Real estate market in large Romanian cities drops 50%, developers lower prices

Real estate agencies in Cluj, Sibiu, Timisoara, Iasi and Constanta sold 50% less real estate properties this year, compared to 2007. In Sibiu and Timisoara, real estate agents questioned by HotNews.ro claim that prices dropped up to 20% in order to sell their properties. In Cluj, real estate agents say they sold fewer properties, but official records indicate a higher number of transactions than in 2007, probably meaning that people preferred private sales, avoiding agency commissions. In Constanta, real estate agencies doubled their advertising budgets, yet sold fewer properties than in 2007.

Prices found in Romania’s top cities, after the 2008 blockage:

SIBIU:

* One room: 25,000-30,000 euro

* Two rooms apartment: 43,000-55,000 euro

* Three rooms apartment: 58,000-70,000 euro

(average prices, according to Edil Sibiu)

CLUJ:

* One room: 40,000-52.000 euro

* Two rooms apartment: 68,000-90,000 euro

* Three rooms apartment: 75,000-130,000 euro

(average prices, according to Edil Cluj)

TIMISOARA:

* One room: 3000-48,000 euro

* Two rooms apartment: 55,000-80,000 euro

* Three rooms apartment: 70,000-90,000 euro

(average prices, according to Sovida real estate agency)

IASI

* One room: 32,000-38,000 euro

* Two rooms apartment: 45,000-65,000 euro

* Three rooms apartment: 60,000-80,000 euro

(average prices, according to InterImobiliare)

CONSTANTA:

* One room: 48,000-60,000 euro

* Two rooms apartment: 55,000-70,000 euro

* Three rooms apartment: 85,000-90,000 euro

(average prices, according to Acord Imobiliare)