one united properties

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.

DP World Romania opens a new branch at One Cotroceni Park

DP World Romania opens a new branch at One Cotroceni Park 812 600 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB


DP World Romania opens a new branch at One Cotroceni Park

23.05.2024

One United Properties announces that DP World Romania, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, is expanding its business operations within Romania and is opening an office at One Cotroceni Park. The new lease agreement followed an efficient real estate process led by CBRE Romania and spans a term of 10 years, covering a surface area of 700 sqm.

In Romania, DP World started its operations in 2004 with the most important container terminal in the Black Sea. Opening an office in One Cotroceni Park is a move driven by the expansion of the logistics activity in Romania, marked by opening of a new freight forwarding branch in Bucharest.

Mihai Păduroiu

CEO Office Division, One United Properties

“We are thrilled to welcome DP World to One Cotroceni Park. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing world-class, sustainable work environments that cater to the evolving needs of modern businesses. We believe that our innovative approach and prime location will greatly support DP World’s expansion and success”.

One Cotroceni Park is recognized as a landmark office hub with a remarkable commitment to sustainability and employee well-being. The business park hosting the headquarters of many well-known international and local companies active in the field of tech, IT, logistics, energy and production has shaped up as the new modern office community on Bucharest’s map. LEED Platinum and WELL Health and Safety certifications attest to the development sutainability and minimal environment impact, as well as the well-being of tenants, providing not only green workspaces, but a wide variety of amenities on site as well, all designed to support the productivity and health of its occupants.

Ana Vicoveanu

A&T Office Consultant, CBRE Romania

“We are delighted to have played a role in facilitating this strategic move for DP World Romania. This move reflects their ambitious plans for further expansion and solidification as a key player in the Romanian logistics industry. One Cotroceni Park’s innovative design, featuring best-in-class sustainability elements and fostering a collaborative work environment, perfectly aligns with DP World Romania’s vision.”

DP World’s investments made in Europe in recent years have included port expansion programs in six of the continent’s 11 major terminals, including Antwerp (Belgium), Novi Sad (Serbia) and London Gateway (UK). DP World has invested over 200 million euros in Romania, starting in 2004, the amount including grants from the European Union.

2024 Trends with Andrei Diaconescu, One United Properties

2024 Trends with Andrei Diaconescu, One United Properties 800 587 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

20.01.2024

Andrei Diaconescu, Co-Founder, One United Properties

”Romania holds a strong position within the Central and Eastern European economy, standing out as an attractive market for foreign investors and currently showcasing the highest yields and profitability in the region and the European Union. Whether we are talking about the residential or office segment, investors are seeking to place their money in secure, premium projects whose value increases regardless of the context. The average price for residential acquisitions in Bucharest remains significantly lower compared to other major cities in the region, providing opportunities for both foreign investors and local buyers seeking more modern housing. Furthermore, the CEE is set to become the centre of gravity for European growth, according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, and in this context, Romania becomes a more prominent regional distribution hub, especially for South-Eastern Europe.

The real estate market in Romania has significant growth potential and remains highly attractive for both clients and investors. This is primarily due to the substantial structural deficit of high-quality housing, despite challenges such as inflation, rising interest rates, and urban planning issues in Bucharest. With an increase in both demand and affordability in the residential market and with few new office deliveries, well-located and ESG-compliant properties are in much higher demand and 2024 will strengthen the flight to quality trend seen in the past few years.”

Who are the big winners of REmarkable AWARDS?

Who are the big winners of REmarkable AWARDS? 900 600 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

15.11.2023

Fantastic evening yesterday at CEC Palace where we revealed the winners of the first edition of REmarkable Awards!

A select number of leaders from real estate investment funds, developers, architects, and designers gathered last night in the exquisite ambiance of CEC Palace, an emblematic building of Bucharest with a history of more than 100 years. The event, shaped with the contribution of Elite Partners One United Properties SA, CEC Bank; Premium Partner Akcent Development and Associate Partner THETA Furniture & More, was presented by Marius George Pancu.

The winners were selected following the results of the International Judging Board of Architects and Public Vote.

Bucharest winners:
🟦 Small offices, 350-500 sqm: Genesis Property – Bookster office from Yunity Park
🟦 Medium offices, 500-1,500 sqm: AMA Design – CMS office from One Tower
🟦Large offices, over 1,500 sqm: Lemon Interior Design – Superbet office from One Cotroceni Park
🟦Co-working & community spaces: BL ASSOCIATES – Banca Transilvania STUP
🟦General retail: TEILOR – AFI Cotroceni
🟦HORECA retail: Twins Studio – Biutiful terrace – Timpuri Noi Square
🟦Medium & upper medium residential: Delta Studio – Parcului 20 by Cordia Group
🟦Premium & High End residential: Lemon Interior Design – One Mircea Eliade
🟦Jury Award: FORTIM Trusted Advisors, Alliance Member of BNP Paribas Real Estate & Add Value Management – America House.
🟦Organizers Award: RPHI – Raiffeisen Property Holding International Holding International – Sky Hub events center, SkyTower Bucharest.

For the picture gallery of the event, click here.

For 2024 submissions entry, click here.

Urban congestion reduces the accessibility of Bucharest

Urban congestion reduces the accessibility of Bucharest 1200 600 BUCHAREST REAL ESTATE CLUB

27.09.2023

The lack of predictability currently manifested by the project to modify the fiscal measures affects not only the business environment, but also consumers and will generate major imbalances in the market, believe the representatives of the largest real estate companies, members of the Bucharest Real Estate Club organization (BREC). They participated yesterday in the debate Residential Conference – The Future of Quality Living, the main topics being the turbulence affecting the fields of construction and real estate in Romania.

Even if, fundamentally, the developers agree that the Government’s plan to increase taxes is reasonable, considering the fact that their level is lower in Romania than in other countries, they believe that such changes must be announced in time so that the environment businesses to adjust their investment plans accordingly.

Andrei Diaconescu, co-founder of One United Properties, spoke in this regard about transitional provisions that should have been adopted as part of the plan to modify the tax package. “I find the Government’s plan reasonable, even if I do not agree with the tax increase. When European money comes through PNRR or other mechanisms, I understand why tax facilities are removed for some categories such as builders, but there are private investors who do not benefit from European funds and who have large projects that develop for several years. In their case, it would have been reasonable to benefit from transitional provisions, which would give them time to adapt their plans”, said Andrei Diaconescu.

Tinu Sebeșanu, CEO of Impact Developer and Contractor, disapproves of the way the fiscal changes were debated and the short implementation time. “In Germany a tax increase of 1% was announced 3 years before. The German state recently announced incentives for residential developers. Romania’s budget has been bleeding for years and we are permanent blood donors. The impact of the new measures is not major, but it creates pro-cyclical measures and we would have liked more predictability”, said Tinu Sebeșanu.

The lack of predictability is the reason why Cordia, part of the Hungarian group Futureal, changed its plans regarding Romania. “Our plans could not be developed in Romania as we originally proposed. As an international investor, we had to move to other markets for the time being, where conditions are favorable and predictable. In Spain we have a project under development and we bought two other plots, the last transaction, worth 46 million euros, being among the largest in the Costa del Sol in 2023. This money could have come to Romania, a market in which we will remain and in which we will continue to develop residential projects”, said Mauricio Mesa, General Director, Cordia Romania and Spain. The company announced in 2019 a budget of 120 million euros for the development of projects and 40 million euros for the acquisition of land, currently having a portfolio that allows it to develop more than 2,000 apartments.

Also speaking about predictability, Laurențiu Afrasine, CEO of Akcent Development, referred to an official meeting of real estate developers last year with Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă, who assured them that the Government had no intention of changing taxes. “There will certainly be an impact on many levels, especially the emotional one for the buyer, who will be faced with the new prices.” Afrasine said.

Developers continue to face the urban gridlock that is chronically manifested already in Bucharest and is beginning to make its effects felt in other large cities as well.

What are the solutions for unblocking Bucharest? Andrei Diaconescu claims that the first step is the unblocking of the Zonal Urban Plans (ZUP) by sector, the next is the adoption of the General Urban Plan (GUP). “GUP should have been ready much faster, it’s already been going on for several years. If you don’t have a GUP, you can’t develop anything on a plot of land of over 3,000 square meters.” said Diaconescu, and in the end everyone suffers. “We all bear the burden of traffic, the city is developing towards the periphery, but schools, theaters, workplaces are in Bucharest, so transit traffic is increasing, a situation that I don’t know if it is taken into account by the local authorities”, Diaconescu also said.

The consequence of the urban uncertainty is the decrease in the accessibility of Bucharest, as the demand for apartments and new office spaces will recover, but the supply will decrease.