CEE & SEE industrial market stabilises as demand rises in Q1 2026
The CEE & SEE industrial market stabilised in Q1 2026. Modern stock reached 37.9M sqm, with 0.72M sqm completed and 2.98M sqm under construction. Gross take-up reached 1.41M sqm, while net take-up stood at 671,000 sqm.
Demand led by production
Demand increased by 25% y/y, led by Hungary. Production remained the largest driver of net demand, accounting for 49% in Q1 2026. Logistics represented 32%, distribution 14% and other activity 4%. Selected deals included a 147,600 sqm renegotiation at Prologis Park Prague-Jirny and a 41,500 sqm renegotiation at CTPark Timisoara.
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Stock expands, vacancy trends differ by market
Supply continued to expand across the region. Total modern stock grew by 10% y/y. Regional vacancy reached 6.3%, with mixed country trends. Romania stood at 5.0%, down 12 bps y/y, while Serbia reached 5.8%, down 70 bps y/y. Hungary recorded 12.9%, up 300 bps y/y, and Slovakia 7.7%, up 227 bps y/y.
Prime rents and yields remain diverse
Prime rents and yields remained diverse by market. Germany recorded EUR 11.00 and 4.50%, Austria EUR 7.50 and 5.25%, Czechia EUR 7.25 and 5.00%, Slovakia EUR 6.50 and 6.00%, Hungary EUR 5.50 and 6.80%, Romania EUR 4.75 and 8.00%, Serbia EUR 5.00 and 8.00%, Croatia EUR 6.75 and 7.75%, and Bulgaria EUR 5.60 and 8.00%.
Investment stays selective
Investment activity was selective. Reported Q1 2026 transactions included ECCO Martin in Slovakia, Woco in Budapest, Arete Park Trencin in Slovakia and Wernerco in Kecskemét, Hungary. The Wernerco transaction had an approximate sale price of EUR 8M, while the other prices were confidential.
What to watch next
Next quarter, the focus will remain on AI and automation, supply chain regionalisation, operational agility and targeted investment. The report points to continued concentration of investment in infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, supporting the region’s role as a strategic industrial hub.
Regional Director Industrial Agency
