Office rents have increased by an average of 3.7% in Europe. Bucharest remains one of the most affordable cities for companies.
According to the latest report by BNP Paribas Real Estate, average effective net rents for office spaces in Europe have increased by 3.7% over the past 12 months, while prime rents have gone up by 5.3%. However, in Bucharest, rent levels have remained stable, keeping Romania’s capital among the cheapest business hub in Europe.
In addition to this cost advantage, landlords in Bucharest continue to offer attractive commercial packages—free rent months and contributions to fit-out costs—which further strengthen the city’s competitiveness compared to other European business hub.
“In a European context where office rents continue to rise, the stability of the Bucharest market and generous commercial incentives maintain the capital as a solid option for companies looking to optimize costs without compromising on space quality,” said Nicolae Ciobanu, Managing Partner – Head of Advisory at Fortim Trusted Advisors, an alliance member of the BNP Paribas Real Estate.
Bucharest, 4th Most Affordable Business Hub
In the ranking of the most affordable business hub in Europe, based on “prime” rent (for the best spaces in central business areas), Bucharest ranks 4th, with an average rent of 246 euro/sqm/year (approximately 20.5 euro/sqm/month). Romania’s capital is outranked only by cities like Tallinn, Vilnius, and Nantes.
The Most Expensive Office Markets in Europe – London Ranks First
At the opposite end of the spectrum from the affordable markets of Central and Eastern Europe is London, which continues to top the ranking of the most expensive office markets in Europe.
According to the latest study by BNP Paribas Real Estate, prime rent (for the best spaces in the best locations) in the UK capital has reached 2,154 euro/sqm/year, equivalent to 179 euro/sqm/month.
Paris ranks second, where premium rent stands at 1,250 euro/sqm/year (104 euro/sqm/month), followed by Stockholm in third place with 767 euro/sqm/year (63.9 euro/sqm/month).
“The cost differences are significant. A company could pay the equivalent of one month’s rent in a premium building in London for nearly nine months of rent in a top building in Bucharest. In London, high rent is backed by strong demand in the premium segment, with central area leasing up 31% in volume in H1 2025 vs. H1 2024,” stated Nicolae Ciobanu, Nicolae Ciobanu, Managing Partner – Head of Advisory at Fortim Trusted Advisors, an alliance member of the BNP Paribas Real Estate.
Office Market Activity Up 6% in Europe in H1 2025
In the first half of 2025, the total volume of office leases in Europe reached 3.99 million sqm, up 6% compared to H1 2024. This growth is driven by demand for modern, sustainable, and well-connected buildings.
Bucharest: Stable Rents, but Declining Demand
In contrast to the European trend, 62,392 sqm of new office space was leased in Bucharest in the first half of the year (take-up transactions, excluding renewals), marking a 29.5% drop compared to the same period in 2024.
Although rents remained stable and landlords continued to offer attractive commercial incentives (free months, fit-out contributions, etc.), demand was lower, signalling increased caution among companies operating in the local market.
