With the start of the full-scale war, Transcarpathia has become a key point for internal migration. Uzhhorod, owing to its proximity to EU countries and developed infrastructure, has become a center of new business activity. Demand for commercial real estate in the city remains consistently high. The most successful properties have vacancy rates of less than 3%, and areas ranging from 50,000 to 300,000 square meters are especially sought after.
As a result of this increased demand, construction of shopping centers in Uzhhorod has accelerated:
- During the war, the Pannonia shopping center and the Bilochka shopping center have opened.
- The GrushevSky shopping center is set to open soon.
- The largest regional project, the Nestoria Plaza shopping center (32,000 square meters), and the Trade Plaza shopping center are currently under construction.
- Long-term construction – the Ukraina shopping center, along with the KORONA shopping center (second stage).
- Projects in the planning or excavation stage include Residents Mall, RiverVille Mall, Plaza Nova, and Retail Park.
While retail activity was previously concentrated in Uzhhorod’s historic center, a shortage of space and the growth of new residential areas are shifting the focus to the city’s left-bank area. New international brands are entering Transcarpathia, including McDonald’s, KFC, Sinsay, Crop, LC Waikiki, Jysk, Spar, and others.