The Direct Real Estate Activities industry have come up against numerous headwinds in recent years, ranging from the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 to the high base rate environment in the years since, which has inflated borrowing costs for potential buyers. This is a sharp contrast to the ultra-low interest environment seen over the decade following the 2008 financial crisis. Still, revenue is forecast to edge upwards at a compound annual rate of 0.6% over the five years through 2025 to €622.9 billion, including an anticipated rise of 0.8% in 2025. Despite weak revenue growth, profitability remains strong, with the average industry profit margin standing at an estimated 18.9% in 2025. Central banks across Europe adopted aggressive monetary policy in the two years through 2023 in an effort to curb spiralling inflation. This ratcheted up borrowing costs and hit the real estate sector. In the residential property market, mortgage rates picked up and hit housing transaction levels. However, the level of mortgage rate hikes has varied across Europe, with the UK experiencing the largest rise, meaning the dent to UK real estate demand was more pronounced. Commercial real estate has also struggled due to inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions and rising rates. Alongside this, the market’s stock of office space isn’t able to satisfy business demand, with companies placing a greater emphasis on high-quality space and environmental impact. Properties in many areas haven't been suitable due to their lack of green credentials. Nevertheless, things are looking up, as interest rates have been falling across Europe over the two years through 2025, reducing borrowing costs and boosting the number of property transactions, which is aiding revenue growth for estate agents. Revenue is slated to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.5% over the five years through 2030 to €777.6 billion. Economic conditions are set to improve in the short term, which will boost consumer and business confidence, ramping up the number of property transactions in both the residential and commercial real estate markets. However, estate agents may look to adjust their offerings to align with the data centre boom to soak up the demand from this market, while also adhering to sustainability commitments.

Cyprus Building Permits: Value: RB: Multiple Housing Units: Residential and Commercial Use data was reported at 1,123.000 EUR th in Dec 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 281.000 EUR th for Nov 2024. Cyprus Building Permits: Value: RB: Multiple Housing Units: Residential and Commercial Use data is updated monthly, averaging 5,390.500 EUR th from Jan 2003 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 264 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 412,596.000 EUR th in Sep 2019 and a record low of 0.000 EUR th in Aug 2024. Cyprus Building Permits: Value: RB: Multiple Housing Units: Residential and Commercial Use data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistical Service of Cyprus. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Cyprus – Table CY.EA001: Building Permits: by Type of Building.

The size of the Greece Property And Casualty Insurance Market was valued at USD 7.60 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 9.78 Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 3.67% during the forecast period. The Greece property and casualty insurance industry plays a crucial role in the country's financial landscape, providing coverage against a range of risks associated with property damage and liability. This sector encompasses various types of insurance products, including homeowners insurance, automobile insurance, commercial property insurance, and liability coverage. With a growing economy and increased focus on risk management, the industry has evolved to meet the diverse needs of both individuals and businesses. In recent years, the demand for property and casualty insurance in Greece has been driven by factors such as rising property values, increased vehicle ownership, and a heightened awareness of the importance of financial protection. The industry is characterized by a mix of local and international insurers, which fosters competition and innovation in product offerings. Regulatory frameworks established by the Bank of Greece and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) ensure that insurers maintain adequate reserves and operate transparently, enhancing consumer confidence. Recent developments include: December 2022: European Reliance and Allianz Greece announced the formation of an Executive Committee (ExCom) to oversee their joint expansion journey and facilitate the effective integration of the two companies. The composition of the ExCom members has been carefully chosen with the primary goal of ensuring a seamless integration process.., February 2022: The European Commission unconditionally cleared the acquisition of Ethniki Hellenic General Insurance Company S.A. of Greece by CVC Capital Partners SICAV FIS S.A. of Luxemburg. Ethniki offers life and non-life insurance services, insurance distribution, and reinsurance services in Cyprus, Greece, and Romania. CVC and its subsidiaries manage investment funds and platforms and control many companies, including the Hellenic Healthcare Group, which offers private hospital services in Cyprus and Greece.. Key drivers for this market are: Digitalization is Driving the Market. Potential restraints include: Economic Disparities are Restraining the Market. Notable trends are: Technological Advancements are Driving the Market.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, weak economic conditions have deterred new investment into the construction sector as businesses have sought to preserve cash amid an inflationary economic environment, leading to the postponement and even cancellation of large construction projects. This has restricted the number of opportunities in the new building construction market. However, consumers have increased spending on repair, maintenance and renovation activities, supporting other revenue opportunities for building completion and finishing contractors, supporting an uptick in revenue. Revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 3.1% over the five years through 2024 to reach €328 billion. Significant inflationary pressures have led to retaliatory hikes to the central banks’ base interest rate, increasing the cost of borrowing. This has limited the number of new construction projects and also caused the housing market to cool as would-be home buyers are priced out of mortgages. In turn, property developers have reduced output, and consumers have managed spending budgets with greater care, increasing the threat from DIY. As such, revenue is forecast to sink by a further 2.3% in 2024 to €328 billion. Over the five years through 2029, revenue is projected to climb at a compound annual rate of 4% to reach €399.3 billion, supported by recovering economic conditions and renewed investment into the construction sector. As sentiment levels return to growth and the inflation rate eases, businesses and consumers will be more likely to undertake larger projects, supporting demand for building completion and finishing services.

In December 2024, the floor space of office buildings in the central business districts in Tokyo covered around **** million tsubo. The total floor area of office buildings with a standard floor area of 100 tsubo or more has increased by almost *** million tsubo over the past decade.

Plumbing, heating and air conditioning installation revenue is forecast to dip at a compound annual rate of 2.7% over the five years through 2024 to €219.1 billion. Weak economic conditions since the COVID-19 outbreak and restrictions at the height of the pandemic resulted in the cancellation and postponement of many projects, especially in the commercial market, as customers sought to conserve cash. Despite the easing of lockdown restrictions, significant inflationary pressures have continued to plague revenue opportunities, as retaliatory hikes to the base rate by central banks have caused the cost of borrowing to soar, restricting new investment into construction. In 2024, inflated interest rates are expected to continue to weigh on the housing market, contributing to weaker house prices and hindering demand from residential property developers. Nonetheless, demand from infrastructure construction and utility companies will remain resilient due to the essential nature of plumbing and HVAC systems. This will also keep demand for repair and maintenance services from the commercial market fairly strong, especially where these systems are business-critical. Still, revenue is forecast to decline by 3.8% in 2024. Over the five years through 2029, revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 1.5% to €236.2 billion. Easing inflationary pressures will translate into recovering economic sentiment, supporting renewed demand from commercial and residential clients alike. Continue public investment into infrastructure projects and public buildings, like schools and hospitals, will also support demand for plumbing and HVAC installation services. The provision of repair and maintenance services is also slated to remain healthy.