In 1936, the first penthouse-like apartment in Bucharest was built near the Intercontinental Hotel. Leading present-day projects include penthouses at Baneasa, followed by Washington Residence (developed by Sirius International, property of Comnord owner Sorin Creteanu), Quadra Place, developed by Conarg Real Estate in Pitesti (owned by businessman Valentin Visoiu), and Residenz, built in Chitila by Tiriac Imobiliare, the real estate division of the group controlled by Ion Tiriac.
Penthouses offer a great view and generous space with large terraces, with more than 300 square meters. “The attraction for penthouses can be found not only in luxury projects, but also in upper middle and middle class ones. Developers are initiating projects for these classes as well, and include penthouses,” said Residential Department Manager, Sorin Lacusta, of the Regatta real estate consultancy company.
Among Romanian public figures who own such high-class apartments are Mugur Isarescu, Governor of the National Bank of Romania - in Baneasa, soccer player Cristian Chivu, and businessman Costel Capsuneanu, each with an apartment in Washington Residence on Calea Dorobantilor.
Some 85 percent of new residential buildings have penthouses on their top floors. According to real estate consultancy company ARCO, the largest number of penthouses was sold last year, with the top transaction worth €2 million.
