BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

Shaping a New Era of Development in Southeast Europe

50+20: Hercesa’s double anniversary in 2025
50+20: Hercesa’s double anniversary in 2025 800 600 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

On Thursday evening, October 16, 2025, Hercesa celebrated in Bucharest, alongside 350 guests, two major milestones in its history: the 50th anniversary of the Hercesa Group and two decades of development on the Romanian market.

People always at the center. This has been the guiding belief of Hercesa Inmobiliaria since its foundation in 1975 by Juan José Cercadillo Garcia, President of the Group. It was also the key message that emerged from the first part of the anniversary event, highlighted through speeches by the company’s founder; His Excellency José Antonio Hernández Pérez-Solórzano, Ambassador of Spain to Romania and the Republic of Moldova; Alejandro Solano, General Director of Hercesa Internacional; Romeo Ghica, Operations Manager of Hercesa Romania and Mirela Cojocaru, General Manager of Hotel Cișmigiu.

“This event not only commemorates years of effort, innovation, and entrepreneurial commitment, but also symbolizes the strong economic ties that unite Spain and Romania”, said H.E. José Antonio Hernández Pérez-Solórzano. “Spanish companies have invested in this country not only because of its economic potential but also due to the quality of its human capital, its strategic position in Europe and the deep connection with Spain.”

Spanish investments in Romania exceeded two billion euros until 2024. Among the 1,000 Spanish companies active in the country is Hercesa Romania, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, marking its first acquisition in 2004, the historic Hotel Cișmigiu.

“It’s only natural to look back and think about everything we’ve achieved since February 2004, when Juan José Cercadillo and my father, Javier Solano, made their first visit to Bucharest. During that trip, they knew they would return”, shared Alejandro Solano, General Director of Hercesa Internacional. “Shortly after, we acquired Hotel Cișmigiu. Many milestones followed: the groundbreaking of the Vivenda Residencias project in 2007, the delivery of the first homes in 2009, the real estate crisis, the reopening of  Hotel Cișmigiu in 2012, the launch of Stellaris Residencias in 2021, and Vivenda Prime in 2025. And we continue: we have land to develop over 3,000 new homes in Bucharest and remain firmly committed to this country, its people and its development.”

HERCESA IN NUMBERS

  • 50 million square meters of land under management
  • 30,000 homes delivered
  • 1,200 homes in Romania
  • 500 professionals within the group

Sema Real Estate officially enters the residential market with Sema Home
Sema Real Estate officially enters the residential market with Sema Home 800 448 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

Sema Real Estate, one of the largest Romanian-capital real estate developers in the country, announces the launch of the pre-sales process for the residential units in the first phase of the Sema Home project.

Located in the central-western area of Bucharest, Sema Home is the company’s first residential development and an integral part of Sema Parc, the most extensive urban regeneration project currently underway in the Capital.

The investment planned for this first development phase amounts to nearly €55 million and includes over 300 modern, energy-efficient apartments, designed to support a sustainable and balanced urban lifestyle.

“With the launch of Sema Home, we are opening a new chapter in the evolution of the Sema Parc development while officially entering the residential market with an integrated concept tailored to the real needs of today’s urban communities. Sema Home strikes a balance between premium standards and accessibility, setting a new benchmark for urban living in Bucharest, where quality, sustainability, and connectivity are key priorities,”
said Lucian Grosaru, CEO of Sema Real Estate.

Drawing inspiration from the “15-minute city” concept, already adopted in several European capitals and major cities, Sema Home ensures immediate access to all essential amenities: shops, offices, medical clinics, restaurants, schools, green spaces, and leisure options, all within walking distance or close to public transportation.

Petrache Poenaru metro station is just minutes away, and the project benefits from direct connections to major city arteries, offering a significant urban mobility advantage.

The first phase of the development includes a five-staircase residential building comprising 301 apartments, each designed with up to 20% more space than the market average. Every bedroom will feature an en-suite bathroom, a rare element in the standard residential segment.

The apartments will be equipped with underfloor heating, LG multisplit air conditioning systems, and Smart Home technologies for intelligent control over comfort, energy efficiency, and safety. Beyond its modern amenities, the project integrates international sustainability benchmarks, holding a BREEAM Excellent certification from the design phase. All buildings are constructed as NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Buildings), in line with EU directives on energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources.

With a future-oriented approach, Sema Home introduces to the Romanian real estate market a European model of residential development, combining smart investment, true sustainability, and integrated urban comfort in a neighborhood that is already shaping its identity through cohesion, infrastructure, and long-term vision.

Sema Home is being developed on the site of the former Semănătoarea industrial platform, a space that has been transformed into a modern urban hub with mixed-use functions. The project is part of a masterplan covering over 41 hectares, which is redefining this area of the city and positioning it as one of the most attractive zones for living and investment in Bucharest.

BREC OMNICHANNEL CONFERENCE: Retail and Logistics Deliveries Exceed 330,000 sqm for Q1-Q3 25
BREC OMNICHANNEL CONFERENCE: Retail and Logistics Deliveries Exceed 330,000 sqm for Q1-Q3 25 901 600 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

Retail and logistics deliveries totalled 339,600 sqm in the first three quarters of 2025, according to data presented by iO Partners during the Omnichannel Conference held  in Bucharest.

In the retail market, total deliveries reached 148,000 sqm in the first nine months. The largest projects were Mall Moldova in Iași (62,000 sqm, extension), Agora Mall in Arad (36,000 sqm, reopening after renovation), and Iulius Mall Suceava (14,500 sqm, extension).

Romania continues to attract new international brands in fashion, sports, and fast food, despite a period of cautious consumer spending. Recent market entries include Wendy’s, Funky Buddha, Sports Direct, and Action.

The retail portfolio of CPI Romania, comprising 250,000 sqm across Bucharest, Constanța, Cluj-Napoca, Pitești, Baia Mare, Iași, and Botoșani, continues to perform strongly with an occupancy rate of 98%. This result reflects the owner’s strategic investments in modernizing the shopping centres and attracting leading international brands. In September, Primark opened a new 5,000 sqm store at VIVO! Cluj-Napoca, with a 3,700 sqm retail area spread over two floors.

In Bucharest, Calea Victoriei has become over the years the city’s luxury retail hotspot, home to brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, and Max Mara. A milestone for the area’s development will be the opening of H Știrbei Palace, owned by Hagag Development Europe, scheduled for the end of this year. The investor will launch Romania’s first department store, featuring collections from Dior, Saint Laurent, Valentino Garavani, Celine, Loewe, Dolce & Gabbana, Santoni, Roger Vivier, Amina Muaddi, Rene Caovilla, Jimmy Choo, Moncler, and other prestigious brands.

Prime retail rents are on an upward trend, driven by strong demand and low vacancy rates. In Bucharest, rents have reached €85/sqm/month, while in Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Iași, they range between €55–65/sqm/month. The stock of modern retail spaces currently stands at 1,253,000 sqm in Bucharest, 240,000 sqm in Timișoara, 237,000 sqm in Iași, and 158,000 sqm in Cluj-Napoca.

In the logistics and industrial parks sector, total deliveries reached 191,600 sqm in the first nine months of the year. The Top 10 leasing transactions accounted for 284,800 sqm, with 41% of tenants coming from the retail and consumer goods industries.

VGP’s Romanian portfolio has surpassed 420,000 sqm of gross lettable area this year, with properties in Bucharest, Brașov, Sibiu, Timișoara, and Arad. One of the year’s highlights was the opening of VAT Group’s global production center in Arad—the company’s third facility worldwide, after Switzerland and Malaysia. VGP currently has 160,000 sqm under development, scheduled for completion in Q1 2026, when the Romanian portfolio will exceed 600,000 sqm.

Logicor is a leading owner, manager, and developer of European logistics real estate. Its portfolio spans over 19 million sqm of warehouse space in key transportation hubs and near major population centres, supporting over 2,200 customers. The company’s strategy focuses on expanding its presence in high-demand and strategic European markets. In Romania, this means a continued emphasis on Bucharest, where it holds the largest footprint, with over 250,000 sqm of a total portfolio exceeding 330,000 sqm of Class A warehouse space. The total value of its current portfolio in Romania exceeds EUR 220 million.

HILS Development completes full sale of HILS Brauner, strengthening its presence in Bucharest’s Eastern Area
HILS Development completes full sale of HILS Brauner, strengthening its presence in Bucharest’s Eastern Area 800 600 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

HILS Development, a leading company in residential and mixed-use developments in Bucharest, announces the complete sale of the HILS Brauner residential complex, located in the eastern part of the city, in the Theodor Pallady – Victor Brauner area. Featuring 8 buildings, 1,336 apartments, and over 2,500 residents, the project has become a new landmark for modern urban living in the Romanian capital.

With this milestone, the company now counts three fully sold residential developments – HILS Pallady, HILS Splai, and HILS Brauner – totaling over 3,300 apartments in Bucharest’s eastern area.

“HILS Brauner confirms that when you build responsibly, results follow naturally. We designed this project for a generation that values comfort, proximity, and balance, and the sales pace clearly reflects that these values resonate with our buyers. HILS Brauner is a place where people can truly live well, not just reside. Every apartment, green space, and accessibility feature was designed with everyday life in mind. The fact that the project is now completely sold motivates us to continue investing in Bucharest’s eastern districts and to create increasingly connected and sustainable communities,” said Bogdan Bălașa, General Manager, HILS Development.

The development of HILS Brauner has visibly contributed to the transformation of the Pallady – Victor Brauner area. New retail and service investments have emerged around the complex, infrastructure and utilities have been upgraded, and today the area is among the most dynamic in Bucharest’s east.

The complex stands out for its efficient layouts, generous green spaces spanning over 8,500 sqm, playgrounds, relaxation areas, a football field, a coffee shop at the entrance, and an 8-level parking facility offering 1,363 parking spaces for residents and visitors. Strategically located just 600 meters from the Nicolae Teclu metro station, HILS Brauner provides easy access to public transport, shopping areas, and educational facilities, including the upcoming Victor Brauner Educational Complex, opening in 2025, with capacity for 450 students.

Long-Term Vision: Urban Regeneration and Sustainability

HILS Brauner joins the strong portfolio of HILS Development alongside HILS Pallady, HILS Splai, HILS Titanium, HILS Sunrise, and HILS Republica—projects that collectively contribute to transforming Bucharest’s eastern area into a modern, well-connected, and sustainable residential zone.

Currently, HILS Titanium is in its second development phase, featuring over 10,000 sqm of green areas and modern comfort solutions, while HILS Sunrise marks a first for the eastern part of Bucharest as the first pre-certified Green Homes residential complex in the area. Meanwhile, HILS Republica stands as the largest urban regeneration and mixed-use development project in Bucharest’s east, setting a benchmark for the company’s future investments.

Building two schools that will cater to over 1,000 children and infrastructure development in Sector 2 of Bucharest, with a total investment of EUR 27 million
Building two schools that will cater to over 1,000 children and infrastructure development in Sector 2 of Bucharest, with a total investment of EUR 27 million 971 600 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

One United Properties, the leading green investor and developer of residential, mixed-use, and office real estate in Romania, continues its development plans in Sector 2 of Bucharest with significant investments in infrastructure and educational facilities that will serve the entire local community. The company has started construction work on two schools based on the Romanian curriculum, located within the One Academy Club and One Lake District developments, which will accommodate over 1,000 children. These schools are benefiting from an investment of approximately EUR 19 million. The developer has also already identified land for the expansion of both schools, so that in the future they will be able to accommodate an additional 1,000 students, reaching a total capacity of 2,000 students.

The construction of these educational facilities in an area undergoing rapid urban development is part of the company’s urban responsibility strategy, aimed at having a positive impact on the city. The One Academy Club development will include a school and kindergarten, for which the developer will allocate an investment of approximately EUR 12 million. This educational facility will serve preschool, primary, and secondary school students, with a total capacity of 714 students. It will also offer facilities such as a gym, after-school program, cafeteria, library, outdoor sports field, laboratory, and medical offices. The school will operate in a building with an area of 7,695 square meters, another 2,491 square meters will be allocated for the kindergarten, and the sports hall will cover 1,271 square meters.

The school, located within the One Academy Club development near Lake Tei, will run programs in collaboration with the Sfânta Tecla Foundation to get involved in charitable initiatives and support the association’s projects, which aim to improve the quality of life and provide essential resources for children and families in need. Alongside Adrian Ciorobea and Virginica Dumitrescu, the main sponsors, One United Properties is the third sponsor of the Sfânta Tecla settlement. The programs of the settlement are designed to be a support for the community, whether through assistance to vulnerable families, support for young people in their education, or social integration projects. The collaboration between the school and the association aims to support community activities in the area, set up creative and educational workshops, and get involved in charity projects.

In addition, One United Properties has also invested in the infrastructure of this area, with the purpose of supporting mobility and facilitating a quality life for future communities. Thus, an investment of EUR 6 million, carried out by the company together with other real estate developers present in this area, was allocated for the construction of 3.5 kilometres of new roads, with completion estimated for the end of this year. These include branches that will connect the developments in the Fabrica de Glucoză area and the future educational facility. All works are being carried out in accordance with the CTC and Traffic Police approvals, and the new streets are intended to reduce traffic pressure on Șos. Fabrica de Glucoză, by redistributing it to secondary roads and providing direct access to Șos. Petricani, as well as increasing accessibility to residential projects and the educational facility.

”One United Properties believes that smart urban development means more than just modern architecture and energy-efficient buildings. It means providing people with access to essential infrastructure and services that are part of their everyday lives. Our investments in educational facilities and road infrastructure are an expression of a responsibility that we take seriously: to build functional and sustainable communities where future residents can enjoy a high quality of life in a well-connected and complete neighbourhood”, said Andrei Diaconescu, co-founder and co-CEO of One United Properties.

The second educational facility built by the company in Sector 2 is located within the One Lake District development, on the shores of Lake Plumbuita. This facility benefits from an investment of approximately EUR 7 million and includes a school and nursery, serving preschool, primary, and secondary education and is designed for a total of 330 students. Related services include a sports field, medical offices, administrative spaces, etc.

One United Properties is also investing EUR 2 million to create the road infrastructure needed to provide access and ease traffic flow in this area. A 5-lane road with traffic lights, connected to Gherghiței Street, will facilitate access to the development. This will be complemented by two other access roads connected to Intr. Gherghiței: a 3-lane access road leading to the Lidl supermarket and another 2-lane road leading to the McDonald’s restaurant. These investments also include a promenade open to the public, along Lake Plumbuita. The promenade will be at least 6 m wide, with a developed area of 600 sqm and 4,500 sqm of green space, equipped with rest and socializing areas, vegetation zones, and landscape observation points.

BREC Residential Conference: 43% increase in prices for new apartments in Bucharest in the last two years
BREC Residential Conference: 43% increase in prices for new apartments in Bucharest in the last two years 900 600 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

18.09.2025

Prices for new housing units continue to increase in Bucharest, with data for H1 showing a 43% increase compared to the same period in 2023, respectively 14% compared to the previous year, according to an Imobiliare.ro analysis presented at the BREC RESIDENTIAL CONFERENCE event, organized on 18th of September by BREC.

The data reflects the strong discrepancy between the solid demand in the city with the highest salaries in Romania and the new supply, which has been continuously decreasing in recent years. “The quality of life in Bucharest is closely linked to access to new housing, with affordable prices and a diversified offer, in areas with modern infrastructure. We are relaunching a call for dialogue with local authorities regarding the regulation of real estate development in Bucharest, as well as harmonization with Ilfov County,” says Despina Ponomarenco, President of BREC.

The VAT increase brought new price increases. “The average price per usable square meter reached 2,258 Euros in July, respectively 2,284 Euros in August for Bucharest. The capital is ahead at the national level of cities such as Cluj-Napoca and Brașov, where the average prices for new housing are 3,139 Euros/square meter, respectively Brașov with 2,538 Euros/square meter,” says Răzvan Ionescu, CCO, Imobiliare.ro. He mentions that the price level increases significantly when we talk about well-developed areas. A new apartment, located semi-centrally, 15 minutes walk from a metro station, is traded on average for 2,600 Euro/sq m in Bucharest.

Investors present at the conference reconfirmed the opportunities that Bucharest has, but at the same time they are also looking at other cities in Romania.

Hagag Development Europe, an investor recognized for its appetite for consolidating and modernizing heritage buildings, continues to invest in residential projects in Bucharest and the metropolitan area: H East Residence and H Pipera Lake. At the same time, the investor announced that it is determined to turn its attention to other cities, considering Brașov, Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara.

AFI Romania, part of the AFI group, launched this year AFI Home North, its first Build to Rent project in Romania, in the business area of ​​Bucharest. “We are delighted with the evolution of the project and the way it was received by the market, reaching an occupancy rate of 70% in just a few months. We continue in 2026 with the second building, with 164 apartments, on Dimitrie Pompeiu Boulevard 5E, and we are expanding the concept to other areas of the Capital, namely Cotroceni,” says Luciana Giurea – Roșca, Head of Residential, AFI Romania.

In the first half of 2025 HILS Development accelerated the delivery of apartments from projects under construction and announced the full sale of apartments from the HILS Pallady and HILS Splai projects.  “Following the developments in the East part of the city, we are targeting new areas for expansion and our first project to be soon launched is in Pipera”, said, at the BREC event, Andrei Ciobotaru, the company’s Business Development Manager.

Veolia România, through its local ecosystem of companies, follows an approach that focuses on reducing carbon footprints, reusing resources and minimizing their usage and consumption, and enhancing cost efficiency. The GeoExchange solution can enable real estate developers to achieve stringent ESG benchmarks and attract green financing. Anca Călimăneanu, Project Manager, Energy Efficiency, Veolia Romania: “The solution harnesses shallow – ground geothermal energy in conjunction with high-efficiency heat pumps to provide heating*, cooling and domestic hot water, significantly lowering CO2 emissions, often up to 90% compared to conventional systems.”

InteRo Property Development, a family office focused on real estate development, is working on large residential investments, such as SkyLight Residence, Pajurei 3 Residence or SunLight Residence. The major urban regeneration development near Obor, on the former Aversa platform, – SkyLight Residence- involves the complete revitalization of the neighbourhood. “We see a more educated client, paying attention to an increasing number of criteria when choosing a new home” said Alexandra Dumitrescu, Sales Manager, during the BREC event.

Meet our members: BREC talks to Ibrahim Bahbahani, BHB Properties
Meet our members: BREC talks to Ibrahim Bahbahani, BHB Properties 798 600 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

 03.09.2025

Ibrahim Bahbahani, Founder BHB Properties

What is the status of the projects developed by BHB Properties, what phases are you in? What was the investment in your projects and what are your future investment plans?

BHB Properties has officially completed BHB Avenue, a landmark of contemporary elegance and architectural distinction in the North of Bucharest. Delivered ahead of schedule, this €35 million development redefines upscale urban living, offering future residents a fully finalized, refined residential experience. Unit handovers begin this summer, ushering in a new standard of excellence.

Next, we turn our vision to BHB Eden. A €110 million large-scale premium project set nearby, featuring over 450 residences. Currently in pre-development, BHB Eden is designed as an immersive lifestyle destination, with phased deliveries set to begin in Q2 2027. More than a residence, it will define what high-end design, ultimate lifestyle, and lasting value really means.

What is your strategy for managing cost inflation and ensuring on-time delivery?

We follow a hotel-style efficiency model – elegant, streamlined, and optimized from concept to completion. Through early procurement, long-term partnerships, and a hands-on supervision model, we’ve managed to deliver BHB Avenue ahead of schedule while preserving impeccable quality.

Moreover, our in-house research team continuously develops new strategies to optimize long-term operational costs for our future residents, reinforcing our long-term commitment to sustainability and client satisfaction.

Could you tell us more about the smart-home technologies and EV infrastructure from BHB Properties projects?

BHB Avenue has been meticulously outfitted with next-generation smart-home technology, tailored for effortless modern living. Each residence features app-controlled climate systems, intuitive video intercoms, and discreet, energy-efficient lighting. Every underground parking space is fully EV-ready, with all units pre-equipped for seamless charger installation – no structural adjustments required.

BHB Eden will elevate this vision even further, introducing a curated suite of IoT-enabled experiences, personalized sustainability dashboards, and thoughtfully integrated tech amenities designed to enhance daily life across the entire community.

What sustainability standards are you applying in BHB Eden and future regional projects?

Sustainability is not a feature – it’s a foundation of our philosophy. At BHB Eden and in all upcoming regional developments, we align with the most rigorous European standards, including full compliance with EU Taxonomy guidelines and BREEAM certification objectives. Our approach blends environmental responsibility with architectural excellence: recycled and locally-sourced materials, enhanced thermal insulation, and water-efficient fixtures are seamlessly integrated into the design.

The heat is on: Working on the future of home comfort
The heat is on: Working on the future of home comfort 900 600 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

A recent report by the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) underscored this shift: Europe faces a growing “cooling gap” – a mismatch between rising demand for cooling and the infrastructure currently in place to deliver it. As temperatures climb and energy regulations tighten, both the HVAC industry and homeowners are being urged to adapt. But adaptation isn’t only a matter of comfort – it’s also one of climate responsibility.

This is where innovation comes into play. For forward-thinking manufacturers and solution providers, the challenge of smart heating and cooling solutions is becoming a catalyst for progress. Residential solutions – especially heat pumps and air conditioners – play an important role in achieving EU’s decarbonization goals. And with new legislation coming into effect, the time to act is now. (source: www:climate.ec.europa.eu)

The role of regulation – A catalyst for cleaner solutions

In March 2024, the EU’s revised F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 came into effect, aiming to control the emissions of F-gases used as refrigerants to reduce their impact on global warming. The revision brings new rules, including future bans on certain types of f-gases in products and a quota system to limit the total amount of f-gases placed on the market in Europe. Due to these changes, the industry will, in the coming years, invest in new technologies to use refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential (GWP).

“Samsung is contributing to the F-gas Quota transition towards lower GWP refrigerants, such as R32 and R290, and will continue to invest in alternatives,” says Roxana Răducanu, Head of Division at Samsung Climate Solutions, for Romania and Bulgaria. “A striking example of our dedication to designing advanced heating and cooling systems that adapt to the evolving industry needs are Samsung’s DVM and the EHS indoor and outdoor units. By introducing these new products, Samsung is positioned to comply with future European regulations and support the goals of the European ‘Fit for 55’ package and the targets set under the Montreal Protocol.”

To zoom in a bit further, Samsung recently introduced the DVM S Mini R32 outdoor unit. The unit is equipped with R32 refrigerant, which has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to the previous refrigerant R410A. The EHS Mono R290 takes it one step further with the R290 refrigerant having an even lower GWP, without requiring additional investments to improve the thermal isolation.

Seamless setup, quiet operation, aesthetic appeal

Attention is paid to both homeowners and installers as the units are in general easy to handle as well as simple to install, service and maintain. For example, the EHS Mono R290 has a side-panel for easy access to internal components, which helps to save time during installation, maintenance and servicing procedures. Moreover, the DVM S Mini R32 integrates the latest technologies like IoT and several AI functionalities. Supporting streamlined installations, optimized energy monitoring, all while maintaining a comprehensive oversight of integrated systems.

That’s not all, most of the systems are also known for their quiet operation. The DVM S Mini R32 includes Silent Mode, a sound absorbing technology to reduce noise distractions. Also, Samsung’s EHS Mono HT Quiet and the EHS Mono R290 operate at noise levels as low as 35 dB(A) sound pressure using a 4-step Quiet Mode. These heat pump’s outdoor units feature a double-layered, sound insulation system fitted with a patented Groove Grid Felt design, which effectively blocks and absorbs noise produced by compression parts and vibrations.

Of course, appearance does matter as well, and design plays an important role within Samsung. The EHS Mono R290 and the EHS Mono HT Quiet seamlessly blend into any building’s exterior and are available in a dark grey color which complements the current trend of modern building exteriors. The EHS Mono HT Quiet even received an iF Design award during ISH (2025).

Recently, two new additions to the EHS heat pump line-up have been revealed: the EHS ClimateHub and EHS Hydro Unit, solutions for heating and domestic hot water for residential homes. Both with a compact design, making them an easy fit for a variety of spaces, and its greige color is modern, blending in well in most household interiors.

Compatibility, usability and optimized energy control

The EHS ClimateHub and Hydro Unit can be connected to Samsung outdoor units, always creating the right fit for different residential needs. Both ClimateHub and Hydro Unit connected to the EHS outdoor units offer improved dependability for heating and domestic hot water requirements. On top of that, the renewed ClimateHub could improve energy efficiency compared to previous models due to the increase of the overall heat transfer area by 23% and the domestic hot water efficiency has increased from 115% to 148%, due to the triple insulation – a welcome benefit for users.

In addition to improved dependability, the ClimateHub and Hydro Unit also offer improved interaction. Firstly, AI Home features a user-friendly interface, that supports multiple languages and presents information through the intuitive layout on the 7″ display. Users can scan a QR-code to download and open the user manual in several languages on their smartphone.

AI Home offers users a sophisticated smart home control experience with real-time updates on energy usage on the detachable 7″ display. Schedules can be easily adapted, and temperatures adjusted to suit outside weather conditions.

Advanced technologies for a comfortable home

For optimal home comfort, but also out of necessity due to rising temperatures, keeping homes and buildings cool becomes more and more important. That is why air conditioning is an essential feature of any well-equipped, comfortable home. The 2025 line-up of Samsung residential air conditioners has recently been revealed. The line-up incorporates advanced technologies to cater to the diverse needs of modern living and improves indoor air quality.

One of the top-selling models is the Samsung WindFree™. The WindFree™ Cooling mode helps to keep the room comfortably cool as it cools gently and quietly. It disperses air through 23,000 micro-holes preventing cold drafts. This results in a ‘Still Air’ environment with a low air speed and limited noise. The advanced airflow structure of this mode evenly cools wider and larger areas.

With the SmartThings App, users can adjust and control their air conditioner even when they are not at home. By activating the app on a smart device, users can turn the air conditioner on or off, select the cooling mode, schedule their air conditioner’s operation and monitor power consumption.

The line-up is further equipped with AI Auto Comfort, introducing residents to the experience of intelligent climate control. To simplify climate control, it automatically optimizes the various modes by analyzing room conditions and usage patterns. Based on the user’s preferred indoor temperature, the unit automatically switches to the most appropriate cooling and heating mode to maintain optimal and comfortable room conditions. This includes WindFree™, Fast and Normal Cooling. The product is compatible with Bixby 2.0, allowing users to give voice commands to adjust indoor conditions accordingly.

PUZ approval decisions are normative administrative acts, says the High Court of Cassation and Justice
PUZ approval decisions are normative administrative acts, says the High Court of Cassation and Justice 565 600 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

On June 28, 2021, the High Court of Cassation and Justice issued Decision No. 12/2021 in a case of appeal in the interest of the law (RIL), clarifying the legal nature of local council decisions approving Zonal Urban Plans (PUZ). The legal issue was whether these decisions constitute administrative acts of an individual or normative nature. The Court ruled that PUZ approval decisions are normative administrative acts, even when initiated by private individuals or legal entities for specific projects.

This classification has several significant legal implications, including:

  1. Normative acts enter into force upon publication, not upon communication to a specific individual.
  2. Unlike individual administrative acts, normative ones cannot be challenged through the exception of illegality in other proceedings. Legal control is exercised only through a direct action for annulment, in accordance with Law No. 554/2004 on administrative litigation.
  3. Although Law No. 554/2004 expressly provides that normative acts may be challenged at any time, in the case of PUZs, Law No. 350/2001 on territorial planning and urbanism, as amended by Law No. 151/2019, imposes a five-year statute of limitations from the date of PUZ approval for initiating annulment proceedings.

Individuals harmed by the content of a PUZ find themselves in a legally complex situation. The correlation between Decision No. 12/2021 of the High Court and Law No. 350/2001, as amended by Law No. 151/2019, leads to the conclusion that such individuals may challenge the PUZ only within five years of its approval. Moreover, they can no longer invoke the exception of illegality in related litigation, even though this exception is generally imprescriptible, precisely because the High Court has classified PUZs as normative administrative acts.

Therefore, although Decision No. 12/2021 brings clarity to a field marked by inconsistent judicial practice by expressly classifying PUZs as normative administrative acts, interested parties must be aware of the five-year statute of limitations, which restricts the seemingly perpetual challengeability of these acts—a fundamental characteristic of normative administrative acts.

Proposal for Legislative Amendment

Given the classification of PUZs as normative administrative acts and the express legal provision of a five-year statute of limitations for challenging them in administrative litigation, it would be advisable, de lege ferenda, to amend Law No. 554/2004 on administrative litigation to allow the exception of illegality to be admissible for normative administrative acts for which a special law provides an express statute of limitations—such as in the case of PUZs. This amendment would enable continuous legal oversight of normative acts that produce long-term legal effects and impact an unlimited number of individuals, ensuring the protection of fundamental rights of citizens affected by PUZ provisions. Such a change would represent a significant step toward strengthening legal control over normative acts with broad and lasting effects.

KORAMIC REAL ESTATE set to further invest 30 Million EUR in two residential projects
KORAMIC REAL ESTATE set to further invest 30 Million EUR in two residential projects 546 600 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

Koramic Real Estate Romania, the local division of Belgian investor Koramic Investments, with a history of over 140 years and assets under management of more that 1 billion Euro, announces total investments of 30 million Euro on the medium term, for two new residential projects in Romania.

“We have two new projects under development: Sunrise Homes, a collection of 82 premium residential units located in Pipera area, and the second phase of Sunset Lake Homes, comprising 18 high-end villas  on the shore of Straulesti Lake”, explains Alper Cetinoglu, CEO, Koramic Real Estate Romania, adding: “The potential of Bucharest residential market remains high as almost 20% of the country’s employees reside here, while the medium income is 25% higher than the national average. Full Schengen access doubled by the progress of infrastructure works add on this potential, with numerous opportunities on both medium and long term.”

Koramic Romania is part of Koramic Investments, a Belgian-based family office launched in 1883, which is owned by Christian Dumolin. Koramic Investments, a leading investor and developer, has a focus on office buildings, as well as industrial and residential real estate. Besides Belgium, the investor is also present in Germany, Poland and Romania.

Koramic Investments’ portfolio resulted from a diversity of investments made by Christian Dumolin over a long period of time during his time at Dakpannenfabriek Koramic, Terca, and later Wienerberger and following his exit in 2003. Now, 20 years later, the group has undergone a transformation into a family office with distinct focus and management of its different portfolios. The total asset base grew from 1.1 billion Euro to 1.4 billion Euro over the last four years, mainly due to growth in real estate. Total equity grew from 540 million Euro to almost 700 million Euro over the same period.

In Romania, the investor finalized in 2023 the first phase of Sunset Lake Homes, a boutique residential condominium, made up of three low-rise buildings, on the shore of Straulesti Lake. Starting 2025, the company’s investments are increasing to showcase Koramic’s heritage and experience, with the purpose of providing quality housing and raising the bar on the local market.

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