The place where Istropolis used to stand. (source: Jozef Jakubčo)
In recent years, the real estate market has experienced several shocks, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the increase in interest rates, energy crisis. All of these have had an influence on the office segment.
Some developers have decided that new projects are not worth it; there are also those who still believe in their potential. In this survey, they answered the following questions:
1 What do clients currently require when looking for an office space?
2 What trends can be expected in the coming period?
3 What are your plans for the coming months in terms of new projects?
The questions were answered by:
Juraj Nevolník, CEO of Penta Real Estate
Martin Marko, Immocap Sales Director
Michal Novomeský, Corwin Leasing Manager
Michaela Ochmanová, YIT Commercial Real Estate Manager
Marcel Sedlák, CEO of HB Reavis Investments
Roman Petro, Director of Operations at Reinoo
Róbert Tenczer, Director of Commercial Real Estate Leasing at JTRE
1 What do clients currently require when looking for an office space?
Juraj Nevolník: Quality spaces that also serve to attract new talent. There is also a demand for green and carbon-neutral buildings.
Martin Marko: Succeeding in the current situation means meeting one basic condition: offering flexible solutions not only in the availability of space, but also in relationships, contracts and the overall approach to partners. Conditions are frequently changing and times are hectic, so it is necessary to be flexible and build on long-term, mutually balanced relationships. The second important thing is energy efficiency solutions and the fulfillment of ESG goals. The Bratislava market is mainly occupied by international companies that must respect global regulations for their new premises.
Michal Novomeský: The idea that offices should be in the city centre is being shunned. According to our surveys carried out by the Ako agency, only 16.6 percent of people would like to work in the city centre. More than twice as many would prefer to work elsewhere. The most important parameters are accessibility by public transport, bicycle or on foot, and parking and restaurants in an area. With energy prices rising, energy efficiency and the technological sophistication of buildings are also gaining importance. A building with top sustainability certificates can also positively influence a company's image in the eyes of business partners and talent in the labour market.
