In 2013 investment into European commercial property increased by 22%, amounting to €141 billion, which is the highest figure for the last 6 years. Greece has become a leader by investments growth, according to ee24.com citing savills.co.uk.
The growth by 1000% in Greece was driven by the privatization of state property. Authorities have sold several public buildings in Athens.
Apart from Greece, investment growth was observed in Ireland (210%), Italy (138%), the UK (43%), Poland (28%) and Germany (20%). In contrast, markets of France (-8%), Sweden (-17%) and Norway (-23%) could not attract as much as in the previous year.
Interest in buying offices in Europe dropped to 47% of the total number of transactions, but the sector continued to lead. At the same time, in 2013 the share of investment into industrial facilities increased to 12%. The share of transactions with retail premises amounted to 26%, and with the remaining types of commercial property - to 15%.
Markets in Spain, Italy and Poland were the most dependent on foreign investors, while local investors were dominating on the main European markets such as France and Germany.