CIJ Awards Czech Republic 2025: Honouring a Quarter Century of Excellence in Real Estate

One of the Czech Republic’s most prestigious real estate events returns this winter as the 25th edition of the CIJ Awards Czech Republic is set to take place on 1st December 2025 at the elegant Marriott Hotel in Prague. Marking a significant milestone, this landmark edition will celebrate a quarter century of recognising excellence, innovation, and leadership in the built environment.

This year’s theme, “Future Real Estate in the City,” underscores the event’s forward-thinking focus and its dedication to spotlighting the visionaries shaping tomorrow’s urban spaces. From developers and investors to architects, consultants, and legal professionals, the CIJ Awards Czech Republic will bring together the most influential players in the property sector for an evening of celebration and industry reflection.

The gala evening will be complemented by an elevated dining experience, featuring locally sourced ingredients transformed into imaginative culinary creations. Guests will also be treated to a curated entertainment program, designed to enhance the festive and sophisticated atmosphere of the awards presentation.

Robert Fletcher, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of CIJ EUROPE and the CIJ Awards Czech Republic, remarked, “This year’s 25th edition of the CIJ Awards Czech Republic will feature a distinguished lineup of entertainment acts curated specifically for this milestone occasion. I look forward with great anticipation to presenting what promises to be a memorable and celebratory gala evening.”

With more than 30 award categories spanning development, transactions, asset management, and professional services, the CIJ Awards continue to highlight the very best achievements across all segments of commercial and residential real estate. Among the most anticipated honors are:
• Best Commercial Property Investment Transaction of the Year
• Best Asset Management Company of the Year
• Best Adaptive Reuse / Urban Regeneration Project
• Best Flexible Workspace / Hybrid Office Project of the Year
• Leadership of the Year
• Grand Prix – a jury-selected distinction for overall excellence.

The event also features a strong promotional platform for sponsors, with tailored partnership packages offering extensive exposure across CIJ Europe’s media channels, awards guidebooks, newsletters, and event branding. Opportunities include general and associate partnerships, welcome drinks sponsorships, and individual category presentation rights.

With 25 years of tradition, the CIJ Awards Czech Republic continues to set the benchmark for recognition within the real estate sector. This year’s edition promises to be not only a celebration of past accomplishments but also an inspiring look ahead to the future of property in Central Europe.

For nomination submissions visit: www.awards.cijeurope.com

CIJ Awards Czech Republic 2025
– Marriott Hotel, Prague
– 1 December 2025
– Celebrating the present and future of real estate.

ESG, Flexibility, and Investment Shifts

ESG, Flexibility, and Investment Shifts: CBRE’s Jana Prokopcová on the Future of Czech Commercial Real Estate

In a recent CIJ EUROPE Q&A with Jana Prokopcová, Head of Research at CBRE Czech Republic, we discussed how ESG standards, changing occupier expectations, and evolving investment strategies are reshaping the Czech commercial real estate market. From retrofitting legacy office and retail assets to emerging trends in sustainability and flexibility, Prokopcová offers a detailed look at how developers, landlords, and investors are responding to new pressures and opportunities across the sector.

How are developers and landlords in the Czech Republic responding to the growing pressure to retrofit or reposition older office and retail properties to meet ESG and tenant expectations?

Developers and landlords in the Czech Republic are increasingly focused on retrofitting older properties to meet modern ESG benchmarks and tenant expectations. In the office segment, outdated buildings are being upgraded to improve energy performance, reduce environmental impact, and enhance indoor comfort. Renovations often involve modernizing infrastructure and creating flexible, hybrid-ready workspaces to keep pace with shifting workplace models and maintain market competitiveness.

What specific ESG-related requirements—such as certifications, energy efficiency upgrades, or reporting obligations—are now most critical for maintaining asset liquidity and investor interest?

ESG performance is becoming central to maintaining asset value and liquidity. Energy efficiency improvements—particularly those that result in better EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings—are seen as essential. Certifications such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL are also increasingly important. Banks and financial institutions are aligning green financing terms with a building’s energy profile, making high EPC ratings a key factor in securing capital and attracting institutional investors.

From an occupier perspective, how have tenant demands changed in recent years and what are the most important features now being requested in office and retail leasing negotiations?

Office occupiers now prioritize flexibility, modular layouts, and health-focused features like air quality and natural light. Hybrid work models have led to new requirements in space planning. Sustainability is also a major driver: according to CBRE’s European Office Occupier Sentiment Survey, 84% of occupiers now consider sustainable building features a priority, with growing demand for bike and scooter storage (80%) and EV charging stations (69%). In retail, tenants increasingly focus on experiential environments, integrated digital capabilities, and operational efficiency tied to sustainability targets.

How are investment strategies evolving in light of increased regulatory oversight and sustainability criteria, particularly for legacy retail or non-core office assets?

Older retail and office assets are now viewed through a value-add lens—provided they can be upgraded to meet current regulatory and ESG expectations. Investors are split in their strategies: some are divesting from underperforming assets without viable ESG potential, while others are acquiring properties that can be repositioned to meet higher standards. The direction depends on risk appetite and long-term investment horizon, but ESG compliance is becoming a fundamental consideration in both cases.

What types of commercial properties are currently seen as most resilient or attractive in the Czech market and how important is flexibility in use or design to future-proofing their long-term value?

The Czech commercial real estate investment market had a strong start to the year, with €2.2 billion transacted in H1 2025—already exceeding the full-year 2024 volume of €1.98 billion. We’re seeing investment activity across all sectors. In H1, industrial assets led with a 27% share of total volume, followed by hotels (23%) and offices (17%). However, these proportions are likely to change over the course of the year, depending on the successful closing of several large ongoing transactions.

Flexibility in design and use is becoming increasingly important—not only to accommodate evolving tenant requirements but also to safeguard long-term asset value. Investors are also diversifying into alternative sectors such as rental housing, student accommodation, and healthcare facilities to hedge against market volatility and enhance resilience.

Global Vision Signs with Diehl Aviation To Develop New Production Facility in Romania

Global Vision signs a long-term lease agreement with Diehl Aviation, a leading global partner in the aviation industry, for the construction of Diehl Aviation’s new production facility in Craiova.

Diehl Aviation’s new facility will be built on a 33,500 square meter plot. The facility will include a 12,000 square meter building, with 2,500 square meters dedicated to Class A+ office space. The project will be delivered by Global Vision as a turnkey development, including shell & core, structural works, and full interior fit-out. The new facility will primarily manufacture products and components for passenger aircraft for leading OEMs.

“For Global Vision, this collaboration represents a key achievement in our investment fund’s portfolio, reflecting our commitment to supporting high-impact, forward-looking projects that drive regional growth and economic resilience. We are excited to be part of this journey and look forward to seeing Diehl Aviation’s success flourish in Craiova!” – said Sorin Preda, CEO & Founder, Global Vision.

“Our new facility in Craiova represents a strategic investment in Diehl Aviation’s future,” said Jörg Schuler, CEO of Diehl Aviation. “The combination of an excellent location, skilled talent, and strong local partners enables us to continue delivering high-quality and competitive products. We are pleased to take this important step together with the Dolj region and our local partner Global Vision.”

Romanian investors have allocated EUR 1.8 billion to real estate acquisitions over the past decade

Romanian investors have acquired nearly EUR 1.8 billion worth of commercial real estate assets in Romania between 2015 and today, accounting for one-fifth of all transactions during this period, a ninefold increase compared to the previous decade, according to Colliers data. Otherwise, according to the most recent numbers, in the first half of 2025, the total real estate transaction volume in Romania slightly exceeded EUR 400 million, just below the level recorded in the same period last year and in line with the post-pandemic semi-annual average.

According to Colliers data, between 2005 and 2014, Romanian investors completed real estate transactions worth around EUR 200 million, accounting for less than 4% of the total market during that period. However, over the past decade, domestic investors have significantly strengthened their presence, with transaction volumes nearing EUR 1.8 billion between 2015 and today, representing around 20% of all deals closed in this period. Colliers tracks only transactions above EUR 5 million, noting that many Romanian-led deals tend to be close to this threshold.

Office buildings have been the most attractive asset class for Romanian capital, accounting for two-thirds of the total investment volume over the past decade. Trailing far behind are retail properties (around 15% of the total) and hotels (7%).

According to the latest market data, commercial property transactions exceeded EUR 400 million in the first half of 2025, marking a slight decrease from the EUR 424 million recorded in the same period of 2024. The retail sector was the most active, generating over 40% of total transaction volume.

PPF Real Estate reaches ground zero for ARC office building in Bucharest

PPF Real Estate announces the ground zero of the construction works for the ARC office building in Bucharest. Currently, the execution of the superstructure is underway, and the completion of the building is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. The total investment in this project is estimated at EUR 70 million.

The ARC building will offer a leasable area of 30,000 square meters, distributed over two underground levels, a ground floor and ten floors. The project is designed to operate without the use of natural gas for heating, complying with nZEB (nearly zero energy consumption) standards and is set to obtain LEED Platinum certification for sustainability.

The project will include commercial spaces on the ground floor, an area dedicated to restaurants, a fitness room, convenience stores and a 2,500 sqm urban forest, which will cover almost a third of the land area.

“We have reached ground zero and are continuing to develop at a sustained pace. ARC is taking shape and we are one step closer to delivering a project that truly puts people at the center. We set out to build more than just an office space, we want to offer a modern, sustainable place, adapted to the real needs of users. Each stage is thought out responsibly, with attention to detail and a firm commitment to quality and the future,” said Juraj Sastinsky, Investment Director, PPF Real Estate.

Sika opens concrete additives production unit in Romania

Sika Romania has inaugurated a new concrete additives production facility in Corlătești, Prahova County, following an investment of EUR 1,5 million.

The unit is located on the Sika industrial platform in Corlătești and expands the company’s local production capacity, in a context of increasing demand for materials used in the construction sector.

“The investment in Corlătești represents a concrete step in our regional expansion and in streamlining operations in Eastern Europe. Romania has a strategic position in this network, and the new unit gives us the flexibility necessary to better respond to the increasingly dynamic demands of the construction market,” said Ileana Nicolae, Head of Eastern Europe, Sika.

Sika Romania is part of the Swiss group and has a team of over 600 employees and 5 industrial platforms in Romania. The Sika Group is present in 102 countries and owns over 400 production units which develop innovative technologies for customers around the world.

Rhomberg Sersa secures new logistics space in Berlin with Logivest’s support

Rhomberg Sersa Gleisbau GmbH has signed a long-term lease for a new logistics property in south-east Berlin, facilitated by real estate consultancy Logivest. The nearly 3,000-square-metre site is owned by LIBERTAS Gesellschaft für Stadtentwicklung GmbH.

Located on Grünauer Straße 210–216 in the Köpenick district, the property includes approximately 1,000 square metres of warehouse space divided into five hall sections, along with 2,000 square metres of open storage. Rhomberg Sersa will use the facility for storing components and materials required for track construction, as well as for welding operations. The halls feature ground-level delivery access, while the outdoor space will accommodate larger track elements.

“This site has a strong industrial heritage, having previously housed the Grünau concrete plant,” said Lucas Rauhut, Consultant for Industrial and Logistics Letting at Logivest in Berlin. “It now hosts a range of tenants from industrial, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. The property offers several crane systems with capacities up to 20 tonnes, and there are plans to reactivate a port facility on site, reconnecting it to the federal waterway network. Combined with access to the B96a highway and proximity to Schönefeld Airport, the location provides strong logistical advantages.”

The company is scheduled to occupy the new premises by the end of 2025.

Romania’s industrial and logistics sector posts strong first half, driven by rising demand

The Romanian industrial and logistics real estate sector recorded significant growth in the first half of 2025, with total leasing activity surpassing 500,000 square metres. According to the Romania Industrial Marketbeat Q2 2025 report by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, this represents a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2024 and ranks as the third-best H1 performance since 2014. Leasing activity during this period was 45% above the average for the past 12 years.

The strong performance in the first six months sets the stage for a potential full-year take-up volume approaching 1 million square metres, a threshold previously reached only in peak market years. Net take-up accounted for 66% of total leasing activity, reaching approximately 340,000 square metres. Bucharest remained the dominant location for leasing, representing 70% of the national total, with approximately 359,000 square metres leased. Timisoara followed as the second-largest logistics hub, capturing 13% of the total.

Rodica Târcavu, Partner in the Industrial Agency at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, noted that the sector’s resilience is particularly notable given the broader economic environment, which has been affected by a slowdown in industrial production. “Despite these challenges, the industrial and logistics market continued to expand due to strong domestic consumption,” Târcavu stated. She also highlighted that demand is increasingly led by logistics and retail operators, indicating a shift toward a distribution-centric model within supply chains. Manufacturing’s share, by contrast, was limited, reflecting broader trends in regional economic restructuring.

The two largest lease agreements in Q2 2025 were renewals: Kyocera renegotiated 16,000 square metres in CTPark Timisoara Ghiroda, while Sarantis extended its lease for 11,000 square metres in WDP Park Dragomiresti. Logistics and distribution companies accounted for the largest share of leasing activity (160,000 square metres), followed by retail, e-commerce, and FMCG companies, which collectively leased 133,000 square metres. Manufacturing and automotive tenants represented a smaller portion of the market, contributing just under 6% of the total.

At the end of the second quarter, Romania’s modern industrial and logistics stock stood at 7.75 million square metres. Developers delivered new projects totalling 184,100 square metres during the first half of 2025, marking a 77% increase over the same period last year. The national construction pipeline remains active, with approximately 370,000 square metres under development.

Vacancy rates rose slightly to 5.8% nationwide, though this trend may reverse in the coming quarters due to limited speculative development. Prime rents in Bucharest have remained stable, but moderate increases were observed in other regional hubs such as Timisoara and Brasov. Asking rents in top-tier projects ranged between €4.30 and €4.70 per square metre per month in Q2. Cushman & Wakefield Echinox anticipates possible further increases by year-end, driven by rising construction and land acquisition costs.

Source: Cushman & Wakefield Echinox

DIW Berlin: Renminbi unlikely to replace Dollar or Euro in global trade in the near term

Efforts by the Chinese government to expand the international use of the renminbi have made limited headway in challenging the dominance of the US dollar and euro in global trade. According to a new study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), while the renminbi has gained ground as a billing currency, its use remains mostly confined to transactions with China and varies significantly by sector.

The study, authored by Sonali Chowdhry from DIW Berlin’s Business and Markets Department, analysed detailed French customs data covering the period 2011 to 2017—the early phase of China’s renminbi reforms. During this time, the share of French exports invoiced in renminbi rose from less than 1% to approximately 10%, primarily driven by firms in the consumer goods sector. However, the currency made little impact in sectors dominated by the US dollar, such as raw materials.

Chowdhry notes that China’s long-term goal is to reduce reliance on the US dollar by increasing the use of its own currency in global trade. This objective aligns with China’s broader strategy to enhance its geopolitical position and lower transaction costs for domestic firms. Despite these efforts, the renminbi remains a marginal player globally. Of the French exports examined in the study, only 0.5% of renminbi-denominated invoices were used by firms without prior trading experience with China. Furthermore, 99% of all renminbi transactions were conducted exclusively with Chinese counterparts, indicating limited cross-border adoption beyond bilateral trade.

The study also suggests that the euro could benefit from shifts in global currency preferences, particularly amid rising uncertainty in US economic policy. Chowdhry argues that the euro’s position could strengthen further if structural measures were introduced, such as wider access to euro liquidity through swap lines and the development of a digital euro to reduce transaction costs.

While Chinese policymakers have made visible progress in promoting the renminbi, DIW Berlin concludes that the shift towards a multipolar currency system will be gradual and uneven across sectors and regions. The dollar and euro continue to dominate global trade invoicing, underscoring the entrenched nature of existing financial systems.

Source: DIW Berlin

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