Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

Overview of office real estate in Riga by Relocation

In 2024, the office real estate market in Riga demonstrates stability, supported by economic growth and increased business activity. Despite the moderate pace of construction of new business centers, the demand for modern office space remains high, especially in the city’s central districts and business zones.

Rental prices in different districts of Riga

  • Thecenter of Riga ( Old Town, Kr. Barona Street, Brivibas Street):
  • The most prestigious business centers and historic buildings converted for office use are located here. The average rental price varies from €12 to €20 per m² per month, and in the top premium locations – up to €25 per m².
  • Skanste (modern business district):
  • A rapidly developing business area with modern office buildings and convenient infrastructure. Average rental rates are €10-18 per m², and in new Class A properties they can reach €22 per m².
  • Purvciems, Teiki, Imanta (residential areas):
  • These districts offer more affordable options for small and medium-sized businesses. Office rental prices here range from €7-12 per m², making them attractive for startups and small companies.

Trends and forecast until the end of 2025

  • Growing demand for flexible office space
  • Coworking and short-term office space continues to gain popularity, especially among IT companies and freelancers.
  • Limited new construction
  • The pace of commissioning of new business centers remains restrained, which supports the level of prices, especially in the central areas.
  • Stability of rental rates
  • Office rents in Riga are expected to remain stable until the end of 2025, with possible minor adjustments depending on the economic situation and demand in key business zones.

Thus, the office real estate market in Riga continues to develop, remaining attractive to occupiers, especially in modern business centers and flexible office spaces.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/ohliad-ofisnoi-nerukhomosti-ryhy-vid-relocation/

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Spain’s economy grew by 0.8% in fourth quarter of 2024

The Spanish economy grew by 0.8% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the previous three months, according to the national statistics agency INE, which presented the final data. The figure coincided with the previous estimate and with the growth rate in the third quarter.

Consumer spending in Spain in October-December increased by 1% compared to the previous quarter, government spending increased by 0.3%, and business investment by 2.9%. Exports of goods and services increased by 0.1%, imports by 1.4%.

The industrial sector recorded an increase in production by 0.3%, the construction sector by 2.7%, and the services sector by 1%.

In annual terms, Spain’s GDP grew by 3.4%, while previously it was reported to have risen by 3.5%. At the end of 2024, according to the final data, the Spanish economy grew by 3.2%, this data was confirmed.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/spains-economy-grew-by-only-08/

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Analysis of the German residential real estate market in 2024

In 2024, the German residential real estate market faced a number of challenges, including falling prices, slowing construction and rising borrowing costs. Here are the key trends and forecasts for 2025, focusing on the country’s largest cities.

Decline in housing prices

In the first half of 2024, the average asking prices for new and existing apartments decreased by about 3.6% compared to the same period in 2023. This decline is less pronounced than in previous periods, when the drop reached 7.3% and 7.4%, respectively. The largest annual decline was recorded in Frankfurt am Main – by 6.5%, while in Hamburg the decline was only 0.6%.

The situation in major cities

Munich: The most expensive city in Germany with an average price of about 11,000 euros per square meter. In 2024, there was a 5.2% decline in prices for new buildings.

Berlin: The average housing price was around 7,920 euros per square meter.

Hamburg: A 5% decline in new construction prices, which is one of the smallest declines among major cities.

Frankfurt am Main: The largest year-on-year price decline of 6.5%.

Düsseldorf and Leipzig: On the contrary, these cities recorded an increase in prices for new buildings by 4.1% and 8.7%, respectively.

Housing shortage and construction activity

According to a study by the Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Spatial Research (BBSR), Germany needs to build 320,000 new apartments every year until 2030 to meet growing demand, boosted by the influx of immigrants from Ukraine and Syria. However, in 2024, only 216,000 apartments were authorized, the lowest number since 2010 and reflecting the real estate crisis.

Financial performance and investments

Germany’s largest real estate group, Vonovia, reported its third consecutive annual loss in 2024, amounting to EUR 962.3 million, due to significant write-downs in property values. Nevertheless, CEO Rolf Buch predicts a return to profitability in 2025, provided that real estate prices stabilize.

Forecast for 2025

German house prices are expected to grow by 3.5% in 2025, although there is a significant risk of weaker growth. The market continues to face difficulties due to high borrowing and construction costs. Rental growth is expected to exceed house price growth, making it difficult for potential buyers to save a down payment.

In general, the German residential real estate market in 2024 was characterized by declining prices and slowing construction activity. Forecasts for 2025 suggest a moderate increase in prices, but the market remains sensitive to economic and political factors.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/analysis-of-residential-real-estate-market-in-germany/

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“Nova Poshta” has opened its first stationary office in Utrecht (Netherlands)

“Nova Poshta, the largest logistics operator in Ukraine, has opened its first stationary branch in the Netherlands in Utrecht, and plans to open mini-branches in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam by the end of the year. “Nova Poshta entered the Dutch market in October 2024 by launching fast targeted delivery services. The company is currently expanding its customer experience and has opened its own branch in Utrecht,” the press service said in a statement on Monday.

According to it, the branch is located at Overvliet, 2 and is open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 20:00, and on Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00.

Customers can send and receive documents and parcels weighing up to 100 kg at the branch.

Delivery time from Ukraine to the Netherlands is 6 days or more.

“We always strive to provide choice and convenience for our customers. That is why, in addition to fast targeted delivery, we have opened a branch in Utrecht. We see a great interest in the services of Nova Poshta from local residents, so we plan to expand further by opening mini-branches in the largest cities of the country: Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam this year,” the press service quoted Anton Chernysh, CEO of Nova Post in the Netherlands, as saying.

It is noted that each parcel is insured at the company’s expense. In the event of damage or loss, Nova Poshta guarantees full reimbursement of the estimated cost of the shipment.

It is also reported that Nova Poshta customers can call a courier to any address in the Netherlands to pick up a paid and packaged shipment. This can be done through a multilingual website, personal account or mobile application available on Google Play and the Apple Store.

The company’s digital services also allow you to create invoices, find the nearest service points, find out their working hours, and track the parcel’s movement in real time. You can pay for delivery online, including through the IDEAL payment system.

The cost of delivery between European countries is determined by the weight of the parcel and the distance to the destination country. Tariffs can be found here: https://novaposhta.ua/delivery_to_Netherlands/.

Earlier it was reported that Nova Poshta has launched courier delivery in the Netherlands, and in the near future plans to open its own branches in Amsterdam and Utrecht.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/new-post-opens-first-stationary-office-in-utrecht-the-netherlands/

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First container of Serbian goods shipped to China

The first container of Serbian goods was shipped to China on Friday as part of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, according to the Serbian government website. The container contains products from local companies such as Pionir, Akov, Fruskogorski Vinograd, Vinarija Aleksić, Nutrino, Nash Med, Zarić Rakija, Budimka, and Damar. The transportation was organized by the Milšped company from Krnoševac, near Stara Pazova.

The Minister of Economy Adriana Mesarović noted that this is the result of the hard work of Serbian entrepreneurs, government agencies and Chinese partners, as well as confirmation of the “steel friendship” between China and Serbia. She emphasized that Chinese retailers, importers and distributors have expressed their willingness to accept Serbian products in a market of 1.4 billion consumers.

Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming said that thanks to the Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force on July 1, 2024, Serbia became China’s first partner in Central and Eastern Europe with such an agreement. He noted that since the agreement came into force, Serbia’s exports to China have increased by 53.7%, and more and more Serbian wines and dairy products are appearing on Chinese tables.

The free trade agreement covers 10,412 Serbian and 8,930 Chinese products. From the first day of application, 60% of the goods were exempted from duties, and over the next five to ten years, another 30% of products will be exempted from customs duties.

Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/633

 

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Latvian residential real estate market: results of 2024 and prospects for 2025

In 2024 , the Latvian residential real estate market showed moderate growth and stability despite global economic challenges.

In Riga, apartment prices increased by 5-7% year-on-year, while in other major cities, such as Daugavpils and Liepaja, the growth was around 3-4%.

Most transactions with new apartments in the capital were concluded in the price range of EUR 100,000 to 150,000, indicating a steady demand for mid-market housing.

Buyer preferences

In 2024, there was an increased interest in suburban real estate due to the changing preferences of buyers seeking more spacious and environmentally friendly housing.

However, the segment of new buildings saw a one-third decline in sales, while sales in the secondary market and in prefabricated buildings increased.

Impact of mortgage rates

The rise in mortgage interest rates due to the increase in the Euribor rate led to a decline in real estate activity. Many buyers have taken a wait-and-see attitude, waiting for lending conditions to stabilize.

Forecast for 2025

Experts expect the real estate market to revive in 2025. Lower interest rates and stabilization of the economic situation may stimulate demand for housing. The market is expected to become more dynamic, and buyers will be willing to invest in green architecture and energy-efficient housing.

However, the issue of prices will remain relevant, and buyers will have to choose between more spacious housing outside the city or smaller apartments in the center. All in all, 2025 promises to be a favorable year for the Latvian real estate market, with the possibility of increased activity and price stabilization.

Source: http://relocation.com.ua/analiz-rynku-zhytlovoi-nerukhomosti-la/

 

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