Prime yields for high street retail properties in the UK have increased since 2019. As of June 2025, yields were the highest for good secondary properties in markets such as Truro, Leamington Spa, Colchester, and the lowest on Bond Street in London. High street shops on Oxford Street in London had a prime yield of *** percent.

The prime yields in the UK expanded across most property types between 2022 and 2025. In April 2025, yields were the lowest in the London West End offices market at *****percent. In contrast, shopping center yields stood at ****percent. Yield is an indicator for the expected return of a property investment and is calculated as the ratio of rental income and the property value. Several factors can drive yields - increased demand could raise property values, causing lower yields, while a fall in demand could create the opposite effect. Which is the largest commercial real estate sector in the UK? Office real estate has traditionally accounted for the lion’s share of the commercial property investment market, but since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, investors’ interest has shifted towards industrial real estate. With the e-commerce sector growing and supply chain management becoming more important than ever, so has the industrial and logistic sector. This increase in importance is also reflected in the occupiers market, with the annual take-up exceeding the ten-year average for three years in a row. How is the commercial property market expected to develop in the coming years? The industrial and logistic property market is forecast to outperform retail and offices in terms of capital value growth in the period between 2025 and 2028. According to the same forecast, rental growth is expected to turn positive for all property types in 2025, except for shopping centers.

Void periods constitute an important measure for the private rental markets, as they are one of the major reasons for the loss of expected rental income. They require careful planning and budgeting, to keep the time when the property is not achieving profit to the minimum and to make sure that all necessary expenses are still covered during the void period. As these differ across cities, towns and regions, researching of historical data, reflecting trends of void periods for the local area is seen as a good way to get an understanding of long-term trends.

Void periods for landlords in the UK

Data from the end of 2013 till quarter three of 2018 shows that void periods in the United Kingdom (UK) were shortest as of the first quarter of 2015, counting 2.4 weeks on average. They grew in length to 2.7 weeks in the last two quarters of 2016 and have stayed at that time length up until the fourth quarter of 2017. As of the third quarter of 2019, the average void period for landlords in the private rented sector amounted to 3 weeks, the highest average during the period under display.

Landlords and the rental market

In light of the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic, approximately 3.4 percent of current and active landlords in the UK reported an increase in void periods and 16.4 percent that they experienced a combination of prolonged void periods and affected rental income. As of the fourth quarter of 2019, landlords already had low confidence in achieving their quarterly goals. The share of those who were planning to sell properties from their portfolio in the coming year was twice as high as the ones looking to buy.

The cost of rent for office space in London is the highest in Europe. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the West End had average rents per square foot of *** British pounds. The average annual rent in London for prime office space was substantially higher than in any other European market. Prime yields For commercial real estate investors, prime yields in London averaged **** percent in 2023. As compared to the rest of the United Kingdom, yields for prime office space in London were notably lower. Commercial investments Office real estate, which comes under the broader term of commercial real estate, traditionally accounts for the lion's share of commercial real estate investments. In recent years, however, this share has been gradually declining. Despite this trend, the UK is one of the leading office real estate investment markets in Europe.

The industrial real estate sector and West End offices are forecasted to see the highest annualized rental growth in the UK between 2025 and 2029, followed by city offices. According to the forecast, industrial real estate and West End office space rents are expected to grow by *** percent per year in this period, while city office space rents are expected to increase by *** percent. When it comes to total commercial real estate returns in the UK, the industrial and shopping center sectors are forecast to outperform all other property types.

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Residential Real Estate Market Size 2025-2029

The residential real estate market size is valued to increase USD 485.2 billion, at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2024 to 2029. Growing residential sector globally will drive the residential real estate market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 55% growth during the forecast period.
By Mode Of Booking - Sales segment was valued at USD 926.50 billion in 2023
By Type - Apartments and condominiums segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 41.01 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 485.20 billion
CAGR : 4.5%
APAC: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

The market is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector that continues to shape the global economy. With increasing marketing initiatives and the growing residential sector globally, the market presents significant opportunities for growth. However, regulatory uncertainty looms large, posing challenges for stakeholders. According to recent reports, technology adoption in residential real estate has surged, with virtual tours and digital listings becoming increasingly popular. In fact, over 40% of homebuyers in the US prefer virtual property viewings. Core technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain are revolutionizing the industry, offering enhanced customer experiences and streamlined processes.
Despite these advancements, regulatory compliance remains a major concern, with varying regulations across regions adding complexity to market operations. The market is a complex and intriguing space, with ongoing activities and evolving patterns shaping its future trajectory.

What will be the Size of the Residential Real Estate Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Residential Real Estate Market Segmented and what are the key trends of market segmentation?

The residential real estate industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Mode Of Booking

  Sales
  Rental or lease


Type

  Apartments and condominiums
  Landed houses and villas


Location

  Urban
  Suburban
  Rural


End-user

  Mid-range housing
  Affordable housing
  Luxury housing


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    Australia
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Mode Of Booking Insights

The sales segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

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The Sales segment was valued at USD 926.50 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 55% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region holds a significant share and is projected to lead the global market growth. Factors fueling this expansion include the region's rapid urbanization and increasing consumer spending power. Notably, residential and commercial projects in countries like India and China are experiencing robust development. The residential real estate sector in China plays a pivotal role in the economy and serves as a major growth driver for the market.

With these trends continuing, the APAC the market is poised for continued expansion during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

In the Residential Real Estate Market, understanding the impact property tax rates home values and effect interest rates mortgage affordability is essential for buyers and investors. Key factors affecting home price appreciation and factors influencing housing affordability shape market trends, while the importance property due diligence process and requirements environmental site assessment ensure informed decisions. Investors benefit from methods calculating rental property roi, process home equity loan application, and benefits real estate portfolio diversification. Tools like property management software efficiency and techniques effective property marketing help tackle challenges managing rental properties. Additionally, strategies successf

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REIT Market Size 2025-2029

The reit market size is forecast to increase by USD 372.8 billion, at a CAGR of 3% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth driven by the increasing global demand for warehousing and storage facilities. This trend is fueled by the e-commerce sector's continued expansion, leading to an increased need for efficient logistics and distribution networks. An emerging trend in the market is the rise of self-storage as a service, offering investors attractive returns and catering to the growing consumer preference for flexible and convenient storage solutions. However, the market faces challenges as well. Vertical integration by e-commerce companies poses a threat to the industry, as these companies increasingly control the entire supply chain from production to delivery, potentially reducing the need for third-party logistics and storage providers. Additionally, regulatory changes and economic uncertainties can impact REITs' profitability and investor confidence. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively must stay informed of these trends and adapt to the evolving landscape.

What will be the Size of the REIT Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free SampleThe market continues to evolve, with various sectors such as retail, industrial, and commercial real estate experiencing dynamic shifts. Family offices, pension funds, high-net-worth individuals, and sovereign wealth funds increasingly invest in this asset class, seeking diversification and stable returns. Market volatility, driven by economic cycles and interest rate fluctuations, influences investment strategies. Artificial intelligence and property technology are transforming the industry, with data analytics and digital platforms streamlining property management, investment, and appraisal processes. Multifamily housing and single-family homes remain popular choices due to their rental income potential and capital appreciation opportunities. Property taxes, inflation risk, and maintenance costs are essential considerations for investors, requiring effective risk management strategies. Net operating income, return on equity, and occupancy rates are critical performance metrics. Regulatory environment and property regulations also impact the market, influencing capitalization rates and shareholder value. Institutional investors explore equity and debt financing, real estate brokerage, and securities offerings to capitalize on opportunities. Property investment platforms, real estate syndications, and property management companies facilitate access to diverse offerings. Green building standards and sustainable development are gaining traction, attracting socially responsible investors. The ongoing digital transformation of the real estate sector, including smart buildings and hybrid REITs, offers new investment opportunities and challenges. Investors must stay informed of market trends and adapt their strategies accordingly.

How is this REIT Industry segmented?

The reit industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. TypeIndustrialCommercialResidentialApplicationWarehouses and communication centersSelf-storage facilities and data centersOthersProduct TypeTriple netDouble netModified gross leaseFull servicePercentageGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeFranceGermanyItalyUKAPACChinaIndiaJapanSingaporeRest of World (ROW).

By Type Insights

The industrial segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The retail and industrial real estate sectors dominate the market, with industrial real estate leading in 2024. The industrial segment's growth is driven by the increasing demand for warehousing space due to the surge in e-commerce and online sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chain disruptions have compelled companies to lease more warehouse space to store additional inventory, leading to increased occupancy and rental rates. Furthermore, the proximity of fulfillment centers to metropolitan areas caters to the growing number of online consumers. This trend will continue to fuel the expansion of industrial REITs, offering significant growth opportunities for the market. Asset management companies, pension funds, and high-net-worth individuals are increasingly investing in REITs for their attractive dividend yields and potential for capital appreciation. Private equity firms and family offices are also active players in the market, providing equity financing for REITs. Real estate agents and brokers facilitate transactions, while debt financing from banks and i

The average agreed rent for new tenancies in the UK ranged from *** British pounds to ***** British pounds, depending on the region. On average, renters outside of London paid ***** British pounds, whereas in London, this figure amounted to ***** British pounds. Rents have been on the rise for many years, but the period after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend. Since 2015, the average rent in the UK increased by about ** percent, with about half of that gain achieved in the period after the pandemic. Why have UK rents increased so much? One of the main reasons driving up rental prices is the declining affordability of homeownership. Historically, house prices grew faster than rents, making renting more financially feasible than buying. In 2022, when the house price to rent ratio index peaked, house prices had outgrown rents by nearly ** percent since 2015. As house prices peaked in 2022, home buying slowed, exacerbating demand for rental properties and leading to soaring rental prices. How expensive is too expensive? Although there is no official requirement about the proportion of income spent on rent for it to be considered affordable, a popular rule is that rent should not exceed more than ** percent of income. In 2024, most renters in the UK exceeded that threshold, with the southern regions significantly more likely to spend upward of ** percent of their income on rent. Rental affordability has sparked a move away from the capital to other regions in the UK, such as the South East (Brighton and Southampton), the West Midlands (Birmingham) and the North West (Liverpool, Manchester, Blackpool and Preston).

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The price of prime office space in London differs significantly based on location. More central areas, including the West End, Marylebone and Knightsbridge, tend to have prime rents more than double the cost of areas on the outskirts. London office rents - most expensive in Europe When placing London alongside other major cities in Europe, the West End area of London had annual prime rents over 800 euros per year higher than Paris. In the United Kingdom (UK), average rental costs in the capital fair outweigh those of other areas. Outside of London, the major cities saw prime office rents ranging between 26 British pounds per square foot and 39 British pounds per square foot. Prime Yields Prime yields assess the return on investment expected for commercial real estate. In 2023, prime yields ifor office real estate stood between 3.75 and 7.5 percent. During the same year, office prime yields in several other areas in Europe saw far greater returns on investment.

In 2022, house price growth in the UK slowed, after a period of decade-long increase. Nevertheless, in June 2025, prices reached a new peak, with the average home costing ******* British pounds. This figure refers to all property types, including detached, semi-detached, terraced houses, and flats and maisonettes. Compared to other European countries, the UK had some of the highest house prices. How have UK house prices increased over the last 10 years? Property prices have risen dramatically over the past decade. According to the UK house price index, the average house price has grown by over ** percent since 2015. This price development has led to the gap between the cost of buying and renting a property to close. In 2023, buying a three-bedroom house in the UK was no longer more affordable than renting one. Consequently, Brits have become more likely to rent longer and push off making a house purchase until they have saved up enough for a down payment and achieved the financial stability required to make the step. What caused the recent fluctuations in house prices? House prices are affected by multiple factors, such as mortgage rates, supply, and demand on the market. For nearly a decade, the UK experienced uninterrupted house price growth as a result of strong demand and a chronic undersupply. Homebuyers who purchased a property at the peak of the housing boom in July 2022 paid ** percent more compared to what they would have paid a year before. Additionally, 2022 saw the most dramatic increase in mortgage rates in recent history. Between December 2021 and December 2022, the **-year fixed mortgage rate doubled, adding further strain to prospective homebuyers. As a result, the market cooled, leading to a correction in pricing.

In the first quarter of 2025, London West End - Bond Street was the most expensive location for prime high street rents in the UK, with prices reaching 2,500 British pounds per square foot. The West End was ranked ahead of London City, which came in third. In Manchester, the annual costs of rental per square foot of prime retail real estate amounted to 235 British pounds. Retail warehouses Retail warehouses typically range from 50,000 to hundreds of thousands of square feet. They are used for keeping and distributing inventory. Retail warehouses include loading docks, truck doors and large parking lots; also, they may contain a limited amount of office space. Prime retail warehouse properties belong to the wider category of industrial property, along with other real estate types, such as distribution buildings, showroom facilities, manufacturing buildings, cold storage facilities, telecom or data hosting centers, "flex" buildings denoting more than one industrial or commercial facility housed in the same building, and finally R&D buildings. Prime yields of high street retail across Europe Retail real estate prime yields in Europe were the lowest in Zurich, Switzerland, and the highest in Bucharest, Romania in 2025. As could be expected, larger cities in Europe tended to produce lower yields, due to the lower risk associated with these markets. Locations with lower yields tend to have steady occupancy rates and rental growth.

Rental rates of high street and shopping center properties in the UK declined in the first quarter of 2025. Net effective rents fell by *** percent from the previous quarter, while headline rents declined by *** percent. Prime retail rents in Europe are forecast to rise by 2026, with the UK seeing faster growth than the rest of the region.

London's prime high street retail location commanded the highest rents in Europe, with monthly rates reaching a staggering 2,786 euros per square meter in the second quarter of 2025. This figure dwarfs other major European cities, with Milan coming in second at 1,667 euros per square meter. The stark difference in rental prices highlights the premium placed on prime retail spaces in Europe's financial capital, reflecting the city's status as a global shopping destination. While London boasts the highest retail rents, the UK as a whole remains a significant player in retail real estate investment. In 2023, the UK attracted 6.6 billion euros in retail real estate investment, accounting for approximately a quarter of the total investment in the sector across Europe.

Amsterdam is set to maintain its position as Europe's most expensive city for apartment rentals in 2025, with median costs reaching 2,500 euros per month for a furnished unit. This figure is double the rent in Prague and significantly higher than other major European capitals like Paris, Berlin, and Madrid. The stark difference in rental costs across European cities reflects broader economic trends, housing policies, and the complex interplay between supply and demand in urban centers. Factors driving rental costs across Europe The disparity in rental prices across European cities can be attributed to various factors. In countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, a higher proportion of the population lives in rental housing. This trend contributes to increased demand and potentially higher living costs in these nations. Conversely, many Eastern and Southern European countries have homeownership rates exceeding 90 percent, which may help keep rental prices lower in those regions. Housing affordability and market dynamics The relationship between housing prices and rental rates varies significantly across Europe. As of 2024, countries like Turkey, Iceland, Portugal, and Hungary had the highest house price to rent ratio indices. This indicates a widening gap between property values and rental costs since 2015. The affordability of homeownership versus renting differs greatly among European nations, with some countries experiencing rapid increases in property values that outpace rental growth. These market dynamics influence rental costs and contribute to the diverse rental landscape observed across European cities.

Geneva stands out as Europe's most expensive city for apartment purchases in early 2025, with prices reaching a staggering 15,720 euros per square meter. This Swiss city's real estate market dwarfs even high-cost locations like Zurich and London, highlighting the extreme disparities in housing affordability across the continent. The stark contrast between Geneva and more affordable cities like Nantes, France, where the price was 3,700 euros per square meter, underscores the complex factors influencing urban property markets in Europe. Rental market dynamics and affordability challenges While purchase prices vary widely, rental markets across Europe also show significant differences. London maintained its position as the continent's priciest city for apartment rentals in 2023, with the average monthly costs for a rental apartment amounting to 36.1 euros per square meter. This figure is double the rent in Lisbon, Portugal or Madrid, Spain, and substantially higher than in other major capitals like Paris and Berlin. The disparity in rental costs reflects broader economic trends, housing policies, and the intricate balance of supply and demand in urban centers. Economic factors influencing housing costs The European housing market is influenced by various economic factors, including inflation and energy costs. As of April 2025, the European Union's inflation rate stood at 2.4 percent, with significant variations among member states. Romania experienced the highest inflation at 4.9 percent, while France and Cyprus maintained lower rates. These economic pressures, coupled with rising energy costs, contribute to the overall cost of living and housing affordability across Europe. The volatility in electricity prices, particularly in countries like Italy where rates are projected to reach 153.83 euros per megawatt hour by February 2025, further impacts housing-related expenses for both homeowners and renters.

In the first quarter of 2025, office availability rates in the UK were the lowest in Birmingham, at **** percent. Other cities such as Manchester and Bristol had higher vacancy rates. England's busiest office market, London, had a vacancy rate exceeding ** percent in 2024.The vacancy rate is the percentage of available office rental units that are vacant or unoccupied during a given time. High vacancy rates in a city can mean that supply is outweighing demand, or that the quality of particular properties available not meeting the desired demands of the rental market. After the COVID-19 outbreak, demand for offices has declined, leading to increased vacancies across most markets.

Private companies were responsible for most of the new homes built in the United Kingdom (UK), amounting to ******* units in 2024. Housing completions in the UK decreased for three years in a row between 2007 and 2010. This was followed by several years of fluctuation and a gradual increase from 2013 to 2019. The number of homes completed in England remained relatively stable in 2022 and 2023, after reaching a low point in the second quarter of 2020 due to the restrictions implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Construction starts and completions Comparing the number of starts and completions in London side-by-side shows that whenever there is a significant growth or fall in the number of projects started, that peak or valley tends to be reflected in the number of buildings completed a couple of years later. Nevertheless, disruptions, delays, and other obstacles may affect that correlation. Still, observing how many home construction projects started in the UK can provide some insight into the level of activity that construction companies may have in the near future. Given that the number of housing starts is forecast to fall in 2024, there might be slightly less work to be carried out the following year. Nevertheless, housing starts are expected to pick up again by 2025 and 2026. Housing associations in the UK Housing associations are not-for-profit organizations created to develop and rent homes for a lower price than in the private market. They have acquired certain relevance in the UK, although this type of organization also exists in other countries. On several occasions during the past decade, over a fifth of housing starts in London were developed by housing associations. Meanwhile, the number of new homes completed in Scotland by housing associations has increased a lot throughout the years, with several thousand units constructed every year during the past decades.

In the presented European countries, the homeownership rate extended from 42.6 percent in Switzerland to as much as 95.9 percent in Albania. Countries with more mature rental markets, such as France, Germany, the UK, and Switzerland, tended to have a lower homeownership rate compared to the frontier countries, such as Lithuania or Slovakia. The share of house owners among the population of all 20 euro area countries stood at 64.5 percent in 2024. Average cost of housing Countries with lower homeownership rates tend to have higher house prices. In 2024, the average transaction price for a house was notably higher in Western and Northern Europe than in Eastern and Southern Europe. In Austria, one of the most expensive European countries to buy a new dwelling in, the average price was three times higher than in Greece. Looking at house price growth, however, the most expensive markets recorded slower house price growth compared to the mid-priced markets. Housing supply With population numbers rising across Europe, the need for affordable housing continues. In 2024, European countries completed between one and six housing units per 1,000 citizens, with Ireland, Poland, and Denmark responsible for heading the ranking. One of the major challenges for supplying the market with more affordable homes is the rising construction costs. In 2021 and 2022, housing construction costs escalated dramatically due to soaring inflation, which has had a significant effect on new supply.