Romania's ANCPI ransomware attack stalls real‑estate transactions and presses liquidity

A ransomware attack on the National Agency for Cadastre and Real Estate Advertising (ANC PI) on 14 July halted the country’s real‑estate transaction system. The blockage has left thousands of property deals unfinished, preventing buyers from closing purchases and agents from receiving commissions.

RE/MAX Romania president Răzvan Cuc said the disruption is one of the biggest the market has seen in years, creating cash‑flow pressure for small and medium agencies and immobilizing roughly €850 million in capital. Forbes România estimates the daily economic loss at €60.75 million, affecting tax revenue, notary fees and funding for EU‑backed rural projects. Over 10 000 specialists and hundreds of SMEs in cadastral, topographic and geodetic services are also impacted.

Legislators have extended the reduced‑VAT deadline for home purchases to 30 September 2026 in an attempt to soften the effect, while investigations into the cyber‑attack continue.