Featured in Prime Resi's "postcards from" series, Cristian Angheloiu - CEO of Top Estate Team Romania, a member of the Chestertons Global Network suggests that Romania might be the place to invest in now, before it becomes mainstream. 

If you’re looking for a dynamic, yet relatively undiscovered real estate market in Europe, Romania might the place to invest now before it becomes mainstream, writes Cristian Angheloiu, CEO of Top Estate Team Romania, a member of the Chestertons Global Network. This country is full of surprises, and its real estate sector is one of them. Spanning over 238,397 square kilometres, Romania is the twelfth largest country in Europe and boasts the most diverse landscapes on the continent – from the towering Carpathians to the sun-soaked Black Sea coast.

With a population of about 19 million, Romania offers a great balance between urban and rural lifestyle. In the cities, particularly in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara, the real estate market is thriving. Bucharest, the capital, remains the top player. Investors are keen on Bucharest’s exciting blend of modern and historical properties. Prices in the city's central and northern districts range from €1,500 to €2,500 per square metre for new residential projects. If you’re thinking of Cluj or Timișoara – both cities buzzing with tech innovation – prices are typically north of €2,000 per square metre.

The luxury real estate market in Romania is also catching up. In Bucharest, especially in its northern neighbourhoods like Primăverii and Pipera, property prices in the luxury sector have reached €3,000 to €4,000 per square metre. Even with these premium prices, Romania still presents one of the highest returns on real estate investments in Europe. The demand for luxury housing currently exceeds supply, especially in the capital, and this trend looks set to continue.

Interestingly, Romania is also seeing a rise in demand for eco-friendly and sustainable developments, particularly in rural areas. Investors are keen on properties that cater to an environmentally conscious lifestyle – think traditional homes fused with modern amenities and sustainable designs. Romania's natural beauty, coupled with a growing focus on healthier, nature-driven living, is attracting investors to its picturesque villages and untouched rural landscapes.

Romania’s less developed areas offer great value, with significantly lower entry costs for real estate investors. The variety of opportunities here are vast, from agricultural investments to potential in tourism and even industrial developments. Romania’s tax environment is favourable compared to European counterparts. Property taxes are low, and income taxes range from just 3% to 16%, depending on your business. These, among the lowest in Europe, are attracting overseas investment. 

Looking beyond the cities, Romania’s Black Sea coast is developing at pace, especially in Constanța. As the largest city on the coast and home to a strategic port, Constanța combines both industrial and tourism opportunities. In recent years, the coastline has seen major infrastructure developments, with no sign of slowing down. This translates into prime opportunities for investors looking to capitalise on hotel, resort, and holiday apartment projects.

But it’s not all about the coast. Romania’s tourism and lifestyle potential stretches far and wide. The Carpathian Mountains offer a wealth of opportunities, especially in winter resorts like Poiana Brașov and Sinaia. It has grand ski chalets, chic holiday homes, and tourism-focused developments. Meanwhile, Romania’s rich historical sites – from the medieval town of Sighisoara to the world-famous Bran Castle in Transylvania – draw both local and international visitors year-round, boosting demand for hospitality and property investments in these regions.

Romania hasn’t had the smoothest economic journey, particularly in the years following the 1989 revolution, but since joining the European Union in 2007, things have changed dramatically. The country has attracted significant foreign investments, supported by EU structural funds. And let’s not forget, Romania is one of the cheapest places in Europe when it comes to construction costs, which is great news for developers looking for better margins.

Looking ahead, Romania’s strategic location – connecting Western Europe with Eastern Europe and the Middle East – makes it a key player in commercial and industrial developments. The country’s continued infrastructure improvements, combined with competitive construction costs, are providing fertile ground for long-term investments. Whether you’re looking to build a residential complex, a hotel, or an industrial park, Romania’s real estate market still offers plenty of room to grow.

As Romania continues to develop both economically and socially, the real estate sector remains one of its strongest and most promising areas for investment. Whether you’re after big-city opportunities, rural gems, or coastal investments, Romania provides a wealth of possibilities that are worth considering.

View properties currently on the market to buy in Romania here