Neo Natolin by Real Management wins Best Premium Residential Development at HOF Awards 2025

Real Management’s Neo Natolin (1st Stage) residential project in Warsaw received the “Best of the Best Premium Residential Development of the Year” award at the 10th annual HOF Awards Gala, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest. The event recognized top real estate developments across Central and Eastern Europe.

Neo Natolin, located in Warsaw’s Natolin district, comprises 84 semi-detached houses, each situated on plots ranging from approximately 580 to 990 square meters. The development emphasizes modern architecture, functionality, and environmental considerations. Designed by APA Wojciechowski Architects, the project integrates green spaces and community amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life.

The HOF Awards, organized by CIJ EUROPE, serve as the culmination of the CIJ Awards series, bringing together winning projects and companies from countries including Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. Winners are selected through a combination of jury evaluations and votes from CIJ readers, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each nominee’s impact and innovation in the real estate sector.

Real Management’s recognition at the HOF Awards underscores its commitment to developing residential projects that meet contemporary standards of sustainability, design, and community integration. The success of Neo Natolin reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to contribute positively to Warsaw’s urban landscape and to set benchmarks in premium residential development within the region.

Waterfront City by Biggeorge Property honored at 2025 HOF Awards

Biggeorge Property’s Waterfront City development in Budapest received the “Best of the Best Standard Residential Development of the Year” award at the 10th annual HOF Awards Gala held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest. This accolade recognized the project’s excellence among leading real estate developments across Central and Eastern Europe.

Waterfront City, situated along the Danube River in Budapest’s Óbuda district, encompasses a 50,000-square-meter area. The development features residential buildings with green roofs, extensive park areas, and smart infrastructure solutions, aiming to provide a high-quality living environment that integrates modern amenities with sustainable design. The project also includes the preservation and adaptive reuse of historical industrial structures, such as the former Óbudai Szeszgyár factory, blending the area’s heritage with contemporary urban living.

The HOF Awards, organized by CIJ EUROPE, serve as the culmination of the CIJ Awards series, bringing together top-performing projects and companies from countries including Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Slovakia. Winners are selected through a combination of jury evaluations and votes from CIJ readers, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each nominee’s impact and innovation in the real estate sector.

Biggeorge Property’s recognition at the HOF Awards underscores its commitment to developing residential projects that meet contemporary standards of sustainability, design, and community integration. The success of Waterfront City reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to contribute positively to Budapest’s urban landscape and to set benchmarks in residential development within the region.

Slovak Point Liptovský Mikuláš Retail Park wins at the HOF Awards 2025

Point Liptovský Mikuláš Retail Park, developed by OPC Group, was awarded the “Best of the Best Retail, Leisure & Hotel Upcoming Development of the Year” at the 2025 HOF Awards. The ceremony, held on May 13, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest, recognized outstanding real estate projects across Central and Eastern Europe. The award highlighted the retail park’s strategic location in Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia, and its well-curated tenant mix designed to serve both local residents and tourists. It also acknowledged the project’s role in supporting regional development and its alignment with evolving trends in retail and leisure.

OPC Group has completed the development of Point Liptovský Mikuláš Retail Park this year, a modern retail hub situated in one of Slovakia’s most scenic regions. Following the completion, the company finalized the sale of a 50% stake in the project, marking a key milestone in its ongoing investment strategy in the Slovak commercial real estate market.

Located at a strategic site in Liptovský Mikuláš, the retail park was developed to serve both the local community and the region’s steady flow of tourists. Its position along key routes to the High and Low Tatras, Jasná Ski Resort, and Liptovská Mara has made it easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. The project is designed to offer a convenient, comprehensive shopping experience, with an emphasis on functionality and accessibility.

The retail park comprises a selection of local, national, and international tenants, providing goods and services across various sectors including fashion, electronics, home goods, and sporting equipment. It also includes several food and beverage outlets, making it a versatile destination for everyday shopping as well as leisure. Designed with an open, pedestrian-friendly layout, the development features wide walkways, spacious storefronts, and extensive parking facilities—including family and accessible spaces.

In addition to retail offerings, Point Liptovský Mikuláš Retail Park includes amenities tailored to families, such as a dedicated children’s play area and public seating zones. The project also incorporates sustainable features, including energy-efficient lighting, waste management systems, and green landscaping. OPC Group placed particular emphasis on minimizing the environmental impact of the development, aligning with its broader goals for responsible construction and long-term operational efficiency.

The opening of the retail park has contributed to local employment, both during construction and ongoing operations, while supporting increased economic activity in the Liptov region. By bringing in diverse tenants and enhancing retail infrastructure, the project has positioned Liptovský Mikuláš as a growing commercial destination in northern Slovakia.

The sale of a 50% interest in the retail park further reflects OPC Group’s strategy of forming investment partnerships while continuing to manage and develop assets across its core markets. The project is expected to become a long-term contributor to both the company’s portfolio and the economic vitality of the Liptov region.

Hall C2 completed at City Point Targówek by Partners Group and Peakside Capital Advisors

A joint venture between Partners Group and Peakside Capital Advisors has completed the construction of Hall C2 at the City Point Targówek industrial complex in Warsaw. The new facility comprises flexible warehouse and production space designed to accommodate a range of industrial tenants. The process of handing over the space is currently being finalised.

Hall C2 has been developed to allow easy adaptation for different business operations and incorporates infrastructure suitable for manufacturing, including an electricity connection with a total capacity of 3 MW. Eleven production facilities are expected to operate within the new building.

A majority of leases have been signed with existing tenants of City Point Targówek, allowing them to continue operations at the same site. Construction was scheduled and managed to avoid disrupting day-to-day business activities, enabling uninterrupted operations throughout the development phase.

Environmental considerations played a significant role in the design of Hall C2. Measures to reduce environmental impact include light-coloured roofing and paving to limit heat absorption, drought-resistant landscaping, and a water management system that reduces water usage by 71%. A rainwater harvesting system meets the facility’s grey water needs, and district heating has been installed. Additionally, around 8,000 sqm of green space has been revitalised, including a green wall on part of the building façade.

The facility also includes a building management system (BMS) for monitoring energy, water, and heat usage, as well as infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and a car-sharing scheme for tenant employees. The roof has been prepared for a photovoltaic installation with a capacity of over 1 MWp, expected to be operational this summer, supplying power primarily to existing tenants.

The project was developed on a previously used industrial site, with over 86% of demolition waste recycled. It has been designed to meet certification criteria for BREEAM, LEED, and WELL Health & Safety ratings.

The architectural design was carried out by Tacakiewicz Ferma Kresek, with general contracting services provided by Depenbrock Polska. PM Services Poland oversaw the certification and sustainability aspects of the project.

Current tenants of Hall C2 include companies from the manufacturing sector such as Gryc, CWS Boco, Secura, Anodal, Ampacet, Prozon, and KRM Druk.

Panattoni to develop distribution centre for Media Expert in Łódź

Panattoni will develop a new logistics complex in Łódź for Media Expert, comprising two warehouse buildings with a total area of over 207,000 sqm. The investment, valued at approximately PLN 500 million, will be carried out under a built-to-own (BTO) model and is expected to create around 300 jobs.

The facility will support Media Expert’s retail, e-commerce, and omnichannel operations, with a focus on household appliances, electronics, and bicycles, alongside an expansion into product categories such as gardening and fitness. Media Expert currently operates more than 600 retail stores in about 470 towns across Poland and runs one of the country’s largest online stores.

Panattoni has previously developed over 300,000 sqm of industrial space for Media Expert in the region. This latest project will bring the total space delivered for the company to over 500,000 sqm. The new facility will be located on a 53-hectare site near the Ryptułowice junction, close to the S14 expressway, and will include nearly 204,000 sqm of warehouse space and 3,656 sqm of office space. Construction is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025.

The complex is designed to meet BREEAM Excellent certification standards and will include a building management system (BMS), a photovoltaic installation of 700 kWp, electric vehicle charging stations, and bicycle facilities.

Panattoni has been active in the Łódź region for two decades and has delivered over 2.3 million sqm of industrial space in the area, including developments at the Central European Logistics Hub. The location’s central positioning and infrastructure continue to support its role as a key logistics centre in Poland.

Prague builds 50,000 apartments in 10 years, but housing shortage persists

More than 50,000 new apartments have been completed in Prague between 2014 and the end of 2024, with Prague 9 leading in terms of development activity. Despite this construction, the pace of housing delivery has not kept up with population growth, and demand continues to outstrip supply.

During the past ten years, Prague 9 accounted for nearly one-quarter of all new apartments built, followed by Prague 4, 5, and 10, each contributing around 16 percent. Together, these four districts made up almost three-quarters of all new housing in the capital. Their prominence in development is due largely to the availability of large brownfield and redevelopment sites, which offer opportunities for the creation of new residential areas.

Central Group, the Czech Republic’s largest residential developer, completed nearly 8,000 of the 50,000 apartments delivered over the last decade, meaning one in every six new units in Prague was built by the company. Since its founding, Central Group has constructed over 20,000 apartments. Currently, the company has around 3,000 apartments under construction, valued at CZK 25 billion, and is preparing a further 35,000 units intended to accommodate approximately 70,000 people.

However, despite these figures, the capital’s housing supply remains inadequate. Prague’s population has grown by around 150,000 people in the same ten-year period, excluding a daily influx of approximately 300,000 commuters and the arrival of tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees. At the same time, many existing buildings require renovation, adding pressure to the city’s housing stock. The current level of new development does not meet the needs of the city’s expanding population or compensate for historical housing shortages. Demand for new apartments remains high, and 2025 is expected to see record sales.

The key to expanding Prague’s housing supply lies in unlocking brownfield sites. Around two-thirds of the 150,000 apartments currently in planning across the city are located on former industrial or underused plots. Prague 9 is a prime example, where several new neighborhoods are emerging on such sites, contributing to a consistent supply of new homes and offering some of the city’s most affordable prices.

Central Group Executive Director Michaela Váňová emphasized the importance of prioritizing brownfield redevelopment. “Where else should we build if not on brownfields? These sites already have existing infrastructure, they are located in desirable areas, and their redevelopment can bring new life to previously underused parts of the city. But zoning changes often take years to approve, delaying much-needed construction and pushing up housing prices,” she said. “We need more responsive and flexible urban planning to unlock this potential and meet the city’s growing housing needs.”

LEG Immobilien reports strong start to 2025 with 28% AFFO growth and stable outlook

LEG Immobilien SE has reported a solid start to the 2025 financial year, underpinned by continued demand for affordable housing in Germany. The company posted Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) of EUR 62.3 million in the first quarter, up 28.2% compared to the same period last year. The full-year guidance for AFFO remains unchanged, targeting between EUR 205 million and EUR 225 million.

Rental income in the free-financed segment rose by 3.5% on a like-for-like basis, while the overall portfolio showed a 3.0% increase. The average base rent per square meter stood at EUR 6.87, translating to approximately EUR 440 per month for a typical 65-square-meter LEG apartment. The vacancy rate also improved slightly, falling by 20 basis points year-on-year to 2.4%.

The recent acquisition and integration of Brack Capital Properties (BCP) added over 9,000 residential units to LEG’s portfolio. While this contributed to earnings growth, it also increased the loan-to-value ratio slightly to 48.4%, up from 47.9% at the end of 2024. LEG expects the figure to decline in the medium term as asset values stabilize and the company pursues further portfolio optimization.

Net Tangible Assets (NTA) per share increased to EUR 128.44 as of March 31, up from EUR 125.90 at the end of 2024. The company anticipates a further rise in asset values, estimating a portfolio revaluation of 0.5% to 1.0% in the first half of the year.

LEG has continued its divestment strategy, transferring ownership of 1,456 units valued at EUR 125 million since the beginning of the year. The company revised its sales plan following the integration of BCP, now aiming to sell around 5,000 units in total. Despite current market conditions, LEG remains focused on securing favorable sale prices, prioritizing value over speed.

The company’s gross yield for its total portfolio was 5.0% as of March 31, offering a premium over German 10-year government bonds. Investments in the quarter were slightly lower, at EUR 7.51 per square meter, but LEG expects higher capital spending through the rest of the year, particularly as it begins projects from the former BCP portfolio. Annual investment is projected to rise from EUR 34 to at least EUR 35 per square meter.

LEG’s financing remains stable, with an average interest rate of 1.55% and an average debt maturity of 5.6 years. The company maintains a Baa2 credit rating with a stable outlook and has already addressed all debt maturities through 2025. In January, LEG successfully placed a EUR 300 million, 10-year bond with a coupon of 3.875%. As of March, liquidity stood above EUR 800 million.

The company continues to engage with policy developments. It expressed concern over the federal government’s planned extension of the rent cap until 2029, arguing that it reduces incentives for new housing construction. Conversely, it welcomed regulatory changes favoring emissions efficiency over strict insulation standards. LEG supports cost-effective climate measures, particularly those that reduce CO₂ emissions with minimal impact on tenants.

Its subsidiary ventures, such as termios, dekarbo, and RENOWATE, reflect this focus. Termios reached a milestone in March with the commercial launch of “termios Pro,” an AI-supported thermostat that enables hydronic balancing and energy savings of up to 30%. Over 20,000 thermostats have already been ordered by external housing companies.

Digitalization continues to play a key role in LEG’s strategy. Approximately 28,000 tenants use the “LEG Hausportal” to receive updates and provide feedback on service quality. The platform, developed by LEG subsidiary youtilly, is now being offered to other housing providers. In parallel, LEG has restructured its IT services into a new unit, LEG Technology and Digitalization, to consolidate expertise and strengthen its use of AI and smart systems.

With stable core operations, improving property values, and strong liquidity, LEG confirms its full-year AFFO guidance and expects AFFO per share to rise more than 7% compared to 2024, based on the midpoint of the target range. The company’s performance in early 2025 supports confidence in its strategy despite ongoing market and regulatory challenges.

Silverton Sells Two Properties in North Rhine-Westphalia

Silverton Asset Solutions GmbH, part of the Silverton Group, has completed the sale of two properties in North Rhine-Westphalia from a larger portfolio under its management. The sale prices were not disclosed.

The first asset, located at Hindenburgstrasse 304–306 in Mönchengladbach, was acquired by a southern German family office. Built in 1992 and modernised in 2007, the mixed-use property comprises approximately 3,750 square metres of rental space, including offices, medical practices, residential units, a dance studio, and retail premises. Through active asset management, Silverton leased around 1,780 square metres to new tenants and extended contracts covering another 570 square metres. This resulted in a weighted average lease term (WALT) exceeding ten years and an occupancy rate above 65 percent at the time of sale. Additional value potential remains in the leasing of vacant units.

The second property is an office building at Formerstrasse 49–51 in Ratingen, which was sold to an international investor. The 4,600 square metre building, completed in 1990, is currently vacant. The site spans roughly 3,800 square metres. A preliminary building permit for conversion to hotel use has recently been secured.

“These transactions show that even in a difficult market environment, creative and proactive asset management, combined with targeted strategies, can lead to successful outcomes,” said Sebastian Steinert, Managing Director of Silverton and Head of the North Rhine-Westphalia office.

Legal advisory for the transactions was provided by Osborne Clarke. The two properties were part of a nearly 40-asset portfolio managed by Silverton following a restructuring. Most of the portfolio has now been successfully sold.

Art-Invest Real Estate acquires residential portfolio in Stockholm county

Art-Invest Real Estate has acquired three newly developed residential buildings in Barkarbystaden, Stockholm County, from Swedish developers Åke Sundvall and OBOS. The transaction was completed on behalf of one of Art-Invest’s institutional investment funds. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquired properties, completed in 2024, comprise approximately 10,000 square meters of residential space and include a total of 158 fully leased apartments. Among them is an LSS care home with six residential units. The assets carry the Nordic Swan Ecolabel (“Svanen”) and meet high technical standards.

Located next to the planned Barkarbystaden metro station, which is scheduled for completion in 2027, the properties are situated in one of Sweden’s most ambitious urban development zones. Barkarbystaden, located in the Municipality of Järfälla, is expected to expand to 14,000 residential units by 2032 and will be supported by metro and regional rail connections, aiming to become a key transit and residential hub for northwest Stockholm.

Art-Invest Real Estate opened its Stockholm office last year and previously acquired the Stockholm Quality Outlet in Barkarbystaden as its first investment in the area. This latest transaction marks the company’s first residential acquisition in Sweden.

Commenting on the acquisition, Johan Öhlund Lagerdahl, Head of Stockholm at Art-Invest Real Estate, noted that the company sees ongoing growth potential in the Swedish market. “I have seen Barkarbystaden evolve over the past two decades and am pleased that we have now completed our first residential deal here. We will continue to seek further opportunities across Sweden, with a focus on locations that offer strong prospects for long-term growth,” he said.

Martin Sundvall, CEO of Åke Sundvall AB, welcomed the transaction and noted that Art-Invest’s long-term investment strategy and established presence in the area made it a suitable buyer. “This residential sale is part of our Atlas project. We are confident that Art-Invest is well positioned to manage this strategically located asset,” he said.

Legal and tax advisory for Art-Invest Real Estate was provided by Setterwalls and K&L Gates. The sellers were represented by FHH Law and advised by HM Partners.

Europe Distribution Group leases 7,500 sqm at MLP Wrocław logistics park

Europe Distribution Group (EDG), a company involved in the production and distribution of cosmetics, bath products, detergents, and cleaning supplies, has signed a lease agreement for 7,500 sqm at the MLP Wrocław logistics park. The lease includes 7,300 sqm of warehouse space and 200 sqm dedicated to office and staff facilities. The transaction was facilitated by real estate advisory firm Sawitar Estate Broker.

Under the agreement with MLP Group, the facility is scheduled for completion at the beginning of next year, though EDG will be granted early access to the premises starting in June 2025. The decision to lease space at MLP Wrocław was based on operational requirements and location, with EDG citing the need for flexibility and a responsive logistics partner.

EDG was supported throughout the lease negotiation process by Sawitar Estate Broker. According to the advisor, the transaction was completed efficiently, and the selected facility met the client’s technical and logistical needs.

MLP Wrocław is a logistics complex located on a 13-hectare site in the Psie Pole district of Wrocław, approximately 14 km from the city center. The park comprises five warehouse buildings with a total area of 66,228 sqm, some of which hold BREEAM certification. The site is positioned near national road E67 and the S8 expressway, offering convenient access to major transport corridors.

MLP Group continues to manage the logistics park after construction under its build-and-hold strategy, providing long-term support to its tenants and offering tailored leasing solutions.

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