What Awaits the Real Estate Market in 2025?
05 February 2025
Price Growth and Supply Shortage
In 2024, the average price per square meter in Chișinău increased by 40%, reaching a historic high of €1,540. The main causes were the shortage of housing supply, insufficient building permits, and external factors such as the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine.
Experts predict that in 2025, the pace of price growth will slow down, but prices will remain high, with a possible annual increase of 5-7%. Inflation and the rise in the base interest rate from 3.6% to 5.6% will negatively impact credit accessibility, reducing the share of mortgage transactions to 20-30% of total sales.
The Role of Mortgage Loans
In 2024, the drop in mortgage interest rates to 8% stimulated sales, doubling the number of apartments purchased with bank financing. However, in 2025, rising interest rates may significantly reduce such transactions. Those planning to buy a home through credit should carefully consider the new lending conditions and make informed decisions.
The New Law on Cash Payments
Starting April 1, 2025, a new law will limit cash payments for real estate transactions. Initially scheduled for January 1, the implementation was postponed to allow banks to adapt. Under the new regulations, any transaction exceeding 1.6 million lei must be conducted via bank transfer, and buyers will be required to declare the source of their funds. This law aims to increase transparency and reduce tax evasion in the real estate sector.
Regulating the Real Estate Agent Profession
Another significant change is the proposed legislation to regulate the real estate agent profession. It includes mandatory professional training courses and the creation of a national electronic registry for agents. Implementing this measure could enhance transparency and professionalism in the industry, benefiting both buyers and sellers.
Outlook for 2025: Optimistic or Pessimistic Forecasts?
Although the pace of price growth is expected to slow, economic challenges such as inflation and the energy crisis will impact purchasing power. New residential projects could help reduce supply shortages, but prices will remain high, mainly covering inflation. In this context, experts recommend carefully analyzing the market and consulting real estate professionals before making a buying or selling decision.
Conclusion
The year 2025 promises to bring challenges and legislative changes that will directly influence the real estate market. While prices will remain high, a market adjustment period is expected, requiring buyers and sellers to adapt to new economic and regulatory conditions. To make advantageous transactions, staying well-informed and collaborating with industry professionals is essential.
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