Annual Separate and Consolidated Financial Report for the year ended
on December 31st, 2023
(Amounts presented in thousand € except if otherwise stated)
6
In this environment of intense challenges, the Greek economy showed resilience as the real growth rate in Greece stood at
2,0%, outperforming the Eurozone for the third consecutive year, however, the growth rate was lower than expected.
Contributing factors to this included lower-than-expected investment growth, the impacts of floods in Thessaly, and a modest
boost in exports due to the unfavorable international economic environment.
Thus, according to ELSTAT's estimation (The Greek Economy - March 8, 2024), the GDP in 2023 amounted to €194,5 billion
compared to € 190,7 billion in 2022. Changes in data leading to the above measurement stem from the exports of goods and
services, which increased by 2,1% compared to the 4th quarter of 2022, mainly supported by services, as goods exports
decreased by 1,6%, while services exports increased by 4,7%.
According to estimates and data from the European Commission (estimates for 2024, Report of February 15, 2024) the increase
in the country's GDP, economic growth is expected to remain generally stable at 2,3% in 2024 and 2025, while the annual
inflation based on HICP is expected to gradually decrease in 2024 and 2025 to 2,7% and 2%, respectively, compared to 4,2% in
2023.
The increase in primary surpluses, projected to be over 2% of GDP during the same period, will help reduce the public debt as
a percentage of GDP to below 150% of GDP by 2025, after the estimated 160% of GDP last year. Nevertheless, the increase in
real GDP in Greece at a faster pace than in the Eurozone should be maintained in order to narrow the gap separating the Greek
economy from the Eurozone average in terms of real per capita GDP.
An important positive development for the Greek economy is the fact that within the year, the significant and European Central
Bank-recognized rating agencies, 'Standard & Poor’s', 'DBRS', and 'Fitch', have given investment-grade ratings to the Greek
Economy. The most recent update comes from 'DBRS' on 08.03.2024, which continues to rate the Greek credit with a BBB-
investment grade with stable prospects.
Specifically, in 2023 there was a particularly successful period as the Group managed to increase rental income, its organic
profitability, and achieve increases in the values of certain real estate sectors within its portfolio. Key factors contributing to
this performance include: (a) the maturity and completion of new investments, (b) the portfolio of high-standard properties
with stable income streams, (c) the business model, and (d) its strong balance sheet, allowing management to leverage the
different conditions arising in the volatile environment in the most effective way, while also safeguarding the Company's future
profitability and maintaining its growth trajectory.
Developments and Prospects of the Real Estate Market
The real estate market was significantly affected in 2023 by the dramatic increase in interest rates, the resulting inflationary
trends, and the rise in energy prices. However, so far, there have been no signs of market fatigue or a decline in property
prices. The increase in interest rates has stabilized since the 4th quarter of 2023, and to the extent that inflation returns timely
to the medium-term target of 2%, markets expect a decrease in rates in 2024, which is expected to lead to stability and growth
in the domestic real estate market.
The domestic real estate sector of storage and distribution spaces (logistics) is characterized by a strong under-supply
alongside increased demand. The lack of modern storage spaces exceeding 10,000 sq.m. is significant, as the majority of the
old industrial properties that are sold or auctioned off do not have the necessary infrastructure for reconstruction into new
functional storage and distribution spaces, mainly due to insufficient internal height and lower specifications. These shortages
have led to high occupancy rates and a significant increase in rents, a trend expected to continue into 2024.
Additionally, new developments in logistics spaces face the highest construction costs, resulting in a noticeable decrease in
returns for properties in the sector.
The office space market, according to research published by the Bank of Greece in November 2023 ('Market Research for
Commercial Real Estate 1st Semester 2023'), maintained investment interest throughout 2023, both domestically and
internationally, with attractive yields for high-spec properties, an increase in the number of building permits for new
developments, and low vacancy rates. The low vacancy rates for high-spec properties have also influenced the trajectory of
rents, resulting in a 30-40% increase over the last five years. The high construction costs have affected new developments as
well as renovations. However, as foreign multinational corporations and large Greek conglomerates increasingly seek
sustainable buildings, a new reality is emerging in the office space market, with two speeds. The new 'green' buildings demand
rents that can reach up to €30/sq.m., while the rest of the buildings, depending on their location, age, and services offered,
have significantly lower rents.
Regarding the tourism sector, during 2023, there was a double-digit increase in tourist arrivals and revenues, creating optimism
for 2024. Specifically, inbound travel increased by 17,6% compared to 2022, reaching 32,7 million travelers, while travel
revenues increased by 15,7%, reaching €20,45 billion. More specifically, travel through airports increased by 12,7%, while
travel through road border stations increased by 34,9% (21/02/2024 - Bank of Greece Press Release: Developments in the
travel balance of payments: December 2023). The rise in tourism also positively affected the hotels in the Group's portfolio,
which saw an increase in occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) for the year.