Among Romania’s regional office markets, companies leased the largest amount of space in Cluj-Napoca, which accounted for approximately 43% of the total office space contracted outside the capital, according to full-year 2025 data from a study conducted by Fortim Trusted Advisors, a member of the BNP Paribas Real Estate alliance.

Timisoara ranked second among regional cities, followed by Iași, which took third place.

The evolution of the Cluj-Napoca office market in 2025 follows an exceptional year in 2024, when the volume of leasing transactions reached a significantly higher level. Nevertheless, the leasing activity recorded in 2025 remains in line with the average level of the past five years.

“Cluj-Napoca continues to be the most attractive regional market for companies due to its stable economic environment, highly skilled workforce and modern office stock. Although the total transaction volume has adjusted compared to the peak recorded in 2024, the level of new leases indicates that there is still genuine demand and strategic expansion decisions for the medium and long term,” estimates Nicolae Ciobanu, Managing Partner – Head of Advisory at Fortim Trusted Advisors, an alliance member of the BNP Paribas Real Estate.

In 2025, compared with previous years, the difference in leased office space between the leading regional cities narrowed. Timisoara moved into second place, accounting for 30% of the total transaction volume, an increase compared with the previous year, further consolidating its position in the ranking.

Over the past five years, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara and Iasi have consistently ranked among the top three regional office hubs, although their order has varied from year to year. This dynamic has been influenced both by changes in tenant demand and by the pace of new office building deliveries in each market.

Bucharest’s office leasing market remains almost three times larger

Regional cities recorded a total transaction volume of 60,248 sqm, which is about three times lower than in Bucharest, yet still significant in the context of the consolidation of local office markets.

Despite the considerable difference in volume, regional cities offer several competitive advantages, including lower operating costs, more affordable rents and access to a qualified workforce. In addition, ongoing infrastructure development and investments in modern office projects are increasing the attractiveness of these markets for companies seeking to diversify their national presence.

While Bucharest continues to concentrate most of the office demand, regional hubs are strengthening their role as viable alternatives, particularly for companies focused on operational efficiency and cost optimization.

“For 2026, we expect regional office markets to remain stable, supported by steady demand from major university cities that have established themselves as IT and outsourcing hubs. In the context of limited new project deliveries, the occupancy rate of modern office buildings could remain high, while companies continue to assess expansion or optimization of existing office space in cities such as Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara and Iasi. At the same time, we are seeing growing interest from operators in the medical sector in converting certain office buildings into clinics or medical centers,” added Nicolae Ciobanu.

Nhood  announces the start of the leasing for the U1 building, the latest development phase within Coresi Business Campus, the central business hub of the Coresi District in Brașov. Nhood is managing the leasing process on behalf of the owner, Ceetrus, providing a full suite of integrated services, including promotion, development, project management, leasing, asset, property, and facility management.

The U1 building, featuring a total area of 12,500 sqm (of which 11,000 sqm is leasable), represents the fourth expansion phase of the campus and is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2026. Designed to Class A standards, the project integrates advanced efficiency and sustainability criteria.

The first transaction has already been secured – a strategic tenant has contracted a 2,000 sqm area, confirming the project’s appeal well ahead of completion.

“The U1 building marks a natural next step in the evolution of Coresi Business Campus. We are building here because it makes sense; there is real demand and a mature, fully functional urban ecosystem. U1 meets the new market logic: companies are no longer just looking for space, but for a place that offers continuity, quality, and real value for their people,” stated Ruxandra Dragomir, Head of Development, Nhood Romania.

Belgian real estate developer Atenor has announced the sale of the @Expo office building (57,666 sqm) in Bucharest to a private real estate investment company that intends to hold the asset for the long term.

The @Expo building was developed by Atenor and completed in 2023, achieving BREEAM “Outstanding” and WELL “Platinum” certifications. The building currently has an occupancy rate of only 29%.

With the sale of @Expo and the completion of the commercialization of the UpSite residential project, also in Bucharest, Atenor is ceasing its activities in Romania. The Belgian company says the decision is part of a process to simplify the group’s structures and will generate savings in operational costs.