One of the expected impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) that brought the world to a halt in the first quarter of 2020 is the disruption to normal business activities and supply chains. The effect spreads through various industries and with the assumption of a ********* delay in construction activities, the forecast suggests property completions planned for 2020 in cities in the United Kingdom (UK) could decrease by more than *********, leading up to more completions in 2021 than originally planned. For more information on the Statista coverage of the coronavirus in the UK, see our report.

We’ve examined how pandemic-related to disruption to office working, retail operations and the hospitality sector has affected the real estate market.

After a very slow second quarter of 2020 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the housing market in the United Kingdom (UK) experienced dramatic surge in home sales. In the first quarter of 2021, the residential property supply varied between *** and *** months of available stock for sale in different regions of the UK, and *** months in Inner London. Considering the limited supply and the spike in demand, house prices have been on an upward trend.

House prices in the UK rose dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic, with growth slowing down in 2022 and turning negative in 2023. The year-on-year annual house price change peaked at 14 percent in July 2022. In April 2025, house prices increased by 3.5 percent. As of late 2024, the average house price was close to 290,000 British pounds. Correction in housing prices: a European phenomenon The trend of a growing residential real estate market was not exclusive to the UK during the pandemic. Likewise, many European countries experienced falling prices in 2023. When comparing residential property RHPI (price index in real terms, e.g. corrected for inflation), countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain also saw prices decline. Sweden, one of the countries with the fastest growing residential markets, saw one of the largest declines in prices. How has demand for UK housing changed since the outbreak of the coronavirus? The easing of the lockdown was followed by a dramatic increase in home sales. In November 2020, the number of mortgage approvals reached an all-time high of over 107,000. One of the reasons for the housing boom were the low mortgage rates, allowing home buyers to take out a loan with an interest rate as low as 2.5 percent. That changed as the Bank of England started to raise the base lending rate, resulting in higher borrowing costs and a decline in homebuyer sentiment.

United Kingdom Residential Real Estate Market is Segmented by Property Type (Apartments and Condominiums, and Villas and Landed Houses), by Price Band (Affordable, Mid-Market and Luxury), by Business Model (Sales and Rental), by Mode of Sale (Primary and Secondary), and by Region (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of house sales in the UK spiked, followed by a period of decline. In 2023 and 2024, the housing market slowed notably, and in January 2025, transaction volumes fell to 46,774. House sales volumes are impacted by a number of factors, including mortgage rates, house prices, supply, demand, as well as the overall health of the market. The economic uncertainty and rising unemployment rates has also affected the homebuyer sentiment of Brits. How have UK house prices developed over the past 10 years? House prices in the UK have increased year-on-year since 2015, except for a brief period of decline in the second half of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. That is based on the 12-month percentage change of the UK house price index. At the peak of the housing boom in 2022, prices soared by nearly 14 percent. The decline that followed was mild, at under three percent. The cooling in the market was more pronounced in England and Wales, where the average house price declined in 2023. Conversely, growth in Scotland and Northern Ireland continued. What is the impact of mortgage rates on house sales? For a long period, mortgage rates were at record-low, allowing prospective homebuyers to take out a 10-year loan at a mortgage rate of less than three percent. In the last quarter of 2021, this period came to an end as the Bank of England rose the bank lending rate to contain the spike in inflation. Naturally, the higher borrowing costs affected consumer sentiment, urging many homebuyers to place their plans on hold and leading to a decline in sales.

The growth of the online short-term rental market, facilitated by platforms such as Airbnb, has added to pressure on cities’ housing supply. Without detailed data on activity levels, it is difficult to design and evaluate appropriate policy interventions. Up until now, the data sources and methods used to derive activity measures have not provided the detail and rigour needed to robustly carry out these tasks. This paper demonstrates an approach based on daily scrapes of the calendars of Airbnb listings. We provide a systematic interpretation of types of calendar activity derived from these scrapes and define a set of indicators of listing activity levels. We exploit a unique period in short-term rental markets during the UK’s first COVID-19 lockdown to demonstrate the value of this approach.

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.

The RICS Residential Market Survey examines the state of the residential real estate market in England. In just a few months, after the first measures to contain the coronavirus (COVID-19) kicked in, real estate agents started anticipating shifts in the demand for properties with various features. According to more than *** in ***** respondents, in the next two years, people will be looking to buy more properties with greater private space, located near a green area, with gardens and balconies. Demand for properties in highly urban areas, on the other hand, is expected to decrease.

The growth of the online short-term rental market, facilitated by platforms such as Airbnb, has added to pressure on cities’ housing supply. Without detailed data on activity levels, it is difficult to design and evaluate appropriate policy interventions. Up until now, the data sources and methods used to derive activity measures have not provided the detail and rigour needed to robustly carry out these tasks. This paper demonstrates an approach based on daily scrapes of the calendars of Airbnb listings. We provide a systematic interpretation of types of calendar activity derived from these scrapes and define a set of indicators of listing activity levels. We exploit a unique period in short-term rental markets during the UK’s first COVID-19 lockdown to demonstrate the value of this approach.

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Property Management Service market was estimated at USD 14.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2023 to 2030. Rising Demands for SaaS-based Property Management Software to Expand Market Penetration

Subscription-based SaaS solutions benefit companies of all sizes. Businesses increasingly use SaaS solutions to optimize operations by automating workflows and removing manual input. Businesses can also lower the cost and complexity of on-premises deployment by installing SaaS solutions. SaaS software assists large multifamily property management organizations integrate several technologies across their portfolio. In addition, the SaaS model is crucial for multi-vendor device compatibility with legacy systems.

For instance, Planon collaborated with AddOnn in March 2021 to combine AddOnn's SaaS solution with Planon's software platform for building and service digitalization to provide end-to-end solutions to end-users worldwide.

(Source:planonsoftware.com/uk/news/planon-and-addonn-launch-partnership-with-introduction-of-mobile-cleaning-solution/)

Employees in real estate organizations rely on up-to-date information to make vital decisions. SaaS systems allow users to access information from any location and device with internet connectivity. A SaaS platform can help property managers link their property solutions with sophisticated payment services for quick and easy transactions.

Evolving Trends of Workforce Mobility to Strengthen Market Share

Many employees nowadays prefer to work from home rather than in offices, corporate headquarters, or a global company branch. This contributes to the need for flexible access to office resources and data. Besides, organizations are using virtual workplaces to reduce their physical infrastructure requirements to a bare minimum, allowing them to be more flexible and use their office space better. Many businesses seek mobility, workplace, and other integrated facility management solutions. This enables property managers to retain productivity while working with a huge crew. These solutions can be used by associated real estate agents & property managers to maintain track of all the properties they manage and the routine maintenance that needs to be performed on them. As a result, the rising trend of workplace mobility is propelling the property management service industry forward.

For instance, Entrata Inc. reported the integration of Alexa with residential buildings in April 2021. This integration would enable property managers to monitor or set up Alexa-enabled devices in each unit, allowing them to create voice-controlled automated homes.

(Source:www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/entrata-enables-alexa-experience-at-scale-with-amazons-alexa-for-residential-301263114.html)

Market Dynamics of Property Management Service

Integration Complexity and Data Security Concerns to Limit Market Growth

One significant restraint property management software services face is the complexity of integrating with existing systems and databases. Many property management companies already have established tools for accounting, tenant communication, maintenance tracking, and more. Implementing new software solutions can lead to compatibility challenges and difficulties in transferring data seamlessly. Furthermore, as property management software handles sensitive information such as tenant details, financial records, and property documents, ensuring robust data security becomes critical. Any breaches or unauthorized access can lead to legal consequences, financial losses, and company reputation damage.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Property Management Service Market

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the property management service market, introducing shifts in tenant behavior, remote work trends, and economic uncertainties that prompted property managers to adapt their strategies. Lockdowns and travel restrictions decreased demand for short-term rentals, while remote work trends increased the significance of property amenities and flexible leasing options. Property managers incorporated virtual tours, contactless services, and enhanced sanitation measures to address safety concerns. Moreover, the pandemic accelerated the adoption of proptech solutions for remote property monitoring and digital communication, reshap...

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are attractive investment vehicles, as they are exempt from corporate tax. A reduction in REIT requirements and restrictions has encouraged new entrants, although many were hit hard by the retail crash during the COVID-19 outbreak. Revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 0.4% over the five years through 2024-25 to £8.5 billion including estimated growth of 11.8% in 2024-25, while the average profit is expected to be 19.3%. As many REITs own some form of retail and office property, lockdowns and social distancing measures during the pandemic meant the REIT industry lost revenue. Many REITs were forced to sell assets to stay afloat, threatening a spiral in retail property value, with shopping centre giant Intu Properties collapsing into administration. While many REITs with exposure to warehouses performed well in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak amid the e-commerce boom, the industry contended with significant headwinds like rising interest rates and rock-bottom confidence in 2022-23, hurting asset valuations and stifling investment activity. Macroeconomic conditions improved somewhat in 2023-24, with both business and consumer confidence picking up thanks to more optimistic growth prospects and stabilising interest, supporting rental income. However, the higher base rate environment has posed financing challenges, resulting in REITs finding alternative sources of finances like share placements to capitalise on low property values. In 2024-25, REITs have welcomed interest rate cuts, easing financing pressures and lifting asset values. This will support balance sheets, driving investment activity and revenue growth. REIT revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 5.6% over the five years through 2029-30 to £11.2 billion. The hike in corporation tax in April 2023 has resulted in investors looking towards REITs due to their tax advantages, positioning REITs for significant investment in the coming years and driving revenue growth. REITs will welcome solid government support in the form of regulatory changes aiming at making the industry more competitive. Technological innovation will also shape the industry. Most notably, proptech solutions are being introduced, which improve property management and operating efficiency, supporting profit.

The statistic displays a **** year forecast for house price growth in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2020 to 2024, revised with the coronavirus (covid-19) impact on the market. According to the forecast, 2020 and 2021 will likely see a slower to no increase in house prices followed by a gradual recovery between 2022 and 2024. North West, North East, Yorkshire & the Humber, and Scotland prices are forecast to bounce back quicker than other UK regions with higher **** year price increase.

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Europe Commercial Real Estate Market Size 2025-2029

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. European commercial real estate market is experiencing significant growth, with increasing private investment pouring into the sector. The primary catalyst fueling market growth is the increasing aggregate private investment.This trend is driven by a robust economic environment, favorable demographic shifts, and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Market Size & Forecast

  Market Opportunities: USD 31.78 billion
  Future Opportunities: USD 91.4 billion 
  CAGR : 5.7%  

However, this growth comes with challenges,rising interest rates pose a threat to affordability and profitability, potentially dampening investor enthusiasm and increasing borrowing costs. As a result, companies must navigate this complex landscape by carefully assessing potential investment opportunities, considering alternative financing options, and adapting to changing market conditions. In order to capitalize on the market's potential and mitigate risks, strategic planning and agility will be essential for success.

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

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European commercial real estate market continues to evolve, presenting dynamic opportunities across various sectors. Property risk assessment and building inspection reports play crucial roles in mitigating potential hazards, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Property tax appeals and portfolio diversification help investors minimize risk and maximize returns. Facility management services, property valuation techniques, and property value metrics enable effective asset management. Data-driven investment strategies, including transaction closing costs, space planning solutions, and development approval processes, facilitate informed decision-making. Capital expenditure planning, portfolio optimization, operating expense control, lease contract review, energy consumption audits, and commercial lease terms are essential for maintaining profitability.
For instance, the adoption of energy management systems in commercial buildings has led to a 10% average reduction in energy consumption, contributing to cost savings and environmental sustainability. Commercial real estate market is expected to grow by 3% annually, driven by these evolving trends and the ongoing demand for efficient, sustainable, and compliant properties.

How is this Europe Commercial Real Estate Market segmented?

Europe commercial real estate market market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029,for the following segments.

Type

  Rental
  Lease
  Sales


End-user

  Offices
  Retail
  Leisure
  Others


End-User

  Corporate
  Investment
  Government


Location

  Urban
  Suburban


Geography

  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK

By Type Insights

The rental segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. European commercial real estate market is characterized by dynamic lease renewal negotiations, construction project management, and insurance considerations for green building certification and property refurbishment costs. Zoning regulations compliance and vacancy loss calculations are crucial elements in property acquisition strategy, while property tax optimization and valuation models inform building lifecycle cost analyses. Property management software and tenant occupancy rates are essential for portfolio performance metrics, and market rent surveys guide tenant retention strategies. Portfolio risk management, building code compliance, property data analytics, and rental income projections are integral to asset management strategies. Due diligence processes and capitalization rate analysis are vital during urban planning regulations and space utilization analysis.

In the rental segment, growth is expected to reach over 5% annually, with office rents in the UK, Benelux markets, and peripheral Europe experiencing the highest quarterly growth of 1.8%. However, investment markets remain cautious due to economic uncertainties and rising inflation and finance rates, despite the leasing market's strength and increasing rents. For instance, rental income in the office sector in Paris grew by 3.5% in 2021, reaching €1,122 per square meter per year.

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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.

European commercial real estate market continues to be a significant global investment destina

To contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), on March 23, 2020, a number of restrictions unfolded in the United Kingdom (UK). The population was urged to stay and work from home and many retailers deemed non-essential had to temporarily suspend their operations. The disruption of activity is a serious threat to the survival of businesses in the retail sector. This could have a knock-on effect on the commercial real estate sector. Nevertheless, more than ** percent of the out-of-town retail and leisure real estate area was deemed essential and could potentially remain open. This was the equivalent of ** percent of units in this market.

The UK Mattress Market size was valued at USD 9.45 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 18.69 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2026 to 2032.Key Market DriversIncreasing Health Awareness and Sleep Quality Focus: Growing awareness about the importance of sleep quality and its correlation with overall health has led UKs to invest more in premium mattresses. This health-conscious approach has particularly accelerated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, creating significant market momentum. According to the UK Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), consumer spending on household furnishings including mattresses increased by 6.1% in 2021 compared to 2020.Growth in Real Estate and Residential Construction: The expansion of UKy's housing market and increased residential construction activities have directly stimulated mattress demand. New housing units require furnishing, creating a consistent demand pipeline for mattress manufacturers and retailers. The number of households in UKy grew by approximately 300,000 annually from 2020 to 2023, according to Destatis data, each representing potential mattress customers.

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.

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.

This document forms part of the REDEFINE research project (ERC Grant No. 885475), funded by the European Research Council. REDEFINE focuses on the dynamics and effects of China’s large-scale infrastructure investments in Europe, with a focus on Germany, Greece, Hungary, and the UK. Through multi-sited fieldwork and interdisciplinary analysis, the project seeks to understand the evolving relations between China and Europe and to assess what this means for politics, economic growth and development more broadly.This anonymised interview note presents a semi-structured interview conducted with the former ABP management representative P22 (2nd). The conversation contributes to REDEFINE’s case study of ABP’s investment in Royal Albert Dock. All identifying details have been removed, and informed consent for participation and data use was obtained.

The Australian mortgage market was characterized by a sharp slowdown in mortgage balances in 2019 after years of growth – and this trend is expected to continue well into 2020. Property prices this year are expected to decline between 15% and 30% overall as COVID-19 temporarily freezes the market. However, mortgage balance growth to 2024 is expected to be positive overall, with the rebound beginning in 2021 Read More