One of the main factors driving high rents across European cities is the same as any other consumer-driven business. If demand outweighs supply, prices will inflate. The drive for high paid professionals to be located centrally in prime locations, mixed with the low levels of available space, high land, and construction costs, all keep rental prices increasing. Renting in European cities In the third quarter of 2023, Munich was the most expensive city to rent a furnished studio. For one-bedroom apartments or a furnished private room, the most expensive city was Amsterdam. At almost 1,650 euros per month, renting a studio in Munich cost about 1,000 euros more than a studio in Budapest. Owning a home In many European countries owning your home is more commonplace than renting – for instance, in Romania, the homeownership rate is over 95 percent. In the UK, affordability of housing is one of the leading housing concerns, with the majority of adults agreeing that first-time buyers getting on a property ladder is a very or somewhat serious problem. More in-depth information on the topic can be found in the report on residential real estate in Europe.

In the first quarter of 2024, Amsterdam was the most expensive city to rent a furnished one-bedroom apartment among the 23 leading European cities surveyed. At 2,300 euros per month, rent in Amsterdam was more than twice as high as in Brussels. Amsterdam was also the most expensive city to rent a private room.One of the main factors driving high rents across European cities is the same as any other consumer-driven business. If demand outweighs supply, prices will inflate. The drive for high paid professionals to be located centrally in prime locations, mixed with the low levels of available space, high land, and construction costs, all help keep rental prices increasing.

In 2023, the most expensive residential rental market in Europe was London (inner) with rental costs of approximately 33.8 euros per square meter. Dublin and Paris followed with rental costs of 31.5 and 31.3 euros per square meter. Rents increased across most markets - a trend that could also be observed in the housing market. How much does an apartment cost in different European cities? Renting a furnished studio apartment in some of the leading cities in Europe can cost anywhere between 500 euros monthly (Budapest) and 2,000 euros (Amsterdam) per month. For afurnished one-bedroom apartment in Paris, France, one may be expected to pay on average 1,900 euros monthly. Which countries have the most affordable housing? The house price to rent ratio is an indicator of the affordability of owning housing over renting across European countries and is calculated as the nominal house prices divided by a rent price index. The higher the ratio, the more the gap between house prices and rental rates has widened since 2015 when the index base was 100. As of the fourth quarter of 2021, Finland, Italy, and Belgium had the lowest house price to rent ratio, meaning that buying a house was most affordable there compared to renting.

In 2023, the index for residential rents in the euro area stood at 112.2 index points. Nevertheless, most European countries recorded a higher increase in rental prices. In Turkey, where inflation has been extremely high in recent years, the index soared to 405 index points. That means that the rents increased by 305 percent since 2015, the base year with index value of 100. Six other countries had an index value of over 150 index points, including Lithuania, Hungary, and Slovenia. Conversely, Greece was the only country where rents have declined since 2015.

Rents in Germany continued to increase in all seven major cities in 2024. The average rent per square meter in Munich was approximately 19.8 euros — the highest in the country. Conversely, Düsseldorf had the most affordable rent, at approximately 13.1 euros per square meter. But how does renting compare to buying? According to the house price to rent ratio, house prices in Germany have risen faster than rents, making renting more affordable than buying. Affordability of housing in Germany In 2023, Germany was among the European countries with a relatively high house price to income ratio in Europe. The indicator compares the affordability of housing across OECD countries and is calculated as the nominal house prices divided by nominal disposable income per head, with 2015 chosen as a base year. Between 2012 and 2022, property prices in the country rose much faster than income, with the house price to income index peaking at 138 index points at the beginning of 2022. Slower house price growth in the following years has led to the index declining, as incomes catch up. Nevertheless, homebuyers in 2024 faced significantly higher mortgage interest rates, contributing to a higher final cost. How much does buying a property in Germany cost? Just as with renting, Munich was the most expensive city for newly built apartments. In 2024, the cost per square meter in Munich was almost 2,800 euros pricier than in the runner-up city, Frankfurt. Detached and semi-detached houses are usually more expensive. The price gap between Munich and the second most expensive city, Stuttgart, was nearly 4,000 euros per square meter.

Geneva, Switzerland, was the most expensive city to buy an apartment in Europe in the first quarter of 2024. The square meter price in Geneva was nearly 15,650 euros in that quarter, about 2,000 euros higher than the second city in the ranking, Zurich. Cost of rent Rents across the major cities in Europe increased significantly in 2023. One of the main factors driving high rents across European cities is the same as any other consumer-driven business. If demand outweighs supply, prices will inflate. The drive for high paid professionals to be located centrally in prime locations, mixed with the low levels of available space, high land, and construction costs, all help keep rental prices increasing. Mortgage rates The average mortgage interest rates across Europe in 2023 were all under five percent, except in Czechia, Romania, Hungary, and Poland. On an individual level, a difference of one percent would most likely mean thousands of euros in interest on the mortgage a person is paying, making timing key in house purchasing. Mortgage interest rates tend to be lower in Nordic countries due to the financial stability and reliability of its borrowers. Other factors that influence the mortgage interest rates include inflation, economic growth, monetary policies, the bond market and the overall conditions of the housing market. More stable markets also tend to have higher average prices.

The rental prices of prime office spaces per square meter varied greatly across different European cities in 2023, ranging from over 2,000 euros in London to 200 euros in Riga. Prime office properties typically meet specific criteria, including a good location in major commercial centers, public transport accessibility, and energy efficiency. Where in Europe are offices most expensive? London, England, had the most expensive prime office spaces with the West End, Marylebone, and Knightsbridge/Chelsea submarkets commanding the highest prices. Other European cities with high-end office rents included Paris, Milan, and Dublin. Where is the most office space leased? Larger cities with flourishing economies tend to attract most businesses despite higher office space costs. Therefore, it is unsurprising that Germany's big Four (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg), Paris, and London had the highest take-up rates for office spaces across Europe. In Berlin and Luxembourg, the share of vacant office space was less than four percent.

This table includes the average increase of rent paid for dwellings in the Netherlands. The rent increase is set per 1 July. Data available from: 1959 Status of the figures: The provisional figures are published in August and relate to the rent increase as implemented in July. The figures become definitive upon publication in September. Disparities between provisional and definitive figures are caused by new source material. Changes as of 8 September 2023: Definitive figures of 2023 have been published. When will new figures be published? Provisional figures of 2024 will be published in August 2024.

Graph and download economic data for Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices: Actual Rentals for Housing for Euro Area (EA11-1999, EA12-2001, EA13-2007, EA15-2008, EA16-2009, EA17-2011, EA18-2014, EA19-2015, EA20-2023) (CP0410EZCCM086NEST) from Jan 1996 to Feb 2025 about harmonized, rent, Euro Area, Europe, CPI, housing, price index, indexes, and price.

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Price Index: Harmonised Prices: Actual Rentals for Housing: Total for the Euro Area (19 Countries) (CPHPHO01EZM661N) from Jan 1996 to Jan 2023 about harmonized, rent, Euro Area, Europe, CPI, housing, price index, indexes, and price.

In the third quarter of 2023, Amsterdam was the most expensive city to rent a furnished private room among the 23 European cities surveyed. It was also among the top ranking most expensive cities to rent a furnished one-bedroom flat and studio apartment. One of the main factors driving high rents across European cities is the same as any other consumer-driven business. If demand outweighs supply, prices will inflate. The drive for high paid professionals to be located centrally in prime locations, mixed with the low levels of available space, high land, and construction costs, all keep rental prices increasing.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the average rent price per square meter in major European cities was 18.4 euros. London had the highest price by far at 36.1 euros per square meter, followed by Amsterdam and Oslo at 27.3 and 26.7 euros, respectively. In contrast, Seville had the lowest average price, at 11 euros per square meter.

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Europe Commercial Real Estate Market Size 2025-2029

The Europe commercial real estate market size is forecast to increase by USD 91.4 billion at a CAGR of 5.7% between 2024 and 2029.

The European commercial real estate market is experiencing significant growth, with increasing private investment flowing into the region. This trend is driven by a number of factors, including the economic stability of European countries, attractive yields compared to other global markets, and the continued demand for urban space. However, this growth is not without challenges. 
One major concern is the rising interest rates, which have the potential to increase borrowing costs for investors and potentially dampen demand. Despite this, opportunities abound for companies seeking to capitalize on the market's dynamics. For instance, there is a growing demand for sustainable real estate, as well as a shift towards alternative asset classes such as student housing, healthcare real estate, and hospitality real estate.
To navigate this complex landscape effectively, companies must stay informed of the latest trends and challenges, and be prepared to adapt their strategies accordingly. Overall, the European commercial real estate market offers significant opportunities for growth, but also requires a strategic and agile approach to succeed.

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

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The European commercial real estate market encompasses a diverse landscape of travel-restriction resilient sectors, including warehouses and fulfillment centers catering to the in e-commerce spending. Urbanization continues to drive demand for adaptable office spaces in metro cities, with a growing emphasis on sustainable designs and technology-driven solutions. The commercial sector is undergoing digitalization, with brokers and managers leveraging media portals to streamline transactions and enhance client experiences. The hybrid work model is shaping office occupancy trends, as middle-class consumers and the working-age population adapt to flexible work arrangements. Foreign investments remain strong, particularly in sectors like logistics and data centers.
Vacancy rates, rental rates, absorption rates, and property valuations are closely monitored indicators of market health. Architects and engineers are tasked with designing spaces that accommodate the evolving needs of businesses, from flexible layouts to energy efficiency. Overall, the European commercial real estate market exhibits activity and growth, with trends leaning towards digitalization, sustainability, and adaptability.

How is this market segmented?

The market 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.

Type

  Rental
  Lease
  Sales


End-user

  Offices
  Retail
  Leisure
  Others


Geography

  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK

By Type Insights

The rental segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The European commercial real estate market is experiencing a significant shift, with the rental segment leading the way in 2024. Office rental growth in Europe accelerated to 1.8% quarter-on-quarter in Q3 2022, resulting in an annual increase of over 5%. Notably, the UK, Benelux markets, and peripheral Europe experienced the highest growth rates. However, investment markets are showing caution, as buyers hesitate to pay earlier price levels due to economic uncertainties, inflation, and finance rates. Urbanization and social distancing measures continue to impact commercial real estate, driving the need for adaptable office spaces and sustainable designs. The commercial sector is also undergoing digitalization, with technology-driven solutions, smart building technology, and data analytics gaining popularity.

Additionally, e-commerce spending and changing customer behavior are leading to increased demand for warehouses, fulfillment centers, and logistics facilities. The Middle-class consumers and the working-age population's digitization of work further fuel the demand for managed office facilities, collaborative spaces, and digital infrastructure. Key trends include hybrid work patterns, energy-efficient features, green building certifications, and sustainable construction methods.

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

Market Dynamics

The Europe commercial real estate market is diverse, encompassing a wide range of property types, from office space leasing to industrial warehouse sites. Retail property deals and urban retail units remain a signifi

Graph and download economic data for Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices: Cleaning, Repair and Hire of Clothing for Euro Area (EA11-1999, EA12-2001, EA13-2007, EA15-2008, EA16-2009, EA17-2011, EA18-2014, EA19-2015, EA20-2023) (CP0314EZCCM086NEST) from Jan 1996 to Feb 2025 about cleaning, repair, apparel, harmonized, rent, Euro Area, Europe, CPI, price index, indexes, and price.

In 2023, the average buy-vs-rent ratio in Europe was 1.4. The highest ratios were in Austria at 2.7 and Germany at 2.0, indicating that it was more than twice as expensive to buy than to rent in these markets. The lowest ratios were found in Spain and Finland, at 0.9 and 0.8 respectively, making buying more economical than renting.

Snapshot img

Car Rental Market Size 2025-2029

The car rental market size is forecast to increase by USD 188.3 billion at a CAGR of 20.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. One of the primary drivers is the increasing cost of vehicle ownership, leading more consumers to rent cars instead. Another trend influencing the market is the advent of intermediaries, making it easier for customers to compare prices and find the best deals. Additionally, the rise of car-sharing services has disrupted the traditional car rental industry, offering flexible and affordable options for consumers. The market is expected to grow further, as more consumers opt for flexible and cost-effective transportation solutions such as electric car rental. Car rental companies must adapt to these trends and address challenges such as increasing competition and regulatory issues to remain competitive. 

What will the size of the market be during the forecast period?

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Car rental services have experienced significant transformation in recent years, driven by the increasing penetration of the internet and the proliferation of mobile apps. Global travel and commuting patterns have shifted, with an increasing number of customers preferring the convenience of online booking applications. A car hire agency offers both offline access and online access to vehicle rental services, providing options for self driven or chauffeur driven vehicles, with flexible long term rental plans to suit various customer needs. Car rental operators have responded by investing in information technology to enhance the customer experience. The use of telematics and online verification of documents, e-signing of contracts, and cashless transactions have streamlined the car rental process. The integration of mobile apps has made it easier for customers to book a vehicle at any time and from any location.



Furthermore, the adoption of these technologies has also facilitated employee retention, as they enable more efficient and effective operations. International trips have become more common, and car rental services have expanded their offerings to cater to this market. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has also influenced the car rental industry, with operators offering more EV options to meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation. However, travel restrictions and regulations imposed by governments continue to pose challenges for car rental operators. Tourist agencies have also started partnering with car rental services to offer comprehensive travel packages. The integration of these services into travel packages has further increased the convenience for customers, making car rental an essential component of the global travel industry.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market 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

  Offline
  Online


Rental Category

  Airport transport
  Local transport
  Outstation transport
  Other transport


Type

  Economy cars
  Executive cars
  Luxury cars
  SUVs
  MUVs


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    Mexico
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy
    Spain


  APAC

    China
    India


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Mode Of Booking Insights

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

Offline booking enables customers to reserve a car in advance without having to rely on internet connectivity. This is particularly useful for those who are traveling to remote areas or for those who find themselves in locations where internet connectivity is not reliable. Customers can simply provide their information to the rental company via phone, email, or in person, and the company will take care of the rest. The demand for offline booking has grown considerably in recent years as more customers seek out this added convenience and adopt solutions such as MUV rental. Rental companies are recognizing this trend and are now offering this feature as part of their standard service offering. This has made the process of booking a car much simpler, providing customers with the freedom to rent vehicles at any time, from anywhere.

Additionally, offline booking provides a layer of security for customers. With the ability to book a vehicle even in situations with no internet access, customers are never left stranded without a car. Another reason people choose to book cars offline is to ensure that they get the best rate. People usually think that by booking cars offline, they would be able to negotiate with the staff or get extra discounts. Such factor

The current average price per night globally on Airbnb is $137 per night.

In 2024, Turkey had the highest inflation-adjusted house price index out of the 35 European countries under observation, making it the country where house prices have increased the most since 2010. In Turkey, the house price index exceeded 240 index points in the first quarter of 2024, showing an increase in real terms of 140 percent since 2010, the baseline year for the index. Iceland and Estonia completed the top three, with an index value of over 190 index points. In the past year, however, many European countries saw house prices decline in real terms. Where can I find other metrics on different housing markets in Europe? To assess the valuation in different housing markets, one can have a look at the house-price-to-income ratios in different countries worldwide. These ratios are calculated by dividing nominal house prices by nominal disposable income per head. There are also ratios that look at how residential property prices relate to domestic rents, such as the house-price-to-rent ratio for the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, these numbers are not available in a European overview. An overview of the price per square meter of an apartment in the EU-28 countries is available, however. One region, different markets An important trait of the European housing market is that there is not one market, but multiple. Property policy in Europe lies with the domestic governments, not with the European Union. This leads to significant differences between European countries, which shows in, for example, the homeownership rate (the share of owner-occupied dwellings of all homes). These differences also lead to another problem: the availability of data. Non-Europeans might be surprised to see that house price statistics vary in depth, as every country has their own methodology and no European body exists that tracks this data for the whole continent.

In the presented European countries, the homeownership rate extended from 42 percent in Switzerland to as much as 96 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 27 European countries has remained relatively stable over the past few years. Average cost of housing Countries with lower homeownership rates tend to have higher house prices. In 2023, 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 2023, European countries completed between one and six housing units per 1,000 citizens, with Ireland, Poland, and Denmark responsible 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.

The average transaction price of new housing in Europe was the highest in Norway, whereas existing homes were the most expensive in Austria. Since there is no central body that collects and tracks transaction activity or house prices across the whole continent or the European Union, not all countries are included. To compile the ranking, the source weighed the transaction prices of residential properties in the most important cities in each country based on data from their national offices. For example, in Germany, the cities included were Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Berlin. House prices have been soaring, with Sweden topping the ranking Considering the RHPI of houses in Europe (the price index in real terms, which measures price changes of single-family properties adjusted for the impact of inflation), however, the picture changes. Sweden, Luxembourg and Norway top this ranking, meaning residential property prices have surged the most in these countries. Real values were calculated using the so-called Personal Consumption Expenditure Deflator (PCE), This PCE uses both consumer prices as well as consumer expenditures, like medical and health care expenses paid by employers. It is meant to show how expensive housing is compared to the way of living in a country. Home ownership highest in Eastern Europe The home ownership rate in Europe varied from country to country. In 2020, roughly half of all homes in Germany were owner-occupied whereas home ownership was at nearly 97 percent in Romania or around 90 percent in Slovakia and Lithuania. These numbers were considerably higher than in France or Italy, where homeowners made up 65 percent and 72 percent of their respective populations.For more information on the topic of property in Europe, visit the following pages as a starting point for your research: real estate investments in Europe and residential real estate in Europe.