Bucharest Office Market Snapshot in the Third Quarter of 2022

The third trimester of 2022 in the office market in Bucharest is distinctive by the large proportion of lease contract renewals in current spaces, adding up to almost half of the total leased area.

Professional Services was the most active industry in the 3rd quarter, with 37% of the transactions, after the first half of the year was dominated by the IT&C industry, with 23%.

Download the ESOP study Office Market Snapshot_Q3 2022

OFFICE SPACE DELIVERIES

Up to now in 2022, within the first 9 months, there were delivered over 109,000 sqm in 8 buildings, namely 37% fewer office spaces than the prior year. In terms of location, more than half of the new office spaces delivered till now in 2022 were situated in the Central-West area, followed by the Central-North area, with 25% of the spaces.

Within the third quarter of 2022, only one office building was completed in Bucharest. The building, named H Tudor Arghezi 21, has almost 7,000sqm and is a complete renovation and reconversion project in the downtown area by HAGAG Development Europe. Having an exceptional position, right next to Universitatii Square, it offers modernly designed office spaces.

Main Projects Delivered within the first 9 months of 2022, by AREA

Area	Project Name	Delivery	Surface (sqm)	Location
CENTRAL-NORTH	@EXPO – Building B1	Q1 2022	11,000	Piata Presei
CENTRAL-NORTH	@EXPO – Building B2	Q1 2022	10,000	Piata Presei
DOWNTOWN	Tandem	Q1 2022	21,000	Universitate
CENTRAL-WEST	Sema Parc – London	Q1 2022	21,500	Splaiul Independentei
CENTRAL-WEST	Sema Parc – Oslo	Q1 2022	10,000	Splaiul Independentei
CENTRAL-WEST	Afi Tech Park 2	Q2 2022	26,000	Razoare
DOWNTOWN	H Tudor Arghezi	Q3 2022	6,800	Universitate

OCCUPIER FOCUS

In Q3 2022 in Bucharest, a total area of 68,257sqm of modern office spaces was rented, out of which 45% was represented by the extension of the lease contracts in the current premises and 55% by the rent of new surfaces (newly contracted offices and expansions in existing ones).

The most sought-after area was the Center-West, with 53% of the companies’ preferences while relocating, followed by the Central-North area with 31%.

The most active tenants were companies in the Professional Services sector with 37% of the newly leased area, followed by companies in the IT & Communication sector, with 31% of the leased area.

Main Transactions in Q3 2022

OUTLOOK

By December 31, 2022, 3 new office buildings are expected to be completed, with a total surface of over. 43,000 sqm.

There is still a significant number of employees preferring to work from home, especially in IT & C companies. Yet transaction level is expected to gain momentum, as the last quarter of the year is historically speaking an active one.

Also, more companies implement various manners of hybrid working systems, implying a return to the office on average 2-3 days per week.

The map shows the rent levels in the main business areas. During the year, some adjustments might take place due to the negotiations between the tenants and the landlords.

ESOP Partners in Time

ESOP’s portfolio includes, in addition to office buildings for rent in Bucharest, office spaces for sale in Bucharest, industrial parks and warehouses for rent, as well as office spaces for rent in the main cities of the country.

If you would like more information, please contact the ESOP team by filling this brief form, or by phone (+4) 0723.26.61.97 or (+4) 021.528.04.40. We’ll promptly answer your inquiry!