/sqm/month. At the same time, the availability of commercial spaces remains extremely low, especially in Bucharest. In parallel, local brands such as Annabella, La Cocos or Fryday are consolidating their position, demonstrating the maturation of the local retail ecosystem.
“The Romanian retail market stands out not only for its robust pipeline, but also for the dynamism of local and international brands that are expanding their footprint, strengthening its attractiveness for investors,” adds Carmen Ravon, Head of Retail CEE, CBRE Romania.
Diversified demand and sustained activity, at a national level, in both industrial and retail, anticipate accelerated expansion and increased investment interest for Romania.
“Unlike other segments of the real estate market, such as the office and residential sectors, both of which have almost completely stopped new developments or slowed down significantly, retail and industrial construction continues at a sustained pace. This evolution is fueled both by domestic demand driven by consumption and by the gap with the development level of neighboring countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Compared to Poland, Romania has a density that is 44% lower in retail and 58% lower in the industrial segment,” explains Laura Dumea-Bencze, Head of Research & Director Investment Properties, CBRE Romania.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE: CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2022 revenues). The company has over 115,000 employees serving clients in more than 100 countries. In Romania, CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; property valuation and appraisal; real estate leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. For more information, visit www.cbre.ro or the CBRE Romania LinkedIn page.
