Vacant space in Kyiv shopping centers has decreased, but not all of them

In the second half of 2025, the number of vacant square meters in shopping malls is declining, especially in high-quality shopping centers in Kyiv and in the western regions. This was reported by Anna Koryagina, International Leasing Director of Nhood, in a commentary to LIGA.net .

Nhood is an international real estate operator specializing in the management and modernization of shopping centers, retail parks and urban spaces.

According to her, the average share of vacant space in the best properties does not exceed 7-13%, and in some projects that are actively working on tenant-mix (targeted selection of tenants), the figure is even lower.

At the same time, in less innovative or "regional" shopping centers (over 50,000 sq m), the average vacancy rate, according to UTG, is much higher – 16%. We are talking about such shopping centers as Blockbuster, Promenada center, Atmosphere, Marmalade. This is attributed to insufficient adaptation of the facilities to new consumer demands.

In particular, the Blockbuster Mall, which was relaunched after being closed in the first year of the war, has one of the highest vacancy rates at around 30%. However, it is no longer 50%, as it was in 2024, said Dmytro Lashyn, CEO of Lavina Mall and Blockbuster Mall.

The situation at Lavina Mall is quite different: two years ago, the shopping center reached its pre-war levels. "There are no empty spaces, and the steady traffic is 1.5 million people a month," Lashin explained .

River Mall also has almost no vacancies – 1-2%, said Mikhail Nechyporchuk, commercial director of the shopping center. "Usually it is a technical vacancy – replacement of some tenants with others," he added .

The vacancy rate in Respublika Park is currently 9-10%. This includes the area reserved for Ikea. The furniture retailer continues to lease these square meters for future obligations, said CEO Yulia Shchaslyva in a commentary to LIGA.net

There is no outflow of tenants in the mall, she emphasizes. "Yes, two brands are leaving. But there are already replacements for them – we will be able to announce this when we sign contracts. Currently, English Home and Athletics are still working," said Schastlivaya.

For more information on the situation on the retail real estate market, see article "Ready to "eat" vacant locations". How the closure of English Home and Athletics affects shopping centers".