In Only Three Romanian Cities Are New Apartments More Expensive Than Old Ones

According to an analysis by Storia, the real estate platform launched by OLX, only in Craiova, Oradea, and Timișoara are new apartments more expensive than old ones. Meanwhile, Cluj-Napoca tops the national price ranking, with old apartments averaging €3,121/sqm compared to €3,114/sqm for new ones.

In Major Cities, New Apartments Are Often Cheaper

Surprisingly, in key Romanian cities such as Bucharest, Brașov, Cluj-Napoca, Constanța, Iași, and Sibiu, new apartments are actually more affordable than older ones — an unexpected trend that challenges the conventional belief that newer means pricier.

Bucharest: The Largest Price Gap

In Romania’s capital, the difference in price between new and old housing is most pronounced. In April 2025, new apartments were significantly cheaper than old ones — a trend that becomes more noticeable as the apartment size increases:

• A new studio (40 sqm) cost €18,040 less than an old one.
• A two-room apartment (55 sqm) was €24,805 cheaper if newly built.
• A three-room apartment (75 sqm) came in at €33,825 less for a new unit.

The average price per square meter for new apartments was €1,801, a 2% drop compared to March, while older apartments sold for €2,252/sqm, a 5% increase.

Brașov: Moderate Price Gaps

In Brașov, new apartments are also slightly more affordable:

• Studio: €840 less
• Two rooms: €1,155 less
• Three rooms: €1,575 less

The price per sqm: €2,180 (new) vs. €2,201 (old).

Iași: Noticeable Price Advantage for New Builds

In Iași, the price difference is more significant:

• Studio: €7,520 less
• Two rooms: €10,400 less
• Three rooms: €14,100 less

Prices per sqm: €1,722 (new) vs. €1,910 (old).

Sibiu: A Balanced Market

In Sibiu, the differences are minor but consistent:

• Studio: €640 less
• Two rooms: €880 less
• Three rooms: €1,200 less

Prices per sqm are nearly identical: €1,834 (new) vs. €1,850 (old).

Cluj-Napoca: Highest Prices, Minimal Differences

Cluj-Napoca remains the most expensive city for both new and old apartments, with negligible differences:

• Studio: €280 less (new)
• Two rooms: €385 less (new)
• Three rooms: €525 less (new)

Price per sqm: €3,114 (new) vs. €3,121 (old).

Constanța: A Stable and Balanced Market

In Constanța:

• Studio: €280 less (new)
• Two rooms: €385 less (new)
• Three rooms: €525 less (new)

Prices per sqm: €1,998 (new) vs. €2,005 (old).

Where New Apartments Are More Expensive Than Old Ones

Timișoara: Modest Premiums for New Builds

• Studio: €1,760 more
• Two rooms: €2,420 more
• Three rooms: €3,300 more

Price per sqm: €1,814 (new) vs. €1,770 (old).

Craiova: Large Price Gaps

• Studio: €3,480 more
• Two rooms: €4,785 more
• Three rooms: €6,525 more

Price per sqm: €1,936 (new) vs. €1,849 (old).

Oradea: New Builds Carry the Highest Premiums

• Studio: €7,480 more
• Two rooms: €10,285 more
• Three rooms: €14,025 more

Price per sqm: €1,884 (new) vs. €1,697 (old).

Conclusion: "New" Doesn’t Always Mean "More Expensive"

Storia’s analysis shows that new apartments are not necessarily more expensive than old ones. In cities like Bucharest, Iași, or Brașov, new builds can be a better financial choice. However, in Craiova, Oradea, and Timișoara, older apartments remain more budget-friendly.