This statistic illustrates the share of tenants among the total population of Austria between 2008 and 2017. It can be seen that during this period the share of tenants increased overall, reaching a share of 45 percent of the total population as of 2017.

Switzerland, Germany, and Austria were the European countries with the highest share of the population living in rental housing in 2023. In Switzerland, approximately ** percent of households occupied rental housing, nearly twice the average for the European Union. Thanks to a high homeownership rate, the share of tenants among the population in many East and South European countries was below ** percent. These countries included, Albania, Romania, Slovakia, and Serbia.

This statistic shows the distribution of the population in Austria as of 2016, by dwelling type. In that year **** percent of the Austrian population lived in detached houses and *** percent occupied semi-detached houses.

Public spending on social rental in Austria amounted to 0.21 percent of its GDP in 2022. Meanwhile, Australia spent 0.28 percent of its GDP on social rental in the financial year ended in 2022. Those figures refer to the money transferred to the authorities that own and manage the social rental housing stock.

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.

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.

The Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark were among the countries in the world with the highest proportion of social rental housing. As of 2021, over a third of the housing stock in the Netherlands was social rental, while it amounted to 21 percent in Denmark in 2022.