All posts by fletcher@cijeurope.com.

Rise of Online Property Platforms: Are Real Estate Brokers Becoming Obsolete in India?

India’s real estate market has undergone a significant digital transformation over the past decade, with the pace of change accelerating following the COVID-19 pandemic. Online property portals, virtual tours, artificial intelligence, digital documentation and data-driven property searches have fundamentally altered how buyers, sellers and tenants engage with the market. While technology has undoubtedly changed the way properties are discovered and marketed, the idea that real estate brokers are becoming obsolete oversimplifies a more complex reality. Instead of eliminating intermediaries, digital platforms are reshaping their role and pushing the industry toward a model where successful brokers increasingly function as advisors and transaction specialists rather than simple providers of information.

For millions of Indians, the property search process now begins online. Platforms such as Magicbricks, 99acres, Housing.com, NoBroker and Square Yards have created extensive digital marketplaces that allow buyers and renters to compare properties, analyse locations, review pricing trends and access virtual tours before making direct enquiries. This has significantly reduced the information gap that traditionally existed between consumers and brokers. Buyers today can access market data, neighbourhood information, financing options and property comparisons with ease, allowing them to conduct extensive research before committing to site visits or negotiations. The increased availability of information has also improved transparency across many segments of the market and empowered consumers to make more informed decisions.

The growth of online platforms is part of a broader proptech revolution taking place across India’s real estate sector. Developers, investors and property managers are increasingly adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital twins, drones, blockchain applications and Internet of Things systems to improve operations and customer engagement. These technologies are helping companies streamline sales processes, enhance asset management and improve building performance. As digital adoption continues to increase, technology is influencing not only how properties are marketed but also how they are built, managed and transacted.

Several factors have contributed to the rapid expansion of digital real estate platforms in India. Convenience remains one of the strongest drivers, as buyers can evaluate hundreds of properties from their homes before arranging physical inspections. Online platforms provide access to photographs, floor plans, pricing information and neighbourhood data that were previously difficult to obtain. Transparency has become another major attraction, as consumers increasingly expect access to information before engaging with agents or developers. At the same time, the implementation of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, commonly known as RERA, has improved accountability within the sector by requiring registration of projects and real estate agents involved in regulated developments, helping strengthen consumer confidence.

Technology has undoubtedly weakened one of the traditional advantages enjoyed by brokers: exclusive access to information. Historically, brokers often controlled access to listings, particularly in rental markets and secondary residential transactions. Today, consumers can independently research locations, compare prices and shortlist properties before ever speaking with an intermediary. However, losing control over information does not necessarily mean brokers have become irrelevant. Real estate transactions remain complex and often involve significant financial commitments. Buyers and sellers frequently require assistance with negotiations, legal documentation, due diligence, financing arrangements and local market knowledge. These services continue to provide considerable value, particularly in markets where transaction procedures remain complicated.

Despite the rise of digital platforms, brokers continue to play an important role across much of India’s real estate market. Their involvement remains particularly significant in residential resale transactions, rental housing markets, commercial leasing and land acquisitions. Many consumers still rely on brokers for arranging site visits, negotiating prices, screening tenants and managing the transaction process. This remains especially true in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where local relationships, market familiarity and personal networks continue to influence buying and leasing decisions.

At the same time, many brokers have adapted to technological change rather than resisting it. Instead of viewing online platforms as competitors, they increasingly use them as lead-generation tools and digital marketing channels. Brokers are maintaining online inventories, utilising social media to attract clients and employing data analytics to better understand market trends and customer preferences. As a result, technology is helping many brokers expand their reach and improve efficiency rather than replacing them altogether.

The profession itself is also evolving. As information becomes more widely available online, the competitive advantage of brokers is shifting away from access to listings and toward knowledge, trust and professional expertise. Clients increasingly expect brokers to provide investment advice, market insights, legal coordination, financing guidance and transaction management services. In many ways, the role of the broker is becoming more consultative and specialised, reflecting trends already seen in more mature property markets around the world.

The future of Indian real estate is therefore unlikely to be defined by a choice between technology and brokers. Instead, the sector is moving toward a hybrid model in which digital platforms improve transparency and efficiency while human expertise remains essential for navigating complex transactions. Online platforms have transformed how consumers discover properties, reducing reliance on traditional information networks and giving buyers greater market visibility. However, real estate remains a relationship-driven industry where negotiation, trust, local knowledge and transaction management continue to play a crucial role.

As India’s proptech ecosystem continues to expand, brokers are unlikely to disappear. Rather, they are becoming more specialised, more professional and increasingly technology-enabled. The brokers who successfully adapt to changing consumer expectations and embrace digital tools are likely to remain valuable participants in India’s evolving real estate landscape. The question is therefore not whether brokers will survive the rise of online platforms, but how effectively they can evolve alongside them.

Source: CIJ.World India Research & Analysis Team

How Hybrid Work Has Reshaped Demand in Tokyo’s Office Market

Tokyo’s office market has undergone a significant transformation since the pandemic, but not in the way many initially expected. Rather than triggering a widespread decline in office demand, hybrid working has accelerated a shift in occupier preferences, creating a clear divide between premium Grade A buildings and older secondary office stock.

As companies reassess the role of the workplace, demand has increasingly concentrated in high-quality assets that offer modern amenities, sustainability credentials, disaster resilience and excellent transport connectivity. This flight-to-quality trend has become one of the defining features of Tokyo’s office market and has helped support leasing activity despite broader changes in workplace behaviour.

The strongest demand remains concentrated in central Tokyo, where newly developed Grade A buildings continue to attract occupiers seeking to upgrade their office environments. Pre-leasing activity has remained robust across several major developments, reflecting sustained demand from both domestic and international companies. Many occupiers are using lease expirations and corporate restructuring initiatives as opportunities to relocate into higher-quality space.

Several major corporate relocations illustrate this trend. Companies across manufacturing, technology and business services sectors have announced moves to newly developed office towers in districts such as Yaesu, Takanawa Gateway and Akasaka. In many cases, the decision is driven not simply by location but by the ability to provide employees with more collaborative, flexible and attractive working environments.

A key factor behind this shift is the growing importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations. Sustainability has become an increasingly important criterion in leasing decisions as occupiers seek to align real estate strategies with broader corporate objectives. Buildings with strong environmental performance, energy efficiency and sustainability certifications are increasingly preferred by large occupiers.

Japan’s evolving sustainability framework is reinforcing this trend. New disclosure requirements and growing investor focus on ESG performance are encouraging both landlords and tenants to prioritise more sustainable buildings. As a result, modern office developments that incorporate energy-efficient systems, lower carbon footprints and enhanced operational performance are gaining a competitive advantage.

Employee wellbeing has also emerged as a major consideration. Japan’s tight labour market and demographic challenges have increased competition for talent, making workplace quality an important recruitment and retention tool. Many companies now view office design as an extension of corporate culture and employee engagement strategies.

Modern developments increasingly incorporate wellness-focused amenities such as lounges, collaborative workspaces, fitness facilities, cafés and outdoor areas. These features are intended to improve employee experience while encouraging greater in-person interaction and collaboration.

Hybrid work has further strengthened demand for flexible office solutions. While Japan has generally maintained higher office attendance levels than many Western markets, companies are increasingly seeking workplace strategies that combine flexibility with collaboration. This has supported demand for flexible workspace operators and adaptable office layouts capable of accommodating changing work patterns.

At the same time, older office buildings face growing challenges. Assets that lack modern specifications, sustainability features or convenient access to transportation are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with new developments. This divergence has created a two-tier market in which premium assets continue to attract strong demand while secondary stock experiences greater leasing pressure.

Tokyo’s office market is therefore not experiencing a decline in demand but a redistribution of demand toward higher-quality buildings. The workplace remains important, but occupiers now expect more from office space than before the pandemic. Sustainability, employee wellbeing, flexibility and resilience have become core requirements rather than optional features.

As redevelopment activity continues across central Tokyo and occupier expectations evolve further, the flight-to-quality trend is likely to remain one of the defining characteristics of Japan’s office market for the remainder of the decade.

Copyright: CIJ.World Japan Research & Analysis Team

Japan’s Return as Asia-Pacific’s Most Stable Real Estate Investment Market

Japan has re-emerged as one of Asia-Pacific’s most attractive real estate investment destinations, benefiting from a combination of market transparency, institutional stability, attractive financing conditions and resilient occupier demand. At a time when investors are navigating geopolitical uncertainty, fluctuating interest rates and economic volatility across many regions, Japan continues to offer a rare combination of liquidity, predictability and scale.

For global investors, Japan provides one of the region’s most mature and accessible property markets. The country’s transparent legal framework, established investment structures and deep pool of domestic and international capital have helped sustain investment activity even during periods of global uncertainty. As a result, Japan remains a preferred destination for institutional investors seeking long-term income and capital preservation.

One of the key reasons behind Japan’s appeal is the continued flow of investment capital into the market. Despite the gradual normalisation of monetary policy by the Bank of Japan, financing conditions remain comparatively favourable when viewed against many Western markets. While borrowing costs have risen from historic lows, they continue to support investment activity across multiple sectors.

Another important factor is the relative attractiveness of Japanese property yields. Investors continue to find value in the spread between financing costs and real estate returns, particularly in sectors such as multifamily housing, logistics and selected office assets. This yield advantage has helped maintain transaction activity even as global capital markets have become more volatile.

The weakness of the Japanese yen has provided an additional incentive for overseas investors. Currency depreciation has effectively reduced acquisition costs for investors using dollars, euros or pounds, increasing the relative attractiveness of Japanese assets. While yen weakness presents broader economic challenges for Japan, it has enhanced the country’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

Political and regulatory stability remain among Japan’s strongest advantages. Investors benefit from a predictable policy environment, strong property rights and a transparent legal system. These characteristics are particularly valuable for long-term investments such as office buildings, residential portfolios, logistics facilities and hotels, where investment horizons often extend over many years.

Tourism has also become an increasingly important driver of investment activity. Record international visitor numbers have strengthened hotel performance across major destinations, supporting investor interest in hospitality assets. At the same time, domestic consumption and urbanisation continue to support demand across retail, residential and office sectors.

Tokyo remains the country’s primary gateway for international capital. As one of the world’s largest metropolitan economies, the city offers exceptional liquidity, deep occupier demand and a highly diversified investment market. Investors are often attracted not by exceptionally high yields but by the market’s stability, resilience and long-term growth potential.

Osaka continues to attract investors seeking slightly higher returns than those typically available in Tokyo. The city benefits from a diversified economy, strong tourism activity and ongoing urban development, making it one of Japan’s most active regional investment markets.

Fukuoka has emerged as one of the country’s most closely watched growth markets. Supported by population growth, business expansion and a favourable economic profile, the city offers investors a combination of growth potential and relatively attractive yields compared with larger metropolitan areas. Its increasing prominence reflects a broader trend of investors looking beyond Tokyo for opportunities.

The outlook for Japanese real estate remains positive. While rising interest rates and global economic uncertainty present challenges, the country’s combination of transparency, liquidity, institutional stability and favourable investment fundamentals continues to attract capital. In an increasingly uncertain global environment, Japan remains one of the most dependable real estate markets in Asia-Pacific, offering investors a balance of stability and opportunity that few regional competitors can match.

Copyright: CIJ.World Japan Research & Analysis Team

Occupier Demand and Rental Growth Continue to Support India’s Logistics Market

India’s logistics and warehousing sector has moved well beyond its post-pandemic recovery phase and is now benefiting from a broader set of structural growth drivers. Demand from third-party logistics providers, e-commerce operators, manufacturers and retailers continues to support leasing activity across major logistics markets, while improving infrastructure and supply-chain modernisation are helping sustain long-term expansion.

The defining characteristic of the current cycle is the diversity of occupier demand. Unlike previous periods when activity was concentrated within a limited number of sectors, today’s market benefits from contributions across logistics, manufacturing, retail, engineering, automotive and e-commerce businesses. This broader demand base has strengthened market resilience and supported continued investment in warehouse development.

Third-party logistics providers remain the largest source of occupier demand. As retailers and manufacturers increasingly outsource transportation, inventory management and fulfilment functions, 3PL companies continue to expand their warehouse footprints across the country. Their role has become increasingly important as businesses seek more efficient and scalable supply-chain solutions while extending distribution networks into new markets.

E-commerce remains another significant demand driver. While the pace of expansion varies between operators and market cycles, the long-term growth trajectory remains positive. Consumers continue to embrace online shopping, while quick-commerce platforms are creating additional requirements for urban fulfilment centres and last-mile distribution facilities. Expansion beyond major metropolitan areas into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities is also increasing demand for regional warehousing networks.

Manufacturing activity is contributing to the sector’s growth as well. Production-linked incentive schemes, supply-chain diversification and rising industrial investment are creating additional requirements for storage, distribution and logistics infrastructure. Companies involved in engineering, electronics, automotive and industrial production are increasingly seeking modern facilities capable of supporting more sophisticated supply chains.

A significant portion of demand is now focused on Grade A warehousing. Occupiers increasingly prioritise facilities that offer higher operational efficiency, advanced specifications, automation readiness, sustainability features and strong connectivity. Institutional-grade logistics parks have therefore become the preferred choice for many large occupiers, particularly multinational companies and organised logistics operators.

Rental growth has reflected these changing preferences. Prime logistics corridors across markets such as Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai and Hyderabad have generally experienced rental increases as demand for high-quality space has remained strong. Market estimates suggest that rents in many established logistics hubs increased by between 5% and 10% during 2025, although performance varied by location and asset quality.

The strongest rental growth has been concentrated in institutional-grade developments and strategically located logistics parks with excellent transportation access. Secondary locations and older warehouse stock have generally experienced more moderate growth, reflecting occupier preference for modern facilities that can support increasingly complex supply-chain operations.

Infrastructure development continues to provide a strong foundation for future growth. Initiatives such as the Dedicated Freight Corridor programme, PM Gati Shakti, multimodal logistics parks and new expressway networks are improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs. These investments are helping unlock new logistics locations while strengthening existing industrial corridors.

The long-term outlook remains positive. Rising domestic consumption, expanding manufacturing activity, continued e-commerce growth and ongoing supply-chain modernisation are expected to support demand for logistics space over the coming years. While challenges remain, including land acquisition, infrastructure gaps in certain regions and the need for additional Grade A supply, the sector continues to benefit from powerful structural drivers.

As India’s economy expands and supply chains become increasingly sophisticated, logistics and warehousing are likely to remain among the strongest-performing segments of the country’s real estate market, supported by diverse occupier demand and sustained rental growth in key locations.

Source: CIJ.World India Research & Analysis Team

Why Retail, Office and Hotel Developments Are Converging Across India

India’s real estate sector is undergoing a significant transformation as developers, investors and occupiers increasingly favour mixed-use developments that combine retail, office, hospitality and, in many cases, residential components within a single integrated destination.

Projects emerging across major urban centres, including several large-scale schemes in Noida, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai, demonstrate how the traditional separation between property sectors is gradually giving way to more integrated development models. What was once considered a niche approach is increasingly becoming a preferred strategy for developers seeking to maximise land value and create more resilient investment platforms.

One of the primary drivers behind this shift is economics. Land costs in India’s major metropolitan markets have risen substantially over the past decade, while construction costs, financing costs and labour expenses have also increased. In this environment, developers are seeking ways to optimise land utilisation and diversify revenue streams. Mixed-use developments allow multiple income sources to coexist within a single project, reducing reliance on any one asset class.

The model offers a combination of short-term and long-term financial benefits. Residential components often generate early cash flow through unit sales, helping finance project development. Office, retail and hospitality components can subsequently provide recurring rental income and long-term asset appreciation. This combination creates a more balanced risk profile that appeals to both developers and institutional investors.

Changing consumer behaviour is another important factor driving demand. Modern urban residents increasingly seek convenience, connectivity and experience-driven environments. Offices are no longer viewed solely as places of work, while shopping centres are evolving into lifestyle destinations that combine retail, dining, entertainment and wellness facilities. Hotels similarly benefit from being integrated into mixed-use districts where they can serve business travellers, tourists, residents and visitors simultaneously.

The workplace itself has evolved. Following the pandemic, occupiers have placed greater emphasis on employee experience, accessibility and amenities. Corporate tenants increasingly prefer office locations that offer restaurants, cafes, hotels, fitness centres and retail services within walking distance. Integrated developments can meet these requirements more effectively than standalone office buildings.

Urbanisation is further strengthening the case for mixed-use projects. As India’s cities continue to expand, land in prime locations is becoming increasingly scarce. Mixed-use developments allow developers to extract greater value from strategic sites while creating districts that remain active throughout the day and evening. This approach can also support more sustainable urban growth by reducing commuting distances and encouraging walkable environments.

The hospitality sector has become an increasingly important component of these developments. Hotels integrated within office and retail districts benefit from multiple demand sources and can achieve stronger year-round occupancy. Business travellers, shoppers, event attendees and local visitors can all contribute to hotel demand, creating operational advantages compared with standalone hospitality assets.

Institutional investors have taken notice of these trends. India’s real estate sector attracted significant levels of equity investment in 2025, with a substantial portion directed toward land acquisition and development opportunities that included mixed-use elements. Investors are increasingly attracted by projects capable of generating diversified income streams while offering exposure to multiple segments of the real estate market through a single asset.

Despite these advantages, mixed-use development remains complex. Successful projects require careful planning, phased execution, effective infrastructure integration and strong operational management. Coordinating multiple asset classes within one project presents greater challenges than developing a single-use property. Regulatory approvals, financing structures and long development timelines can also increase project complexity.

As a result, execution has become a critical differentiator. Industry leaders frequently note that the long-term success of mixed-use developments depends not only on design but also on the ability to create vibrant ecosystems where different uses complement one another.

The growing convergence of retail, office and hospitality is therefore more than a development trend. It reflects changing patterns of urban living, working and consumption. As India’s cities continue to grow and mature, integrated mixed-use developments are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the country’s urban landscape, attracting both domestic and international investors while creating new models for city development.

Source: CIJ.World India Research & Analysis Team

The Next Infrastructure Challenge: Avoiding Tomorrow’s Legacy Technology

As companies accelerate investments in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data platforms and digital transformation, a new challenge is emerging. According to Deloitte, many organizations risk creating a new generation of inflexible technology systems even as they modernize existing infrastructure. Rather than delivering greater adaptability, fragmented modernization efforts can introduce new dependencies and constraints that limit future innovation.

The report argues that technology transformation is increasingly occurring in separate layers. Cloud environments, applications, data architectures and user interfaces are often redesigned independently, each optimized for short-term performance objectives. While these projects may succeed individually, they can create structural misalignment across the wider technology stack. Deloitte describes this phenomenon as “architected disadvantage”, a situation in which organizations unintentionally reduce their ability to adapt by creating new forms of technological lock-in.

Four forces reshaping infrastructure

Deloitte identifies four major shifts that are simultaneously transforming technology infrastructure and increasing the complexity of enterprise systems.

The first is the evolution of hybrid technology environments. Organizations are increasingly deploying workloads across multiple cloud providers, edge computing platforms and private AI environments. While this diversification can improve resilience, it also increases the need for coordination across networking, storage, computing and security layers. At the same time, despite the appearance of decentralization, a relatively small number of global technology providers continue to underpin much of the world’s digital infrastructure. Recent outages have demonstrated how failures within one layer of the ecosystem can rapidly cascade through interconnected systems.

The second shift is the emergence of agent-based artificial intelligence. Rather than users directly interacting with applications and websites, AI agents are increasingly expected to search, compare, negotiate and execute tasks on behalf of individuals and organizations. Deloitte suggests this development could create an “Internet of Agents,” where autonomous systems communicate directly with one another through shared protocols. Such an environment would require new standards for interoperability, governance, data management and trust.

The third transformation concerns digital interfaces. Investment is moving away from fully immersive virtual environments and toward spatial computing technologies such as smart glasses, augmented reality applications and ambient AI systems. According to the report, these technologies depend heavily on low-latency networks, edge computing infrastructure and real-time data synchronization. As digital experiences become embedded in physical environments, network performance increasingly becomes a direct determinant of user experience.

The fourth shift involves quantum technologies and future cybersecurity requirements. Organizations are already beginning to assess how advances in quantum computing could affect encryption, identity management and data security. Systems designed today may remain operational for decades, meaning decisions about security architecture must account for future cryptographic standards. Deloitte notes that post-quantum encryption, decentralized identity frameworks and new trust architectures are becoming increasingly important considerations in long-term infrastructure planning.

From the Internet of Things to the Internet of Agents

A key observation in the report is that the internet itself is entering a new phase of development. Deloitte’s framework suggests that previous eras were defined by the internet, mobile connectivity and the Internet of Things. The current transition is toward what it calls the “Internet of Agents,” where autonomous systems increasingly act on behalf of users. Beyond 2030, the report envisions the emergence of an “Internet of Senses,” a quantum-enabled internet and ubiquitous connectivity integrated into everyday environments.

This evolution has significant implications for corporate technology strategies. Organizations may need to reconsider where data is stored, how systems communicate, which platforms they depend upon and how security is managed across increasingly complex digital ecosystems. Decisions regarding cloud architecture, AI integration, networking and governance are becoming interconnected rather than independent technology choices.

Designing for adaptability

The report concludes that the primary challenge facing enterprises is no longer whether disruption will occur, but how to design technology systems capable of adapting to continuous change. Infrastructure decisions made today will influence organizational flexibility for years to come. As AI agents, spatial computing, hybrid cloud environments and quantum technologies mature simultaneously, businesses must avoid optimizing individual components at the expense of overall system resilience.

For technology leaders, the focus increasingly shifts from modernization alone to architectural adaptability. The organizations most likely to succeed will be those that build infrastructure capable of evolving alongside emerging technologies rather than requiring another costly transformation cycle in the future. Deloitte warns that modernization undertaken without a holistic strategy may simply create the next generation of legacy systems-systems that organizations will eventually need to replace once again.

Source: Deloitte Insights, The Future of Tech Infrastructure, June 2026

Healthcare Infrastructure Investment Accelerates Across the Czech Republic

The modernisation of healthcare facilities continues to gain momentum across the Czech Republic as hospitals, emergency departments, psychiatric facilities and senior care centres undergo renovation, expansion and redevelopment projects. The trend is being driven by a combination of ageing infrastructure, demographic pressures, digital transformation and significant public investment programmes.

According to the European Commission, Czechia is allocating substantial funding to strengthen healthcare and social care infrastructure through its Recovery and Resilience Plan, supporting hospital upgrades, new medical facilities, healthcare technology and digital health systems.

Against this backdrop, project management and construction oversight are becoming increasingly important, particularly for projects carried out while healthcare facilities remain operational. Unlike office, residential or industrial developments, hospital projects often require construction to proceed without disrupting patient care, emergency services or critical technical infrastructure.

FETTERS management, which specialises in healthcare project management, has recently completed several projects in the sector, including the reconstruction and extension of the Bojčenkova Senior Home in Prague and the modernisation of energy infrastructure at the Psychiatric Hospital Bohnice.

The company has also been involved in the renovation of assisted living facilities in Prague 5, including the refurbishment of the heritage-protected Raudnitz House, where modern operational requirements had to be integrated within a historic structure.

Healthcare projects present a unique set of challenges. Construction works must be coordinated with hospital operations, hygiene standards, patient movement and emergency access. Technical systems often need to remain fully functional throughout the construction period, requiring phased delivery and detailed planning.

The growing volume of healthcare construction reflects broader changes within the Czech healthcare system. According to OECD and EU health data, population ageing is increasing demand for rehabilitation, long-term care and geriatric services, while healthcare providers are also investing in digitalisation, diagnostics and specialised treatment facilities.

Among the largest projects currently underway is the Centre for Emergency Medicine at the Liberec Regional Hospital. The development includes a new emergency department, diagnostic facilities, operating theatres and supporting technical infrastructure. The first phase of the project included the construction of a parking structure with capacity for more than 330 vehicles.

Another major healthcare investment is the new rehabilitation, long-term care and geriatric pavilion at Jihlava Hospital, which is being developed together with a multi-storey car park providing space for almost 400 vehicles.

In 2026, FETTERS also became involved in two additional hospital projects: the construction of a new emergency department building at the Regional Hospital in Kolín and the expansion and modernisation of emergency facilities at Karlovy Vary Regional Hospital.

The focus on emergency care infrastructure reflects wider healthcare investment priorities across the country. National and European funding programmes continue to support upgrades to emergency medicine, cancer treatment, mental health services and long-term care facilities. According to OECD data, approximately €499 million from EU Cohesion Funds has been allocated to healthcare infrastructure improvements during the 2021–2027 period, including investments in hospital buildings, medical equipment and digital healthcare systems.

Alongside physical infrastructure upgrades, healthcare providers are also adapting to new digital requirements. Electronic referrals, expanded digital health services and cybersecurity obligations are becoming increasingly important components of healthcare operations, influencing both new developments and modernisation projects.

As hospitals and care facilities continue to modernise, construction projects are becoming increasingly complex, requiring coordination between healthcare operators, public authorities, contractors and technical specialists. The growing pipeline of projects suggests that healthcare infrastructure will remain an important segment of the Czech construction market in the coming years, supported by public investment and the need to adapt facilities to changing healthcare demands.

Greenbuddies Appoints Former ČEZ ESCO Executive as New Chief Executive

Czech renewable energy and photovoltaic group Greenbuddies has appointed David Veselý as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2026. Veselý joins the company from ČEZ ESCO, where he led the division responsible for renewable energy projects.

The management change comes as Greenbuddies continues to expand its activities across European markets and broaden its focus beyond photovoltaic installations.

In his new role, Veselý will oversee the group’s day-to-day operations and support the development of its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) activities in international markets. The company is currently active in several European countries and plans to strengthen its presence in Germany, Austria, Italy and the Nordic region.

Greenbuddies also intends to expand its activities in battery energy storage systems and develop additional energy-related services alongside its existing photovoltaic business.

Ondřej Vodsloň, who has led the company to date, will move into a new role focused on investment activities, project acquisitions, asset management and the development of the group’s energy portfolio.

According to Greenbuddies, the management transition is intended to support the next phase of the company’s growth strategy and international expansion.

Veselý brings experience from the Czech energy sector, having previously managed renewable energy projects at ČEZ ESCO, a company active in decentralised energy solutions, energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure projects for businesses and public-sector clients.

Commenting on his appointment, Veselý said he sees opportunities in the development of battery storage projects and new energy services as demand grows for solutions supporting energy independence and long-term sustainability.

The appointment reflects a broader trend across the European energy sector, where companies involved in renewable energy generation, storage and related infrastructure are increasingly strengthening management teams as investment activity accelerates. Growing demand for renewable power, energy storage and decentralised energy systems continues to create opportunities for specialised developers and service providers across European markets.

Greenbuddies has been expanding its operations in recent years through the delivery of photovoltaic projects and related energy infrastructure. The company is now seeking to build on that position through further geographic expansion and diversification of its service offering.

IPRICE-RECARE Leases Nearly 29,000 sqm at VGP Park Vyškov

VGP has signed a lease agreement with Czech company IPRICE-RECARE at VGP Park Vyškov. The tenant will occupy 28,686 sqm of warehouse, technology and office space within the logistics and industrial park.

IPRICE-RECARE operates the iPrice electronics outlet and the BestBerg brand. The company specialises in the sale of surplus inventory, returned goods and refurbished electronics and household equipment.

The new facility will allow the company to consolidate its logistics and administrative operations in a single location and create a central distribution hub serving the Czech market.

The leased space will combine warehouse operations with technical and office facilities designed to support the company’s continued growth.

VGP Park Vyškov is located in the Marchanice industrial zone on the northern edge of Vyškov, approximately 40 kilometres from Brno. The site benefits from access to the D1 and D46 motorways, providing connections to Prague, Brno, Olomouc and Ostrava.

The location also offers access to regional rail infrastructure and is situated between several of the Czech Republic’s major industrial and commercial centres.

The transaction reflects continued occupier demand for modern logistics facilities in regional markets with good transport accessibility. Companies are increasingly seeking locations that allow them to centralise operations while maintaining efficient access to customers and suppliers across the country.

VGP Park Vyškov forms part of VGP’s logistics and semi-industrial portfolio in the Czech Republic and provides space for logistics, distribution, manufacturing and service-related activities. The latest lease further strengthens occupancy within the park and adds another logistics operation to one of the country’s established industrial locations.

Panattoni Completes New Manufacturing Facility for Danfoss in Tuchom

Panattoni BTS has completed a new manufacturing facility for Danfoss in Tuchom. The 22,500 sqm building was developed under a build-to-own model and designed to support the company’s production and logistics operations.

Danfoss, which manufactures heat exchangers for heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water systems, has operated in Tuchom for more than ten years. Production is being transferred from its existing premises to the new facility.

The development combines manufacturing, warehouse and distribution functions in a single location. According to the companies, the facility has been designed to support current operations and provide capacity for future growth.

The project includes production and warehouse space as well as approximately 3,500 sqm of office and employee facilities. A showroom has also been incorporated into the development, allowing Danfoss to present its products and technologies to customers and business partners.

Around 500 people are expected to work at the new plant.

Maciej Zawada, Head of Business Development at Panattoni BTS, said the project was developed in close cooperation with Danfoss, with elements of the building adapted to the company’s manufacturing and logistics requirements during the construction process.

Adam Jędrzejczak, Managing Director and Chairman of the Management Board of Danfoss Poland, said the new facility is intended to improve operational efficiency and provide a production environment better suited to the company’s current needs.

The building incorporates technical infrastructure designed for Danfoss’s manufacturing processes, including a 40-tonne overhead crane and systems for supplying industrial gases used in production.

Heating, cooling and ventilation are provided primarily through heat pump systems, while a gas boiler installation serves as a backup heat source.

The Tuchom project continues the cooperation between Panattoni BTS and Danfoss. In 2022, Panattoni delivered a manufacturing facility for the company in Grodzisk Mazowiecki.

The completion of the new plant adds further manufacturing capacity to the Pomeranian region and reflects continued investment by industrial occupiers in purpose-built production facilities in Poland.

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