This is the second article in our Inspiring Women in Real Estate series, following our first piece on efficiency in the industry. In that article, we explored what holds real estate back from reaching its full potential and how to drive meaningful improvements. Now, we turn our focus to transparency—a critical factor in building trust, enhancing decision-making and ensuring long-term stability in the sector.
Transparency is a cornerstone of trust in real estate, shaping investor confidence, tenant relationships, and long-term market stability. While the industry has made strides in recent years, challenges remain—ranging from inconsistent data and opaque regulatory processes to gaps in sustainability reporting and ethical business practices.
At Bright Spaces, we understand that digitalization, clear communication, and industry-wide collaboration are essential to fostering an open and trustworthy real estate market. We asked 12 industry leaders to share their perspectives on the current state of transparency, the biggest gaps, and what can be done to improve openness across the sector.
Regulatory and Market Transparency
While transparency in real estate has improved, regulatory inconsistencies remain a major barrier. In commercial real estate, clear structures and institutional landlords promote openness, but residential markets face challenges due to unpredictable regulations and enforcement gaps. Clearer frameworks, better collaboration between developers and authorities, and standardized sustainability reporting can help build trust and streamline transactions. At Bright Spaces, we see technology as a key enabler in this process, helping to centralize and standardize information to ensure greater clarity for all stakeholders.
Emma Toma, Head of Office Division at AFI Europe Romania, highlights gaps in regulatory consistency and sustainability reporting: “The unpredictability of construction permits has made planning difficult for developers and investors, and a lack of clear industry-wide sustainability benchmarks makes it harder to assess long-term building performance. We advocate for greater collaboration between developers and public authorities to streamline urban planning approvals and ensure clearer regulations. By integrating mixed-use developments that combine office, retail, or residential-to-rent, such as AFI Loft or AFI Home North we contribute to creating more accessible, community-centered cities.”
Mirela Ciovica, Head of Leasing at PPF Real Estate, sees the commercial office market as relatively transparent but notes gaps in residential real estate: “I believe we are lucky to be in a very professional commercial real estate market as regards to office buildings. There are very little things that are not made available to the tenant as public information, even the rent levels don’t oscillate, they are and have been steady and you always know what is the range in each submarket of the city. Regarding the residential market, I think only the legislative powers of the country can protect the consumer more. Because, as long as the developer doesn’t have a legacy to protect, then there is very little at steak for themselves, in regards to the final product. Nevertheless, the are reputable developers on the residential market also, I think consumers just need to do better DDs in terms of background, UBOs, technical, etc.”
Similarly, Sandra Apachitei, Leasing Manager at One United Properties, emphasizes the role of legal frameworks: “A more stable and well-defined legal framework would create a more transparent business environment for developers.”
Data Access and Standardization
Accurate and standardized data is essential for transparency, yet inconsistent pricing disclosures and fragmented reporting create uncertainty. By leveraging digital platforms, enforcing standardized disclosure practices, and promoting independent property valuations, the industry can eliminate information gaps and foster a more open market.
Anca Mitrea, Head of ESG and Senior Asset Manager at Paval Holding, stresses the need for regulatory clarity and data accessibility: “Real estate transparency varies by market and is largely shaped by regulatory clarity. Some regions remain more opaque, where inconsistent data and arbitrary practices undermine trust. Reliable digital platforms play a key role in fostering transparency, but stronger regulatory oversight—including clear disclosure requirements and standardized listing practices— is needed. Additionally, real-time access to accurate market data would further enhance openness and credibility in the industry.”
Anamaria Cretu, Leasing & Asset Director at Evo Properties, highlights trust deficits caused by information gaps: “The real estate industry, while evolving, still struggles with transparency, leading to significant trust deficits. While efforts are being made to establish “gold standards” for transactions, the current landscape is often deformed by information gaps and inconsistencies. Implementing standardized information and disclosures is paramount. This includes providing comprehensive property details like ownership history, legal status, and potential liabilities, ensuring buyers and investors have access to accurate data Additionally, centralized data platforms can serve as a single source of truth, minimizing the risk of manipulation and streamlining the transaction process.”
Maria Jianu, Leasing Director at SPEEDWELL Development, advocates for clear communication: “At SPEEDWELL, we believe transparency should be the foundation of the industry, not just an aspiration. That’s why we integrate openness and diligence at every stage—from investment and planning to leasing and property management. We ensure our partners, investors, and future residents have clear, accurate, and timely information about our projects.” Maria adds “to create a more open and trustworthy real estate market, the industry needs standardized reporting, digital innovation, and a stronger commitment to ethical development. By embracing proptech solutions and transparent communication, we can build a real estate sector that is not only more reliable but also future-proof and truly sustainable.”
Anamaria Tihu, Senior Leasing Manager at ELI Parks, emphasizes the importance of data accessibility: “the real estate industry in Romania has improved in transparency, but there are still gaps, especially in pricing and transaction data availability. Increasing digitalization and standardizing reporting practices could help create a more open and trustworthy market.”
Ethical Business Practices
Beyond regulations and data, transparency also depends on ethical business practices. Misinformation and unfair competition still exist, but companies that prioritize integrity, clear communication, and consumer education will play a crucial role in strengthening trust across the industry.
Maria Florea, Head of Office Advisory at iO Partners, reflects on the evolution of transparency: “The industry is far more transparent today than it was 20 years ago when I first started in real estate. That said, it’s a market with a lot of money at stake, which means competition can be fierce – and not always fair. I can’t speak for others, but I’ve learned that when you build both your professional and personal life on strong, clear values, success and happiness are always within reach. Integrity does pay off, and even more importantly, it brings respect, strong teams, real support, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.”
Andreea Cotiga, Head of Leasing Office at CPI Property Group, highlights that “the office sector in Bucharest is one of the most transparent sectors in local real estate; nevertheless, there is certainly room for improvement. Maybe a more focused approach concerning tenant versus landlord representation would help make this sector a more regulated one, but I am sure this process will naturally improve in time, as we already see steps taken in this direction.”
Ashton Topolinski, Partner, Head of Marketing & Branding at Intero Property Development, highlights trust issues: “To create a more open and trustworthy real estate market, I think developers and agencies need to take the lead in providing information homebuyers want and address questions they have may. This way the foundation of the relationship between developer and client is built on trust and openness, and this is nurtured every step of the customer journey.”
Elena Panait, Head of Leasing & ComYunitY at Genesis Property, sees transparency as a company value: “Transparency in the real estate industry has come a long way, especially in the office sector, and we’re proud to be seen as a benchmark in this area. However, there are still challenges. Decisions are often made with fragmented information, which can make it hard for tenants, investors, and landlords to make fully informed choices. To build a more open and trustworthy market, solutions could include standardized reporting and clearer regulatory frameworks. At Genesis Property, we’ve always aimed to stay ahead of the curve by shaping spaces that adapt to changing needs and encouraging collaboration. Our latest project, YUNITY Park, is a perfect example of this approach—offering a flexible, state-of-the-art business campus that meets the evolving demands of modern businesses.”
Alina Necula, Country Manager at Lion’s Head, ties transparency to economic growth: “Real estate is a powerful force shaping the economy, but to reach its full potential, we need bold action. We must reimagine development to meet rapidly changing business needs with efficiency and sustainability as non-negotiables. In logistics especially, it takes customized solutions to optimize operations, reduce environmental impact, and support long-term growth. We need to overcome the barriers of outdated systems and complex regulations and build a more transparent and trustworthy market.”
A More Transparent Future for Real Estate
The insights shared by these leading women in real estate highlight the critical need for clearer regulations, standardized data practices, and stronger ethical commitments. Transparency is not just a compliance issue—it is a fundamental driver of trust, efficiency, and sustainable growth.
At Bright Spaces, we believe that technology, collaboration, and ethical leadership are key to unlocking greater transparency in the real estate sector. By fostering open access to data, streamlining digital leasing processes, and promoting industry-wide best practices, we can contribute to a more open and trustworthy market.
