Romania's regional cities are rapidly emerging as prime locations for businesses looking to expand their footprint, offering competitive rents, modern office spaces, and a skilled workforce. Griffes, a prominent real estate consultancy, has demonstrated its leadership in this dynamic market, intermediating a substantial portion of office leases in 2025. This article delves into the key performance indicators and market insights that make these regional hubs attractive for your next business move.

 

A Strong Foothold in Regional Markets

 

In 2025, Griffes successfully intermediated leases for approximately 10,000 square meters (sqm) of office spaces across Romania's regional cities. This impressive volume represents about a quarter of the total market, estimated at nearly 42,000 sqm. Over the past two years, Griffes' cumulative activity in this segment has reached around 29,000 sqm, covering major hubs like Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Sibiu, and Craiova. These figures highlight Griffes' deep market expertise and strong relationships within the commercial real estate sector.

 

Cluj-Napoca: The Epicenter of Growth

 

Cluj-Napoca continues to be a magnet for businesses, concentrating approximately 90% of Griffes' regional volume. The city's vibrant tech scene and growing economy make it a top choice for companies seeking a strategic location. Notable transactions facilitated by Griffes include the significant expansion of a global GPS technology provider to over 11,000 sqm in the prestigious UBC Tower and UBC Riviera buildings. Griffes also assisted Copeland in securing new office space and managed contract renewals for MHP and a leading insurance player within the modern Record Park project.

The Cluj-Napoca office market recorded over 18,000 sqm of leases in 2025, boasting a modern office stock of about 350,000 sqm. With an average vacancy rate of just 5% and benchmark rents around 17 euro/sqm, Cluj-Napoca offers a highly competitive environment for businesses.

 

Expanding Opportunities in Iași and Timișoara

 

Beyond Cluj-Napoca, other regional cities present compelling opportunities for office space seekers. Griffes' activity extends to Iași and Timișoara, where market conditions are also favorable for growth.

 

Iași Market Overview

 

In Iași, leasing activity surpassed 6,000 sqm in 2025. The city features a substantial office stock of 290,000 sqm, with a vacancy rate of 15% and rental prices ranging between 14 and 16 euro/sqm. Iași’s rich academic environment and growing IT sector contribute to its appeal as a business destination.

 

Timișoara Market Overview

 

Timișoara saw over 14,000 sqm of office space leased, supported by a modern stock of 280,000 sqm. The city maintains a healthy vacancy rate of 13% and competitive rents of 14–15 euro/sqm. Timișoara’s strategic location and strong industrial base make it an attractive option for both national and international companies.

 

Future Outlook: New Developments on the Horizon

 

The regional office market is set for further expansion, with over 25,000 sqm of new office spaces currently under construction. These projects are slated for delivery in 2026 and 2027, promising even more options for businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in Romania's vibrant regional hubs. The sustained investment in new developments reflects the confidence in the long-term growth potential of these markets.

Source: forbes.ro