More supply and greater choice reshape Romania’s industrial & logistics market in 2026

Romania’s industrial and logistics market entered the second half of 2026 in a more balanced position, as a significant increase in new supply has brought more options to occupiers after two years of very limited availability.

According to CBRE Romania, the national vacancy rate reached 5.97% in Q2 2026, while in Bucharest it increased to 6.1%, equivalent to approximately 247,400 sqm of available modern stock. The shift gives companies looking for industrial or logistics space more flexibility in both selection and negotiations, although prime properties with modern specifications and direct access to the main logistics corridors remain highly competitive.

The change comes as approximately 653,000 sqm of new industrial and logistics space are expected to be delivered across Romania in 2026, almost twice the 342,000 sqm completed in 2025. Bucharest accounted for 79% of the new supply delivered during the first half of the year.

At the same time, demand remains robust. Approximately 458,000 sqm were transacted in H1 2026, including 14 transactions exceeding 10,000 sqm, confirming that leasing activity continues to be supported by operational requirements from occupiers.

A more balanced market, with stable rents

The increase in availability has not translated into downward pressure on headline rents. Prime asking rents remained stable at EUR 4.75/sqm/month, while the average rent reached EUR 4.35/sqm/month, up 2.4% year-on-year.

Pre-leasing also continues to play an important role in the market, accounting for 39% of total take-up in H1 2026. However, its share declined from the exceptional 61% recorded in Q1, as the larger volume of completed space gives occupiers more opportunities to select units that are immediately available.

For companies planning a relocation, consolidation or expansion, the result is a different decision-making environment compared with 2023 and 2024, when vacancy rates below 4% significantly limited the number of suitable alternatives.

In Bucharest, modern vacant stock now totals approximately 247,400 sqm out of a stock of 4.07 million sqm. This creates a broader selection for occupiers, but the level of choice differs considerably between submarkets and building types. Modern prime facilities with strong technical specifications and access to the A1, A2 and A0 corridors continue to attract demand quickly, while older properties and locations in secondary submarkets can offer occupiers greater availability and more favourable commercial conditions.

A0 is changing Bucharest’s logistics map

Infrastructure is increasingly influencing the development of Bucharest-Ilfov’s logistics submarkets.

The 51-kilometre southern section of the A0 motorway, operational since July 2025, is improving connectivity around the capital and opening new development opportunities in areas of Ilfov that previously played a more limited role in the logistics market.

While the A1 corridor in western Bucharest continues to concentrate the largest share of modern logistics stock, new infrastructure is gradually improving the competitiveness of southern and eastern locations.

For occupiers, however, choosing between A1, A2, A0 and other submarkets requires more than comparing the distance to Bucharest. Actual transit times, access restrictions for heavy vehicles, employee accessibility, the available labour pool and proximity to customs infrastructure can all have a greater long-term operational impact than the headline rent alone.

The cost of occupancy goes beyond rent

With more properties available, CBRE Romania highlights the importance of evaluating the Total Cost of Occupancy rather than focusing exclusively on the monthly rent.

Technical specifications can directly affect productivity, energy consumption and operating costs throughout the lease period. Among the factors that occupiers should assess are clear heights of 10-12 metres, sufficient installed electrical capacity and upgrade options, loading-dock and yard configuration, as well as the building’s ability to support photovoltaic installations.

ESG performance is also becoming increasingly relevant. Certifications such as BREEAM or LEED, LED lighting, consumption monitoring and energy-efficient systems can influence operating costs over the duration of a lease.

Contractual flexibility represents another important consideration, particularly for companies whose space requirements may change. Expansion rights, partial subletting options and termination clauses can significantly affect the long-term suitability of a property.

More choice makes market intelligence more important

The industrial and logistics market in Bucharest-Ilfov is entering a new phase: supply is increasing and rents remain stable, while the A0 motorway is changing the balance between established and emerging logistics locations.

This gives occupiers greater flexibility, but also makes comparisons between available alternatives more complex.

The decision is therefore increasingly about identifying the location and building that best support a company’s operations over the entire lease period — taking into account connectivity, technical specifications, workforce access and total occupancy costs alongside rent.

CBRE Romania’s Industrial & Logistics team combines current market data with an analysis of each occupier’s operational requirements to support companies in evaluating these variables and identifying the most suitable location and property strategy.