The highest rental yield in the UK property market in the first quarter of 2024 was in the North East region, amounting to 7.65 percent. Conversely, private rental homes in London had the lowest average gross yield, at 4.93 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.

Newham, Barking and Dagenham, and Haringey had the highest average gross yield in London in 2023. In Newham, the average yield was 7.25 percent. Westminster, on the other hand, had the lowest rental yield, at under 4.6 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.

Prime yields for high street retail properties in the UK have increased since 2019. As of June 2024, 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 4.5 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.

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.

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.

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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 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?

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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.

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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

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

70% of White British households owned their own homes – the highest percentage out of all ethnic groups.

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 4.99 percent in the second quarter of 2022. Though a higher yield suggests profitability, it is also indicates higher risk.

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.

Monetary values represent £GBPs in thousands (k). The highlighted row represents the point at which the investment has risk of becoming lossmaking.

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.

Demand for the Car Rental and Leasing industry is driven by consumer and business needs for flexibility and affordability, with leasing appealing due to its cost-effective advantages over purchasing. Strong international tourism has boosted demand for car rental services while businesses have driven demand for car and van leasing. Revenue is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 3% over the five years through 2024-25 to £22.1 billion, including a 3.1% hike in 2024-25. Recovering demand as economic activity rebounded following the COVID-19 pandemic and higher fees, due to rising new car prices and global supply chain disruptions, have fuelled revenue growth over the two years through 2023-24. The sharp expansion in fuel prices amid the Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East conflicts encouraged companies to hike their prices, further aiding growth. On the other hand, growth has been challenged by rising fuel prices and increasing competition from public transport, especially in urban areas with high levels of infrastructure. Inflationary pressures and faltering business confidence have hindered revenue growth over the two years through 2024-25. Competitive pressures and a weakened economic environment have constrained profitability. Sharp depreciation costs faced by companies due to faltering used electric vehicle (EV) prices have also weighed on profit. The focus of the market is shifting to long, profitable leasing contracts, driving interest from cost-conscious customers. Car rental and leasing revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 4.1% over the five years through 2029-30 to £26.9 billion. The continuous development of platforms that support accessibility and experience for customers will drive revenue growth. Continuing a trend seen in the past few years, companies will shift towards buying ultra-low emission and EVs due to rising environmental awareness and consumer preference for eco-friendly vehicles, as well as more concrete steps by the government to incentivise the use of these vehicles. Although fleet investment is likely to weigh on profit, companies offering greener vehicles are likely to remain competitive in the long term. However, challenges loom with the phasing out of EV tax benefits and rising costs from new automotive tariffs and depreciation in used EV values. These factors may drive up rental and leasing rates, potentially deterring demand from some consumers. The potential for the government to extend full expensing to assets bought for leasing or hiring could provide a substantial boost to the industry.

UK house price, regional house prices, rents and yields

It can be seen that the largest prime rent for office properties in London West End was found in the districts of St James's and Mayfair at that time, both with a prime rent of 120 British pounds per square foot as of the third quarter of 2020. Prime rents in most West End districts did not change between 2019 and 2020, except in Victoria and King's Cross. In 2021, rents in most London districts remained unchanged.

Across the major European industrial and logistics real estate markets, London had the highest rental rate in 2024. One square meter in a large, prime warehouse in London cost about 323 euros annually in the fourth quarter of the year. That figure reflects the rental cost after any rent-free periods or incentives, excluding taxes and charges, referred to as headline rent. Other markets with high rental rates were Helsinki and Oslo. What are the most important logistics hubs in Europe? London’s domestic and international connectivity, thriving business ecosystem, and access to a large consumer base make it one of the most important logistics hubs in Europe. Nevertheless, Birmingham achieved the highest take-up among the major European markets for three years in a row. Birmingham is part of the UK’s golden logistics triangle – an area between Birmingham, Northamptonshire, and Yorkshire that, due to its central location, is within a four-hour drive from 90 percent of the British population. Unsurprisingly, Europe’s three largest economies (the UK, Germany, and France) had the most active logistics investment markets. Combined, the three countries accounted for more than half of the total investment value in the sector. How profitable is warehouse investment in Europe? One of the key metrics for measuring the profitability of an investment is yield, or the rental income generated by the property as a percentage of its price. In Europe, yields for prime properties reached up to eight percent, but some markets, such as France and Germany, experienced much lower yields. Though low yields can be interpreted as low profitability, they are usually a sign of strong market fundamentals and sentiment. In conditions of economic growth and steady occupier demand, investors can expect rental and capital growth and are more willing to accept lower yields. On the other hand, when the macroeconomic conditions deteriorate, economic growth slows down, and borrowing costs increase, investors address the higher risk through higher yields.

Scotland provided the highest gross rental yield for buy-to-let properties in the UK in the third quarter of 2024. The average yield in Scotland amounted to *** percent, making it one of the most profitable markets. In London, the average yield was *** percent, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the capital.

This data sets out information on the size and shape of England's Broad Rental Market Areas (BRMAs) and the rates of Local Housing Allowance (LHA) set for that area. The notes below explain more about what a BRMA and what Local Housing Allowance are, and how both the areas and the rates are set. The information comes from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and is available online at www.gov.uk. Claimants should seek advice about their individual claims from their local authority Housing Benefit Department. The VOA provides a search facility to help applicants identify the relevant LHA for them. This search is based on postcode and property size.

The Valuation Office Agency Rent Officers determines Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates used to calculate housing benefit for tenants renting from private landlords. LHA rates are based on private market rents being paid by tenants per calendar month in the broad rental market area (BRMA). This is the area within which a person might reasonably be expected to live.Source: Valuation Office AgencyUpdate Frequency: AnnuallyLast Update: 01 Jan 2018Next Update: 01 Jan 2019