12.02.2026
What were the main business results for 2025?
The year 2025 was defined by strong business performance and a memorable milestone: the 20th anniversary of Wolf Theiss in Romania. This moment reflects two decades of sustained growth, client confidence, and consistent execution on complex mandates. Over the years, we have cultivated a solid reputation for high quality legal services, enduring client relationships, and a culture rooted in integrity and innovation. Our involvement in numerous high profile and sophisticated transactions highlights the trust placed in us by clients and peers alike, reaffirming our position as one of Romania’s leading business law firms.
Throughout 2025, we continued this upward trajectory by advising on major, high value deals and deepening long term client partnerships. Our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional service further strengthened our market standing. Looking ahead, our focus remains on consolidating this strong position and driving strategic growth in Romania and across the broader CEE/SEE region. We are committed to expanding our capabilities, strengthening cross-border collaboration, and investing in areas that will enable us to deliver even greater value to clients in the years ahead.
What are the company’s business targets and plans for 2026?
In 2026, our strategic priorities focus on enhancing efficiency, productivity, and overall competitiveness across all areas of our practice. We will continue to deliver legal services with a strong emphasis on client experience, ensuring deep alignment with business priorities and commercial realities. To support our clients in an evolving market, we will remain agile, constantly assessing the business landscape and proactively adapting to emerging challenges and opportunities. A key objective for 2026 is to further strengthen Bucharest’s role as a strategic hub for regional transactions and cross‑border collaboration, leveraging our expertise and network across the CEE/SEE region. At the same time, we remain committed to maintaining the high standards, professionalism, and client‑centric approach that define our Firm. Our overarching goal is to anticipate client needs, expand our capabilities, and continue building long‑term value for the businesses we support.
What economic pressures (e.g., inflation, interest rates, work force issues) or regulatory and fiscal changes do you anticipate impacting the market in 2026, and how is your company preparing for them?
Romania’s economy, much like those of many countries in the region, continues to face vulnerability from external macroeconomic pressures. The sharp rise in inflation experienced in the last years, driven primarily by higher energy and food prices, has placed noticeable financial strain on both consumers and businesses.
At the same time, ESG considerations are becoming increasingly central to business strategy. Companies must remain attentive to evolving regulatory requirements and rising consumer expectations related to environmental responsibility, sustainability practices, and sound governance. Another critical challenge for many organizations is attracting and retaining skilled talent. To remain competitive, businesses need to monitor workforce trends, invest in professional development, and cultivate a positive workplace culture that supports long-term employee engagement.
What do you see as the main risks for the Romanian real estate market in 2026? Where do you see the most attractive opportunities for growth in 2026?
As 2026 unfolds, the Romanian real estate market finds itself navigating a landscape shaped by uncertainty and transformation. The year begins under the shadow of macroeconomic and fiscal pressures: an environment where recent tax increases, including the VAT hike on new homes, continue to ripple through the sector. These shifts have tempered market sentiment, making homes less affordable for buyers and placing additional financial strain on developers. The result: a noticeable slowdown in transactions and a more cautious approach to new investments.
Compounding these challenges are elevated financing costs. Interest rates remain high, and access to lending is tighter than in previous years. Both developers and buyers are forced to rethink their strategies, carefully weighing where and when to commit capital.
At the same time, regulatory unpredictability adds another layer of complexity. Developers increasingly face delays in permitting and administrative approval processes – factors that can shift timelines, reshape budgets, and even reconsider the viability of certain projects. In this environment, long-term planning becomes a delicate exercise in flexibility and risk management.
The residential sector, once a consistent engine of growth, enters 2026 on a slower footing. Rising construction costs, additional taxation, and a more discerning buyer base contribute to a measured pace. Demand shifts toward newer, more efficient homes.
And hovering over all these dynamics is the influence of geopolitical uncertainty. Regional tensions and external shocks continue to shape investor confidence, affecting everything from cross border capital flows to development strategies.
In 2026, several areas of the Romanian real estate market stand out as particularly promising for investors and developers. One of the strongest opportunities lies in high quality, energy efficient residential projects. Demand for modern, sustainable homes remains robust, with buyers increasingly drawn to properties that offer predictable living costs, advanced technologies, and long term environmental performance. As a result, this segment is expected to show continued resilience and stable pricing. Another area with notable potential is the office sector, particularly within premium Class A buildings. With demand gradually stabilizing and new supply limited, investors anticipate further rental growth throughout the year. Well located, high specification office spaces are likely to remain attractive long term assets. The industrial and logistics market also continues to shine as one of the most stable and dynamic sectors.
Significant opportunities are also emerging beyond Bucharest, driven by major infrastructure improvements. The anticipated completion of up to 350 km of new highways and expressways in 2026 is set to open new development corridors, strengthen secondary cities, and diversify the geographic spread of real estate investment.
2026 is shaping up to be a year of selectivity, where well structured, strategically positioned projects are expected to outperform the market. Investors who focus on fundamentals – quality, sustainability, and disciplined capital allocation – will be best positioned to seize the most attractive opportunities as the market continues to evolve
Which players or strategies are going to be winners in 2026?
The Romanian real estate market in 2026 is expected to reward players who demonstrate strategic focus, invest in high quality assets, and embrace future oriented development strategies. Those who prioritize prime locations, sustainable practices, and strong execution capabilities are likely to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. Demand for new, energy efficient housing remains one of the most resilient segments. Buyers are becoming more discerning, gravitating toward projects that offer predictable living costs, sustainable design, and modern technological integrations. As a result, developers committed to ESG aligned standards are expected to be among the clear winners in 2026
At the same time, the complexity of legal, regulatory, and technical requirements continues to grow. Firms – whether law firms, consultants, or developers – that can seamlessly integrate expertise across M&A, finance, regulatory matters, and real estate will be best positioned to succeed in this more intricate environment.
