How do you move a market? With quiet confidence, consistent inflows, and a laser focus on pricing.
In this episode of DT Vector, we dive into the real estate capital markets across Central and Eastern Europe with Michal Soták, Partner and Head of Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield, Czech Republic and Slovakia. From investor sentiment in 2025 to the return of offices, strategic fund flows, and the role of tech in asset management, Michal breaks down what’s driving investment activity and what’s ahead for PropTech and ConTech players.
What you’ll learn in this episode of DT Vector
Unveils the layers of:
- How Czech retail funds are shaping the pricing and liquidity of real estate across CEE.
- The logic behind why core urban office locations are now outperforming.
Decodes the complexity of:
- Why PropTech still hasn’t broken through — and what AI might finally unlock.
- Fundraising in 2025: why distribution matters more than deal-making.
Builds clarity about:
- How fund managers are navigating pressure to deploy capital in tight markets.
- The myth that CEE is “opaque” — and why it’s actually more transparent than many Western peers.
Key Takeaways for Professionals
- Local capital is now dominant — but the product pool is shallow
- Tech adoption remains limited: Excel is still king
- AI may bridge the adoption gap — if it removes friction, not adds to it
- Fund success depends on both building selection and distribution strategy
- Young professionals need to learn the “full stack”: legal, financial, technical
Why This Episode Matters in 2025 (and Beyond)
CEE real estate is no longer emerging — it’s shaping the region’s capital flows.
Whether you’re building tech, allocating capital, or advising investors, this episode shows where the risks are real, the myths are broken, and the opportunities are quietly multiplying.
DT Vector Dictionary
- Yield Compression: Decreasing expected returns due to asset demand
- Open-ended Fund: A fund that allows continual investment/redemption
- Cool Urban Location: A district where people want to work and live
- Distribution Channel: How a fund reaches investors (e.g. banks, advisors)
- Occupational Market: Real estate defined by tenant demand and behavior