Katarzyna Zawodna-Bijoch, President and CEO at Skanska’s commercial development business unit in CEE
How would you describe the 2023 real estate year?
2023 was a year of high costs, supply chain disruptions, persistent geopolitical risk and very little investment market activity. However, it also brought interesting opportunities, especially in the areas of sustainability/ESG and the adaptation of office spaces to new work models.
What are the main challenges facing the sector and your company in 2024?
In 2024, our main challenges will be the high cost of materials and services, the limited availability of plots of land in attractive locations, and smaller spaces tenants are interested in. High financing costs and geopolitical risks will also be a challenge for the overall market.
What are likely to be the chief positive influences on strategy in 2024?
The growing demand for premium spaces created in accordance with ESG principles is a major opportunity for us. This trend proves the validity of our long-standing strategy of creating modern, comfortable and sustainable office projects that fit into this demand.
What changes in direction (perhaps in terms of emphasis on sectors or geography, or the scope of your activities) have you made or do you envisage making in response to the fresh challenges, regulations, opportunities or technologies that have emerged in the last year or so?
We will diversify our portfolio by entering the build-to-rent residential market and focusing even more on premium office buildings. We also plan to continue implementing sustainable development principles, which includes responsible design and use of resources combined with supporting the needs of users and local communities.
Looking back at 2023, what has given you the greatest inspiration for the year ahead?
New work patterns have prompted tenants to rethink their office space needs, which, combined with the growing importance of ESG aspects, inspires us to create more flexible, high-quality, environmentally- and user-friendly work spaces.
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