Serbia and its capital city are currently in the midst of the largest urban, infrastructural and economic development in their modern history, primarily driven by preparations for the specialized exhibition Expo 2027, which will take place from 15 May to 15 August 2027.
Work on the complex in Surčin officially began in August 2023, with around 4,000 workers deployed on the construction site daily. While exhibition spaces and supporting infrastructure are being completed, a residential complex of 1,500 apartments and the question of its purpose after the conclusion of the event are at the centre of attention for both the public and future buyers.
The construction of the buildings themselves is entering its final stage, and the complex comprises exactly 1,500 residential units. Interior fitting of the apartments is planned for all facilities individually so that every apartment is fully prepared to receive guests. During the event, this complex will operate on the Olympic Village model, providing accommodation and logistical support to international participants.
What will happen with the apartments after Expo?
The key question regarding the sustainability of this project is the purpose of the 1,500 apartments after the exhibition concludes in August 2027. The state has made a strategic decision that these apartments will not be placed on the market under commercial conditions, but will instead be offered at significantly more favourable prices to specific target groups.
A special sales strategy is planned to be adopted, with announcements that citizens themselves will be involved in the decision-making process. Officials have highlighted the plan to consult citizens on which societal group should be enabled to purchase apartments at this location in Surčin. The basic idea is that the apartments should not only be limited for purchase to military and police personnel, as was the case in earlier projects, but that the focus should be placed on professions of public importance, healthcare workers, teachers and professors.
The apartments in the Expo Village thus represent a permanent housing solution that will be transferred into the ownership of citizens under preferential financial terms after the three-month event.
Impact on the real estate market
The construction of the Expo zone, the residential settlement, the National Stadium and the supporting road network has already triggered drastic changes in the real estate market in Surčin and neighbouring residential zones. The announcement of this project caused a surge in property prices and raised the appeal of land in the so-called “lower Srem”, towards which Belgrade is significantly expanding.
Real estate experts are already pointing out the key impacts of the Expo project on Belgrade’s commercial and industrial sectors – higher demand for office space, logistics and industrial boom and a surge in land value.
Innovative space repurposing and cultural significance
This space encompasses permanent facilities such as the new Belgrade Fair, an Auditorium, an International Dance Forum, a museum quarter, hotels, as well as numerous learning and creativity centres. These facilities will position Belgrade as a primary destination for future global mega-events.
To avoid creating disused spaces, the Ministry of Local Self-Government is already conducting a detailed analysis of the needs of municipalities across the country. Following the conclusion of Expo, these facilities will be dismantled and transformed into sports halls, schools and other necessary public facilities-
The construction of the Novi Beograd – Surčin road and around 12.5 kilometres of entirely new roads ensure a direct connection to the Expo complex and the supporting residential settlement. For the future residents of the 1,500 apartments planned within the complex, this road network guarantees fast and unhindered access to all parts of the city, eliminating traffic bottlenecks. The most significant infrastructural undertaking within this cycle, the construction of an entirely new railway network, represents the greatest functional advantage for the residential and commercial sectors. The projected railway line will directly connect Nikola Tesla Airport with Belgrade city centre itself, passing through key hubs: Zemun Polje, Batajnica, Zemun and Novi Beograd.
(Kurir, 21.07.2026)