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The Future of Real Estate Leadership in Romania: Bridging the Generational Gap
The real estate industry is at a turning point. A wave of leadership transitions is shaping the global market and Romania is no exception. According to Deloitte's latest insights on the future of real estate leadership, nearly 40% of the workforce in the U.S. real estate industry is expected to retire within the next decade. While Romania’s real estate landscape differs in many ways, similar challenges are emerging as the industry faces a generational shift.
The Romanian commercial real estate sector has grown significantly over the last two decades. However, many of the professionals who played a crucial role in developing Bucharest’s office market, retail hubs and logistics centers are now approaching retirement. This raises a critical question: Who will lead the next phase of growth?
Unlike Western markets, Romania’s real estate sector is still maturing. Yet, many of the same obstacles identified by Deloitte apply here:
Aging leadership without structured succession plans.
A lack of young professionals entering the industry.
A gap in leadership development initiatives.
If these challenges are not addressed, Romania may struggle to maintain the momentum needed to attract investment and drive further development in office, retail, industrial but also in residential real estate.
One of the biggest hurdles is attracting and retaining young talent. Real estate in Romania is often seen as an industry dominated by a few key players with decades of experience. Younger professionals, particularly those in finance, business or engineering, may be drawn to tech or multinational corporations rather than real estate brokerage, asset management or property development.
To change this trend, the industry needs to take proactive steps:
Education & Awareness: Universities and business schools should integrate real estate-focused courses to spark interest among students.
Mentorship & Internships: Encouraging established professionals to mentor younger talent can create a sustainable knowledge transfer.
Career Path Transparency: Real estate firms should clearly outline growth opportunities, demonstrating that a career in real estate is not just about sales but also about investment strategies, development and asset management.
The next generation of real estate professionals in Romania will have to adapt to a market that is more digital, data-driven and sustainability-focused than ever before. As technology transforms property searches, leasing and investment decisions, the new wave of leaders must be equipped with analytical skills, digital marketing expertise and a strong understanding of global real estate trends.
Additionally, corporate clients and investors now demand more flexibility, green certifications and ESG-compliant properties. Future industry leaders must be prepared to navigate these evolving priorities and position Romania’s commercial real estate market competitively within the European landscape.
While Romania may not yet face the exact demographic challenges highlighted in Deloitte’s U.S.-focused research, the need for leadership renewal is evident. Real estate firms, brokers and investors must work together to create a structured pathway for young professionals to enter and thrive in the industry.
At APEX Asset Management, we believe in forward-thinking strategies—not only for property investments but also for the future of the industry itself. As we grow within Bucharest’s commercial real estate market, we recognize that fostering new talent and adapting to emerging trends is essential for long-term success.
The next generation of real estate leaders is out there. The question is: How do we bring them into the industry and empower them to shape its future?
Sources & Inspiration: Deloitte, Developing the Next Generation of Real Estate Leadership
