EuropaProperty successfully hosted its 14th annual CEE Investment Awards at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel in Warsaw, Poland. The event gathered around 350 senior professionals from the European and Central European real estate industry, underscoring the importance and prestige of these awards within the investment sector. The ceremony celebrated standout achievements across various real estate segments, with Solida Capital Europe emerging as the biggest winner.

Solida Capital Europe Shines as Top Winner

This year, Solida Capital Europe took home an impressive four awards, winning in major categories like PBSA Developer, Investment Asset Management Firm, and the coveted Core Investor title. Highlighting its impact on the growing Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), Solida Capital received widespread acclaim for its achievements, particularly in PBSA development and investment. Joao Saracho de Almeida, a key figure at Solida, was named Industry Professional of the Year, further solidifying the company’s standing in the industry.

Residential and PRS Developments Stand Out

The PBSA and PRS sectors gained significant recognition, with AFI Europe winning the PRS Developer of the Year award and Echo Investment Group being honoured as the Residential Developer of the Year. At the same time, Trei Real Estate’s Bacciarellego 54 project was awarded Residential Project of the Year, underscoring the dynamic growth in these segments. Resi4Rent’s Phase II of Wroclaw Jaworska was also celebrated as the PRS Development of the Year. The SOLEC 22 Zeitraum Student Housing by ZEITGEIST Asset Management won the PBSA Devlopment award. The Sky Tower complex in Wroclaw received the Retrofit/Refurbishment Award for its new observation deck.

Retail Sector on the Rise with Strategic Acquisitions

Retail investments witnessed notable activity. NEPI Rockcastle’s acquisition of Magnolia Park in Poland helped the firm win the Value add/Core + investor award. Star Capital’s substantial purchase of Cromwell’s retail portfolio in Poland was deemed one of the best investment deals. Acteeum Group and Equilis Europe’s sale of Silwana retail park to BIG Poland was also a popular winner. LCP Properties was named Retail Investor of the Year, while Trei Real Estate received the title of Retail Developer of the Year for its expanded development strategy. Trei’s Vendo Park in Konin was also recognized as the Retail Project of the Year.

The Warehouse Sector Remains a Strong Contender

In the warehouse sector, Panattoni claimed the Warehouse Developer of the Year title. Its BTS projects Hermes and H&M in Poland were honoured as the Warehouse Projects of the Year. The Zabka Property Fund earned the Warehouse Investor of the Year award, and Newport Logistics Fund was named Opportunistic Investor.

Office Developments Reflect High Standards Amidst Market Shifts

Office investments, though slower, continued to progress with high-quality developments. Ghelamco’s Vibe in Warsaw won Office Project of the Year, exemplifying top-tier Class A office space development. AFI Europe received the Office Investor of the Year title, while Skanska was recognized as Office Developer of the Year for its sustainable development approach. The company also won the Investment Deal of the Year prize for the sale of Studio B in Warsaw to Stena Real Estate.

Acknowledging Pioneers and Rising Stars

Several notable individuals and firms were acknowledged for their contributions and expertise. Jakub Szymanowski from Navimo was named Rising Star of the Year, and Julian Gikov from Raiffeisen Bank International AG took home the M&A Professional of the Year award. Raiffeisen Bank also received the M&A Advisory award. AXI Immo Group’s Founder and Managing Partner Renata Osiecka received a Lifetime Achievement award. AXI Immo Group was also named Agency of the Year.

Company Highlights and Sectoral Excellence

The awards recognized leaders across diverse sectors, including:

Trailblazer in Net Zero Impact Award: Diuna Office Complex – Poland

Agency (Ukraine): CBRE Ukraine

Professional Service Provider: Sierra Balmain

Architectural Firm: Tengo Design

Construction Firm: Kajima Poland

Project Management Firm: Gleeds Polska

Bank of the Year: pbb Deutsche Pfandbriefbank

Hotel Developer: Angel Poland Group

City of the Year: Poznan

Additional honours went to TPA Poland as Tax and Financial Adviser, workcloud24 for Proptech Innovation, and Dentons as Law Firm of the Year. The awards also showcased leading firms in the serviced offices sector with New Work, and LCP Properties as the top Property Management Firm.

Celebrating the Future with Visionary Projects

Looking toward the future, the awards acknowledged several exciting projects in the pipeline. The Future Project Mixed-Use award went to Towarowa 22 by AFI Europe and Echo Investment, while Brama Jury by Master Management Group was recognized as the Future Retail Project. In the warehouse category, GLP Warsaw VI Logistics Centre was highlighted as an upcoming development to watch.

As EuropaProperty closed the night, applause rang out for all the winners, marking the event as a cornerstone of excellence in European and Central European real estate. The foundation is now laid for another exceptional event next year, with an industry poised for continued growth and innovation.