Director of Czech Post: 2025 loss expected to fall below one billion crowns

The Czech Post’s loss is expected to fall below one billion crowns this year, according to director Miroslav Štěpán. Speaking on Czech Television’s Questions of Václav Moravec program, Štěpán said that while the parcel services branch will remain in deficit, the traditional postal services should reach a balanced economic result.

Since April, Czech Post has separated its commercial parcel and logistics services into a newly created branch, Czech Post – Parcel Service. This restructuring is a preparatory step before the planned establishment of Balíkovna as an independent joint-stock company. The management aims to find a strategic partner to support further development of the parcel business.

Štěpán emphasized that the Czech Post has optimized its internal processes to the extent possible. He noted that developing the Finite service will require an investment of two to three billion crowns, which should be financed by a strategic investor. He added that parcel services are a promising business sector, given consumer trends, but warned that if Balíkovna remains a state-owned company, its financial sustainability could be at risk.

Štěpán does not anticipate the sale of the main post office building in Jindřišská Street, Prague, this year, citing the complexity and length of the sale process. He stressed that the building remains important for the Czech Post’s operations. Beginning in May, a portion of the building will be leased to the Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office to better utilize the space, given the building’s current excess capacity.

In addition, Czech Post recently took over selected employment office services without incurring additional costs. Štěpán mentioned ongoing negotiations to assume other public administration tasks, suggesting that Czech Post could manage local government fee collections, providing services in locations where municipal offices may not operate daily.

Preliminary results show that Czech Post recorded a loss of approximately CZK 1.25 billion in 2024, which was higher than the previous year due mainly to the unrealized sale of the Jindřišská building, originally expected to generate about CZK 1.4 billion. The organization aims to return to profitability following the completion of its transformation process, anticipated after 2026.

Source: CTK

Torus develops All.inn student housing project in Gdańsk

Torus is currently developing All.inn, a student-focused residential project in the Wrzeszcz district of Gdańsk. Located on Konarskiego Street, the facility is within walking distance of key universities, including the Gdańsk University of Technology, the Medical University of Gdańsk, and the Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management. Construction started in January 2025, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2026.

The project will offer 35 fully furnished rooms, each equipped with a private bathroom and kitchenette. Most units are designed for single occupancy, with some double rooms available, including one adapted for residents with reduced mobility. Altogether, the facility will accommodate up to 40 students.

All.inn will include shared spaces aimed at promoting both study and social interaction. These amenities will feature a communal kitchen and dining area, a fitness room, a lounge for relaxation, laundry and drying rooms, and designated quiet study rooms. Approximately 10% of the building’s total area is dedicated to communal use.

A private outdoor garden area of nearly 700 square meters will be reserved exclusively for residents. Surrounded by mature greenery, this space is designed for relaxation and informal gatherings.

Designed by Torus’ internal team, the building architecture incorporates traditional external elements, referencing nearby historic villas, combined with modern interior solutions. The project will be managed year-round as a dedicated student residence, without conversion into a hotel during summer months.

Torus, known for its office, hotel, and warehouse developments, is applying its experience to create a modern, maintenance-free residential environment tailored to students’ needs. MiMiD Group, affiliated with the Torus Group, is the investor behind the project.

All.inn is positioned in a well-connected part of Wrzeszcz, offering proximity to public transport, cultural venues, and commercial facilities.

State Housing Development Fund inspects rental apartment construction in Kráľov Brod

The Director-General of the State Housing Development Fund (ŠFRB), Milan Lipka, visited the construction site of a new rental apartment building in the village of Kráľov Brod yesterday. The inspection was carried out together with the ŠFRB oversight team and representatives from the Housing Policy Department of the Trnava District Office.

According to Lipka, the State Housing Development Fund regularly conducts such inspections to monitor compliance with project documentation, budget plans, and construction standards. The inspections aim to ensure that construction work, material use, and invoicing follow the ŠFRB’s requirements, and that any modifications are approved in advance to maintain continuity and quality.

“The purpose of these inspections is to identify any issues early, provide guidance to builders—in this case, the municipality—and ensure that projects financed through the ŠFRB meet high standards of quality and transparency,” said Milan Lipka during the visit.

Lipka emphasized the importance of his personal participation in inspections to maintain a direct understanding of project progress, which he can then use when consulting with local government representatives. “Our goal is to share recommendations and experiences that help municipalities prepare and manage their projects as effectively as possible,” he added.

During the site visit, Lipka also met with the mayor of Kráľov Brod, Gergely Agócs. Discussions focused on the current status of the construction and the steps necessary to complete the project successfully.

“We are building quality and affordable housing together for our citizens,” concluded Milan Lipka.

Investigation into possible collusion in municipal waste tenders in Lublin

The President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has launched an investigation into a potential anti-competitive agreement between companies operating in the municipal waste collection and management market in Lublin. Officials from UOKiK, supported by the police, conducted searches at the premises of Kom-Eko and Koma Lublin as part of the investigation.

According to a statement by UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny, the office obtained information suggesting that the two companies may have coordinated their participation in public tenders. The allegations concern agreements on which tenders, or specific parts of tenders, the companies would submit bids for, and which they would avoid, possibly to limit competition.

“There are indications that the bids submitted by both companies in recent tenders may have been coordinated. We are currently analysing the evidence gathered during the searches,” said Chróstny.

The investigation focuses on tender procedures for waste collection and management services in Lublin dating back to 8 March 2018. The suspected conduct involves dividing tender opportunities between the companies, with each operating within a prearranged scope.

Currently, the investigation is being conducted regarding the situation and not against specific companies. Should the evidence confirm the suspicions, UOKiK may initiate formal antitrust proceedings and bring charges against individual entities. Participation in a competition-restricting agreement can result in financial penalties of up to 10% of a company’s turnover. Additionally, managers responsible for participating in collusion could face fines of up to PLN 2 million.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review the collected materials.

Wyndham and Soliteight announce plans for 40 Super 8 hotels in Spain and Portugal

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has signed an exclusive development agreement with Soliteight Hotel Projects SA to introduce the Super 8® by Wyndham brand to Spain and Portugal. The agreement outlines plans to open 40 hotels across the Iberian Peninsula over the next ten years. Soliteight, a leading hotel development and investment firm and existing Wyndham franchisee, will oversee the project.

The expansion aims to meet the rising demand for affordable, reliable accommodations, as both Spain and Portugal experience record tourism growth. Super 8, an established economy brand under Wyndham’s global portfolio of 25 brands and approximately 9,300 hotels, currently operates 14 properties across the EMEA region, including in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia.

The first Super 8 in the Iberian market is scheduled to open in Leiria, Portugal, in the fourth quarter of 2027. Additional hotels will be developed in primary and secondary cities, near major transport hubs, retail centers, and along key travel routes. Many of the hotels will feature smart modular construction, focusing on efficiency and sustainability, aligned with Super 8’s brand standards.

Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, noted that the move supports the region’s growing need for accessible, budget-friendly lodging. “Our collaboration with Soliteight allows us to bring Super 8’s blend of affordability, modern comfort, and sustainability to key destinations across Spain and Portugal,” he said.

Tourism trends have shown strong growth, with Spain welcoming a record 94 million international visitors in 2024 and Portugal also reporting substantial increases. Despite this, the Iberian market lags behind other European countries in branded economy hotel offerings, presenting an opportunity for new developments.

Rui Alpalhão, Chief Executive of Soliteight, emphasized that the partnership will help address the gap for consistent, branded budget accommodations across the region.

HIH Invest acquires childcare centre portfolio in Mannheim and Heidelberg

HIH Invest Real Estate (HIH Invest) has acquired a portfolio of three childcare centres in Mannheim and Heidelberg for its open-ended special fund, HIH Zukunft Invest. The properties, which collectively offer more than 2,600 square metres of rental space, were purchased from CASA TWO GmbH & Co. KG, a Mannheim-based developer specializing in kindergarten projects. All three centres are leased to HULii GmbH, the largest independent daycare provider in the Rhine-Neckar region, under 25-year agreements.

The first property, located at Konrad-Zuse-Straße 9 in Heidelberg’s Rohrbach district, was completed in 2024. It offers 749 square metres of rental space across two floors, accommodating up to 65 children. The building features a green flat roof and is connected to the city’s district heating network.

The second centre, situated at Hessische Straße 47 in Mannheim’s Waldhof district, was completed in early 2025. It provides space for up to 80 children across 1,009 square metres on the ground and upper floors. The building incorporates an air heat pump for heating and a rooftop photovoltaic system for electricity generation.

The third facility, at Gärtnerstraße 53-54 in Mannheim’s Neckarstadt-West district, is under construction, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2025. It will offer 864 square metres of space across three full floors and an attic, with partial electricity supply from a rooftop photovoltaic system and heating from the district network of MVV Energie AG.

With this acquisition, the HIH Zukunft Invest fund now holds 20 properties, primarily new constructions, and continues to expand its focus on educational facilities such as daycare centres, schools, and university buildings across Germany’s growth regions. According to Senior Fund Manager Thomas Christ, the fund targets stable cash flows and a predictable annual distribution yield of approximately 4.5%.

Legal and tax due diligence was handled by Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek in Hamburg, while CASE Real Estate in Stuttgart oversaw the technical review.

aedifion launches smart energy management solution for buildings

Cologne-based PropTech company aedifion has introduced aedifion.dynamics, a new software solution designed to optimize electricity costs in building operations by leveraging dynamic tariffs and on-site energy generation. The tool enables automated demand-side management by intelligently coordinating flexible energy loads, such as photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, battery storage, and HVAC systems, to align with the most cost-effective electricity pricing periods.

The launch marks another strategic step for aedifion in advancing digital, climate-neutral building operations. aedifion.dynamics connects buildings directly to the energy market, allowing them to function as virtual energy storage units that respond in real time to changing grid conditions and pricing.

“Our solution for intelligent electricity cost optimization is a logical progression toward fully digital and sustainable building management,” said Dr.-Ing. Johannes Fütterer, CEO of aedifion GmbH. “With aedifion.dynamics, we offer real estate companies a practical tool to lower electricity costs, improve energy efficiency, enhance operational flexibility, and contribute to the broader transition toward electricity-driven heating.”

As of January 1, 2025, electricity providers in Germany are required to offer dynamic tariffs linked to real-time market prices. To take advantage of these rates, buildings must use smart meters and have compatible systems, such as heat pumps, electric vehicle charging stations, or battery storage.

aedifion.dynamics uses AI-driven consumption forecasting and real-time data to optimize when to draw, store, or use electricity. The software continuously analyzes grid fees, market conditions, and local energy production to enable more efficient and cost-effective building operations. It also integrates with a variety of sensors and third-party systems, offering a comprehensive solution for modern energy management.

Poland’s leading economic indicator falls in April 2025 amid weak orders and uncertainty

The Leading Economic Indicator (WWK), which signals future economic trends, fell by more than 1.6 points in April 2025 compared to March, reversing much of the growth recorded over the previous two months. The decline is attributed primarily to weak order volumes received by Polish companies, reflecting the country’s reduced competitiveness, ongoing slowdowns among major European trading partners, and elevated global political and economic uncertainty.

Of the eight components that make up the WWK index, two showed slight improvement, while six deteriorated compared to March. The most significant negative influence came from a renewed decline in incoming orders for manufacturing firms, particularly from domestic customers. Export orders showed a modest improvement, with industries such as electronics, car manufacturing, and other transport equipment reporting slower rates of decline compared to late 2024. In contrast, sectors including clothing, textiles, furniture, and wood manufacturing continue to experience notable challenges in export demand.

Some domestic industries, notably food and clothing manufacturing, recorded a slight increase in orders, though this is likely influenced by seasonal factors related to upcoming holidays.

The prolonged stagnation in orders and decreased production have contributed to a worsening financial situation for businesses. Across the manufacturing sector, the proportion of companies reporting a deterioration in their financial condition exceeds those reporting improvements by an average of about 15 percentage points. Sectors most heavily affected by declines in orders correspond to those reporting the greatest financial pressures.

On the Warsaw Stock Exchange, indices experienced a temporary downturn in April, largely attributed to shifts in U.S. customs policy under President Trump. Although markets recovered relatively quickly, underlying uncertainty remains.

Meanwhile, the M3 money supply in real terms, adjusted for seasonal effects, grew at a slower pace in March 2025 compared to February, increasing by nearly 0.4% versus 0.8% the previous month. Household debt from consumer bank loans also rose slightly, by nearly 0.2% month-over-month.

HIH Real Estate hosts construction site visit for Salut Potsdam housing project

HIH Real Estate marked progress on its Salut Potsdam residential development with a construction site event on Thursday. The project, located at Potsdamer Straße/Am Priesteracker in Potsdam-Bornim, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Attendees included contractors, project partners, neighbors, and future residents.

The development, which includes 23 residential units, was taken over by HIH Real Estate in January 2024 following the insolvency of the previous developer, PROJECT Immobilien Management GmbH. Construction resumed in July 2024 with INVICTUS Bau- und Projektmanagement GmbH.

The project consists of two semi-detached houses, an apartment building with 16 units, and a three-unit coach house. The apartments vary in size from 63 to 127 square meters and include two- to four-room layouts. As of now, 30 percent of the units have been sold. Marketing is managed by Norddeutsche Immobilien Management GmbH.

“We are delighted that we will be able to complete the residential project on schedule by the end of the year. We took over the project with construction progress at around 18 per cent and resumed construction work in July 2024 together with INVICTUS Bau- und Projektmanagement GmbH. We would like to thank all our partners and contractors for the rapid progress made since then,’ says Olav Janssen, Project Developer at HIH Projektentwicklung GmbH, a subsidiary of HIH Real Estate. ’This project will ensure the completion of new housing on the Potsdam property market, which is characterised by high excess demand. Whether two-room apartments for couples or four rooms for families, Salut Potsdam offers the right living space for every stage of life.”

HIH Projektentwicklung GmbH, a subsidiary of HIH Real Estate, is overseeing development. Project Developer Olav Janssen noted that the company took over construction when the site was approximately 18 percent complete and expressed appreciation for the progress achieved since then. He also emphasized the relevance of the project in helping to meet ongoing housing demand in Potsdam.

On Friday and Saturday, 25 and 26 April, the site will be open to the public from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors will be able to take part in guided tours, view the construction progress, and speak with members of the project team.

Photo: Olav Janssen, Project Developer at HIH Projektentwicklung GmbH

Czech industrial market maintains stability in first quarter of 2025

The Czech Republic’s industrial real estate market remained stable in the first quarter of 2025, with the national vacancy rate holding steady at 3.1%, according to data from the Industrial Research Forum. The total stock of modern industrial space reached 12.44 million square meters, and demand continued to be strong, with gross take-up totaling 511,600 square meters.

New construction activity increased, with 243,000 square meters of space started in Q1—marking the highest quarterly volume since the third quarter of 2023. At the end of March, a total of 1.07 million square meters was under active development, a rise of 8% compared to the previous quarter and 20% year-on-year. Around 26% of these projects are located in Prague and Central Bohemia, while the Karlovy Vary region accounts for another 25%.

All newly completed projects—totaling approximately 134,900 square meters—were fully pre-leased. Notable completions included a 57,200 square meter building in Panattoni Park Ostrov – North for ZF, a 29,500 square meter extension of Garbe Park in České Budějovice for NOBO AUTOMOTIVE, and a 27,000 square meter facility in Panattoni Park Ostrov South for WITTE Automotive.

The share of speculative construction fell to 28%, while only 14% of new construction commenced in Q1 was built without signed tenants. An additional 500,000 square meters remains incomplete at the shell-and-core stage, pending future leasing.

Gross take-up rose significantly year-on-year—by 152%—and by 18% compared to the previous quarter. Renegotiated leases made up 62% of the total take-up, including a major 147,600 square meter lease renewal by a 3PL provider in Prologis Park Prague-Jirny. Net take-up, excluding renewals, reached 193,600 square meters, an 11% quarterly decrease but a 36% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Among new transactions, the largest was a 40,000 square meter pre-lease in Industrial Park Nymburk by Linde Wiemann. Other notable deals included a 17,700 square meter pre-lease by e-commerce company Rohlík CZ in CTPark Brno Líšeň and a 17,200 square meter lease in CTPark Prague East by an undisclosed tenant.

Rental rates remained stable across the country. Prime rents in Prague held at €7.00–7.50 per square meter per month. In other prime regional locations, rents ranged from €5.70 to €6.60. Mezzanine office space commanded rents of €9.50–€12.50, with service charges averaging between €0.75 and €1.00 per square meter per month.

According to James Fitzgerald, Regional Head of Industrial Agency at iO Partners, the Czech market continues to demonstrate resilience and growth potential, supported by solid fundamentals built over the past decade.

Source: The Industrial Research Forum

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