Approximately half of million sq m of logistics spaces was leased in Romania in the first semester of the year, according to the Romania Market Outlook 2022 research mid-year report, launched by CBRE.
With 483,000 sq m, the total leasing activity is more than five times higher than the amount transacted in the first semester of 2018 and three times higher compared with the first half of 2019.
When compared with record year 2020 when almost 1 mln. sq m were leased, the total leasing activity from the first half of 2022 represents 52% of the 2020 overall total leased spaces.
Moreover, in H1 2022, the largest pre-leased surface, of almost 88,000 sq m, was secured in Prahova County. By region, 60% of the total leases were signed in Bucharest.
At the same time, the total industrial and logistics stock in Romania exceeded 6 mln. sq m at the end of the first half of 2022, as a new supply of 373,000 sq m was added to stock.
Bucharest is the leading market, with approximately 3 mln. sq m of industrial spaces, and 48% of the new supply (180,000 sq m). It is followed by the West/ North-West and the Southern regions, with 37% of the total modern stock.
By vacancy rate, the industrial and logistic sector maintains its descending trend, reaching an average 3.1% in the country and 2.8% in Bucharest.
As the sector continues to grow, another 500,000 sq m will be added to the current stock by the end of 2023. 87% of the future new supply will be absorbed by Bucharest and West / North-West region.