The highest rental yield in the UK property market in the first quarter of 2024 was in the North East region, amounting to **** percent. Conversely, private rental homes in London had the lowest average gross yield, at **** percent. Rental yield is a measure of profitability and shows the annual rental income as a share of the property price. Although higher yields imply a higher annual return, they do not take into consideration the rental growth and house price appreciation potential of the property.

Industrial multi-lets and industrial distribution properties had the lowest yields in the industrial real estate sector, amounting to **** percent in February 2025. Conversely, yields were the highest for retail warehousing (restricted), at ************* 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. Overall, yields expanded across all commercial property types in 2023.

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.

The investment yields of warehouse and industrial space in the UK continued to rise in 2024. As of June, yields were the highest for good secondary estates, at 7.25 percent. Conversely, prime distribution and warehousing properties with a lease term of 20 years and a higher open market value had the lowest yield, at five percent.

The rental yield for buy-to-let properties varied widely across different property types in the United Kingdom. Business mortgages, or buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages, are a loan sold to property investors, rather than to people who want to purchase a home to live in. Semi-detached houses had the lowest rental yield at **** percent in the second quarter of 2022. Though a higher yield suggests profitability, it is also indicates higher risk.

These National Statistics provide monthly estimates of the number of residential and non-residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries. National Statistics are accredited official statistics.

England and Northern Ireland statistics are based on information submitted to the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) database by taxpayers on SDLT returns.

Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) replaced SDLT in Scotland from 1 April 2015 and this data is provided to HMRC by https://www.revenue.scot/" class="govuk-link">Revenue Scotland to continue the time series.

Land Transaction Tax (LTT) replaced SDLT in Wales from 1 April 2018. To continue the time series, the https://gov.wales/welsh-revenue-authority" class="govuk-link">Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) have provided HMRC with a monthly data feed of LTT transactions since July 2021.

LTT figures for the latest month are estimated using a grossing factor based on data for the most recent and complete financial year. Until June 2021, LTT transactions for the latest month were estimated by HMRC based upon year on year growth in line with other UK nations.

LTT transactions up to the penultimate month are aligned with LTT statistics.

Go to Stamp Duty Land Tax guidance for the latest rates and information.

Go to Stamp Duty Land Tax rates from 1 December 2003 to 22 September 2022 and Stamp Duty: rates on land transfers before December 2003 for historic rates.

The latest release was published 09:30 27 June 2025 and was updated with provisional data from completed transactions during May 2025.

The next release will be published 09:30 31 July 2025 and will be updated with provisional data from completed transactions during June 2025.

https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20240320184933/https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/monthly-property-transactions-completed-in-the-uk-with-value-40000-or-above" class="govuk-link">Archive versions of the Monthly property transactions completed in the UK with value of £40,000 or above are available via the UK Government Web Archive, from the National Archives.

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.

Median monthly rental prices for the private rental market in England by bedroom category, region and administrative area, calculated using data from the Valuation Office Agency and Office for National Statistics.

Rental price statistics historical data time series (indices and annual percentage change). These are official statistics in development.

In 2022, the prime yields of healthcare properties in the United Kingdom were the lowest for primary care and elderly care homes. Meanwhile, adult supported living had the highest yield, ranging between 5.5 percent and six percent. Yields measure the return of investment and are influenced by multiple factors, such as investment costs, rent, rental growth, as well as availability and demand for an asset.

Revenue is forecast to dip at a compound annual rate of 1.3% over the five years through 2024-25 to £33 billion. Revenue plummeted in 2020-21 as the pandemic dampened property management activity. Property managers enjoyed a sharp recovery in revenue during 2021-22, aided by soaring house prices amid low interest rates. In 2022-23, rent prices skyrocketed as landlords contended with rising interest rates and tax hikes. Competition for housing remained fierce in 2023-24, pushing up rental prices and supporting revenue for property managers. Despite this, revenue slipped overall as non-residential property transactions climbed, with new owners choosing to manage the properties themselves or refurbish or repurpose the property before leasing it out again. Revenue looks set to climb by 2.5% over 2024-25 as rents remain high. Build-to-rent sector growth has proved fruitful for property management companies. According to Knight Frank, in January 2025, more than 22,300 BTR homes were completed in 2024, marking a year of record delivery for the BTR sector. Revenue from the commercial sector is likely to grow, as companies may decide now’s a good time to upgrade their offices thanks to falling interest rates in 2024-25, lifting profit. Over the five years through 2029-30, property management services revenue is slated to swell at a compound annual rate of 2.4% to reach £37.1 billion. The rental market will continue gaining momentum amid upcoming regulatory changes, ramping up costs for landlords and driving commission fee income. House prices look set to remain high, at least in the short term, keeping some prospective homeowners in the rental market. Business confidence will remain somewhat constrained, though Capital Economics forecasts the base rate to fall to 3.5% by early 2026, which should boost investment volumes, increasing demand for property management services. The government's goal to construct 1.5 million homes by 2029 will benefit the industry. Approximately £3 billion of the £5 billion housing budget is earmarked for additional guarantees to SME house builders and build-to-rent developers, indicating ongoing government backing for the private sector. This support for housebuilding initiatives is set to broaden the client base available to property management companies, fostering revenue growth.

The financial and operational success of property development markets depends on a range of socio-economic factors, such as property values, market sentiment and credit conditions. Building project developers' revenue is forecast to slide at a compound annual rate of 3.2% to £35.8 billion over the five years through 2024-25. The economic shock caused by the pandemic had a devastating impact on property development market in 2020-21. Severe supply chain and market disruption caused sentiment to wane and transaction activity fell, while property values initially depreciated and rental fee income stalled. Revenue rebounded in 2021-22, aided by low interest rates, house price inflation and a stronger than anticipated initial economic recovery from the pandemic. Nonetheless, revenue remained below pre-pandemic levels as growth was hindered by a further net deficit on revaluation of assets and lower rental income in office and brick-and-mortar retail markets. The fallout from the pandemic has caused developers to re-align investment towards lower-risk real estate markets which are likely to be more resilient to price shocks. Inaflationary pressures and rising interest rates spurred a further hit to portfolio valuations, discouraging developers from pursuing new developments. Revenue is forecast to grow by 2.5% in the current year, as interest rate cuts spur renewed growth in property values. Revenue is slated to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.3% to reach £38.2 billion over the five years through 2029-30. Following recent interest rate cuts, more stable economic conditions are set to continue to support improved sentiment in the near-term, spurring developers to pursue new ventures. Opportunities for growth are set to be most prominent in high-yield office markets and the technology sector, with growing use of artificial intelligence set to drive demand for the development and construction of data centres. Loosened planning policy is set to drive momentum in residential real estate markets, though more will need to be done for the government to achieve ambitious housebuilding targets.

Snapshot img

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 investments fueling the expansion. This trend is driven by the region's robust economic conditions and the attractiveness of European markets to global investors. However, the market's growth trajectory is not without challenges. Rising interest rates pose a threat to potential investors, increasing the cost of borrowing and potentially reducing the appeal of commercial real estate investments. Additionally, regulatory hurdles and supply chain inconsistencies temper growth potential, necessitating careful planning and strategic navigation. Despite these challenges, opportunities abound for companies seeking to capitalize on the market's momentum. By staying informed of regulatory changes and supply chain developments, and maintaining a strong understanding of market trends, businesses can effectively navigate these challenges and seize growth opportunities in the European commercial real estate market.

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

Request Free Sample

In Europe's commercial real estate market, environmental impact assessments are increasingly important in property development, as sustainability becomes a key consideration. Real estate consulting firms provide valuable insights through property appraisals and predictive modeling, helping investors make informed decisions. Zoning regulations and planning permissions shape the landscape for asset management, while green certifications offer competitive advantages. Flexible workspaces, such as serviced and coworking spaces, are on the rise, catering to the changing needs of businesses. Energy audits and facility management ensure efficient operations, reducing costs and enhancing tenant satisfaction. Lease administration, tenant screening, and property valuations are essential components of effective asset management. Real estate analytics and property listings enable data-driven insights, driving transaction advisory services. Construction management and project management are crucial for delivering high-quality buildings, while virtual offices provide flexibility for remote teams. Property marketing and maintenance round out the essential services for successful real estate investments.

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. TypeRentalLeaseSalesEnd-userOfficesRetailLeisureOthersEnd-UserCorporateInvestmentGovernmentLocationUrbanSuburbanGeographyEuropeFranceGermanyItalyUK

By Type Insights

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

Commercial real estate in Europe encompasses various sectors, including rental, office buildings, industrial properties, residential, and retail spaces. Debt financing plays a crucial role in the market, with mortgage lending and equity financing facilitating property transactions. Logistics facilities are in high demand due to the growth of e-commerce, necessitating infrastructure development and urban planning. ESG factors are increasingly influencing investment decisions, with a focus on energy efficiency, green building, and property technology. Building Information Modeling (BIM) and big data analytics are transforming property management and due diligence. Occupancy rates and rental yields remain essential indicators of market health, with vacancy rates impacting property values. Urban regeneration and mixed-use developments are shaping cityscapes, while market volatility and real estate cycles pose risks. Artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and smart building technologies are revolutionizing property management and investment strategies. Despite the robust leasing market and rising rents, investment markets exhibit caution due to economic uncertainties and finance rates. Office rental growth, particularly in the UK, Benelux markets, and peripheral Europe, accelerated in the third quarter of 2022, increasing annual growth to over 5%. However, buyers remain hesitant to pay earlier price levels, impacting capital markets and property values. Risk management and portfolio diversification are essential strategies for navigating these evolving trends.

Download Free Sample Report

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

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challeng

Discover the growth potential of the UK real estate market. Explore trends, technologies, and investment opportunities in 2023-2028. Dont miss out!

These tables relate to properties recorded as vacant on the Land & Property Services (LPS) rating system. The information provided is at a point in time (31st March of each year) and is updated annually. Data is presented by Parliamentary Constituency and by Property type.

In the third quarter of 2024, the 12-month rolling value of commercial real estate investment in the UK rose for the second consecutive quarter. Despite the improving investor sentiment, at about 31 billion U.S. dollars, investment activity was just slightly higher than in the 12 months ending in the third quarter of 2023 - the lowest value on record. Commercial real estate includes different property types, such as offices, industrial, logistics, retail, and build-to-rent residential buildings. In 2023, offices and industrial properties attracted the highest share of investments. Meanwhile, shopping centers had the highest investment yields.

Newham, Barking and Dagenham, and Haringey had the highest average gross yield in London in 2023. In Newham, the average yield was **** percent. Westminster, on the other hand, had the lowest rental yield, at under *** percent. Rental yield is a measure of profitability and shows the annual rental income as a share of the property price. Although higher yields imply a higher annual return, they do not take into consideration the rental growth and house price appreciation potential of the property.

Companies in the Residential Estate Agents industry act as intermediaries when a residential property is bought, sold, rented or leased in the UK. Typically, estate agents earn income via fixed flat rates or commissions and transaction fees related to the selling price charged to interested parties. Estate agents also provide clients with value-added ancillary services through which they can earn sufficient income, including specialist advisory services, contract appraisals, property valuation and escrow services. Over the five years through 2024-25, residential real estate agent’s is expected to contract at a compound annual rate of 4.7% to £5.8 billion. In 2020-21, a temporary hiatus in housing market activity during the spring lockdown left a gap in estate agents' income statements, made worse by unfavourable tax reform for buy-to-let property investors. Activity rebounded over 2021-22 as the release of pent-up demand and stimulatory policies restored and elevated property transaction levels. However, over 2023-24, revenue tanked by 14.4% as successive rises in the bank rate, eventually landing at 5.25% in August 2023, increased mortgage rates across the UK and significantly reduced the market for residential property transactions and estate agent revenue. In 2024-25, revenue is expected to inch upwards by 0.7%, as interest rates fell to 5% in August 2024; interest rates are forecast to drop at least once more in 2024-25, making borrowing more affordable and increasing transaction volumes. According to HMRC, there were 90,210 UK residential transactions in August 2024, a 5% increase on August 2023. There is optimism as household disposable incomes and consumer confidence climb, meaning a bounce back in the housing market is imminent. Over the five years through 2029-30, residential real estate agent’s revenue is expected to expand at a compound annual rate of 1.4% to £6.2 billion. Beyond an envisaged recovery phase, competitive pressures from the proliferation of online-only and hybrid estate agents will intensify, challenging traditional agencies. Due to increasing council taxes on second homes, landlords may sell some of their portfolios, increasing the supply of houses to be transacted and boosting revenue. House prices are forecast to trend upwards in the medium term, increasing transaction commissions and benefitting estate agents.

Poland experienced the highest net initial yields for prime build-to-rent real estate in November 2024 among the selected European countries. The figures refer to properties in the countries' capitals and gateway cities. Prime, institutional-grade real estate in such cities in Germany and the United Kingdom achieved yields of less than four percent, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the rental market in these countries.

Companies in the Commercial Real Estate Agents industry act as intermediaries for the buying, selling, renting or leasing non-residential property. Typically, estate agents can earn income via fees and commissions charged to clients, which allows them to protect their operating profit margin from commercial property price fluctuations. Agents may also provide clients with value-added ancillary services through which they can generate additional revenue, including specialist transaction advisory services and escrow services. Competitive pressures have forced estate agents to lower fees to retain business volumes. Through the end of 2024-25, the commercial real estate agents industry is expected to swell at a compound annual rate of 0.8% to £5.1 billion. In 2020-21, pandemic-related disruption rocked the industry, with revenue tanking by 15.7% and profitability narrowed. The sector picked up over the two years through 2022-23, though output dropped by 12.6% in 2023-24 amid higher mortgage rates and rapid cost-push inflation slashing downstream business activity. Revenues are set to bounce back in 2024-25 as business confidence creeps up along with falling inflation and interest rates, reducing investor borrowing costs and boosting transaction volumes. Central London's retail resurgence has benefitted commercial real estate revenues in 2024-25, with Central London retail investment volumes increasing by 71% in Q2 2024 compared to Q1. Through the five years through 2029-30, the commercial real estate agents industry is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 2.6% to £5.8 billion. In the short term, high business lending rates will impair the affordability of UK properties and soften commercial property prices. Nonetheless, opportunities for estate agents to drive commissions and fee revenue remain. The market for industrial real estate, in particular logistics and warehouse space, has been labelled a growth sector, with expansion in internet-led markets and efforts to expand domestic and global supply chains expected to support demand for non-residential real estate going forward. Elsewhere, persisting hybrid work-from-home trends could change the need for office real estate.