Between 2021 and 2022, Barratt Developments was the company with the largest housing turnover in the United Kingdom. Taylor Wimpey was the second company in the ranking, with a housebuilding revenue of *** billion British pounds. In fourth place, Bellway generated a revenue of *** billion British pounds in 2022. However, that only refers to the turnover that those companies generated from housing activities. What is the outlook for the UK's home construction market? Although housing construction was expected to stagnate in 2024, over the coming years the number of homes built is expected to rise at a quick pace. The projected growth of housing starts in the UK is anticipated to be **** percent higher in 2028 than in 2024. A rise in construction starts would be a good sign for the market, as there is a high demand for housing which, along with other factors, has fostered increasingly higher house prices in the UK during the past years. Who are the leading home builders in the U.S.? The market size of the home building industry in the United States is even bigger than in the UK. In 2023, Miami-based Lennar Corp. and the Texas-based D.R. Horton were the largest homebuilders in the U.S. with a revenue of over ** billion U.S. dollars. Other builders, such as PulteGroup, Toll Brothers, and NVR were also prominent players in the residential construction industry, with much higher revenue figures than their UK counterparts. The value of new residential construction in the U.S. rose significantly from 2019 to 2022 despite the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching about *** billion U.S. dollars. However, the market is expected to decrease until 2025, which could impact the revenues of these home builders.

Over **** of SME house builders in England considered that the planning system was one of the main constraints hindering them from building more homes in 2024. Also ** of respondents considered that the lack of financially viable land was a constraint, while ** percent of English house builders also mentioned the lack of available and viable land as one of their main challenges.

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.

Between 2021 and 2022, Barratt Developments was the house building company with the most units sold in the United Kingdom. Persimmon, the second company on the list, sold approximately 14,550 units in 2021. Bellway, which landed at fourth place in the ranking, sold 11,200 units in 2022. Those companies were also among the UK homebuilders with the largest revenues in 2021.

Residential building contractors are contingent on the propensity of property developers to invest in new ventures; movements in property prices; government schemes intended to boost the housing supply; and underlying sentiment in the housing market. Industry contractors have endured turbulent operating conditions over the past five years, leading to volatile shifts in revenue and profitability. Revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 1% over the five years through 2024-25, reaching £97.4 billion. The pandemic caused a significant drop in output in 2020-21, as restrictions placed on on-site activity and fewer enquiries for new housing units reduced revenue opportunities. Aided by government support for the housing market and the release of pent-up demand, 2021-22 was characterised by a strong rebound in activity, though materials and labour shortages maintained constraints on output. Mounting supply chain disruption and heightened economic uncertainty maintained pressure on output in the following year, though revenue growth was maintained by growth in average selling prices. Interest rate hikes and inflationary pressures led to a more subdued housing market in 2022-23, holding back the number of housing starts and completions during the year. This was followed by a slump in new residential building construction in the following year, as high borrowing costs and uncertain market conditions caused developers to scale back investment plans. Revenue is set to grow by 1.5% in 2024-25, aided by a slight improvement in new orders for residential building construction and an uptick in average selling prices. Revenue is slated to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.5% to reach £105.1 billion over the five years through 2029-30. Housebuilding activity is set to grow in the medium-term, aided by the release of pent-up demand. Nonetheless, significant uncertainty remains, with mortgage rates likely to settle well-above pre-pandemic levels and supply chains remaining fragile. The new government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million houses during the first five years of parliament will boost demand for industry contractors, though the full impact of this on growth prospects is dependent on the nature and extent of accompanying funding plans.

Starts and completions of new build dwellings in the UK, on a quarterly and annual basis, time series data

This dataset provides information on 167 in United Kingdom as of June, 2025. It includes details such as email addresses (where publicly available), phone numbers (where publicly available), and geocoded addresses. Explore market trends, identify potential business partners, and gain valuable insights into the industry. Download a complimentary sample of 10 records to see what's included.

The UK residential real estate market, valued at approximately £360.27 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by several key factors. Strong population growth, particularly in urban centers, fuels consistent demand for housing, while low interest rates and government initiatives aimed at boosting homeownership further stimulate market activity. The market is segmented into apartments and condominiums, and landed houses and villas, with each segment exhibiting unique growth trajectories. Apartments and condominiums, particularly in London and other major cities, are expected to see higher demand due to affordability concerns and lifestyle preferences, while landed houses and villas continue to appeal to those seeking more space and privacy, particularly in suburban or rural areas. Competition among major developers such as Berkeley Group, Barratt Developments, and others influences pricing and construction activity. While challenges exist, such as fluctuating economic conditions and rising construction costs, the overall outlook for the UK residential real estate market remains positive. The market's performance is also influenced by broader economic factors, such as inflation and employment rates, and is likely to see regional variations, with London and the South East generally commanding higher prices. The market's growth is expected to continue through 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.75%. This growth will likely be influenced by factors such as evolving demographic trends (including increasing urbanization and family sizes), government policies impacting the housing market, and technological advancements impacting the construction and sales processes. International investment continues to play a significant role, especially in prime London properties. However, the market is susceptible to external shocks, such as changes in interest rates or economic downturns. Understanding these factors is crucial for investors and stakeholders operating within the UK residential real estate sector. Market analysis suggests continued demand for sustainable and energy-efficient housing, influencing the development of future projects. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the UK residential real estate market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a base year of 2025 and a forecast period spanning 2025-2033, this research offers invaluable insights for investors, developers, and industry professionals seeking to navigate this dynamic market. The report leverages extensive data analysis, covering key segments, emerging trends, and major players, to provide a clear understanding of market dynamics and future growth potential. High-search-volume keywords like UK property market, UK house prices, London property market, UK residential real estate investment, build-to-rent UK, multifamily UK, and UK housing market forecast are integrated throughout to ensure maximum online visibility. Recent developments include: May 2023: A UAE-based investment manager, Rasmala Investment Bank, has launched a USD 2bn ( €1.8bn) UK multifamily strategy for a five-year period to build a USD 2bn portfolio of UK residential properties. The strategy is focused on the UK market for multifamily properties through a Shariah-compliant investment vehicle, initially targeting the serviced apartment (SAP) and BTR (build-to-rent) subsectors within and around London. Seeded by Rasmala Group, the strategy is backed by an active investment pipeline for the next 12 – 18 months., November 2022: ValuStrat, a Middle East consulting company, increased its foothold in the UK by acquiring an interest in Capital Value Surveyors, a real estate advisory services company with offices in London. The UK continues to be one of the most established real estate markets worldwide and attracts foreign investors regularly. They are excited to expand their presence there to better serve all of their clients, both in the UK and the Middle East.. Key drivers for this market are: Demand for New Dwellings Units, Government Initiatives are driving the market. Potential restraints include: Supply Chain Disruptions, Lack of Skilled Labour. Notable trends are: Increasing in the United Kingdom House Prices.

Comprehensive dataset of 19,316 Housing developments in United Kingdom as of July, 2025. Includes verified contact information (email, phone), geocoded addresses, customer ratings, reviews, business categories, and operational details. Perfect for market research, lead generation, competitive analysis, and business intelligence. Download a complimentary sample to evaluate data quality and completeness.

Comprehensive dataset of 15,867 Home builders in United Kingdom as of July, 2025. Includes verified contact information (email, phone), geocoded addresses, customer ratings, reviews, business categories, and operational details. Perfect for market research, lead generation, competitive analysis, and business intelligence. Download a complimentary sample to evaluate data quality and completeness.

Comprehensive dataset of 1,962 Custom home builders in United Kingdom as of June, 2025. Includes verified contact information (email, phone), geocoded addresses, customer ratings, reviews, business categories, and operational details. Perfect for market research, lead generation, competitive analysis, and business intelligence. Download a complimentary sample to evaluate data quality and completeness.

The UK residential building construction industry, valued at approximately £185.55 million in 2025, is projected to experience moderate growth, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.26% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several factors. Increased urbanization and population growth in key cities like London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Liverpool are driving demand for new housing, particularly within the villas and landed houses, and condominiums and apartments segments. Government initiatives aimed at addressing housing shortages and improving infrastructure also contribute positively. However, the market faces constraints including fluctuating material costs, skilled labor shortages, and potential economic downturns which could impact investment and consumer confidence. The industry is highly competitive, with major players such as Willmott Dixon Holdings, Mace, Skanska UK, and Balfour Beatty vying for market share. These companies leverage expertise in project management, sustainable construction practices, and innovative technologies to remain competitive. The geographical distribution of projects varies, with London and other major cities expected to dominate, but regional growth will be influenced by local economic conditions and availability of land. The industry's future trajectory will depend on addressing these challenges effectively while capitalizing on the opportunities presented by population growth and government support. The construction sector's performance is closely tied to broader economic health. Interest rate fluctuations and changes in mortgage availability directly influence consumer purchasing power, impacting housing demand. Environmental regulations and a growing emphasis on sustainable building practices are reshaping the industry, promoting the adoption of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs. This trend aligns with broader societal concerns regarding climate change and resource management, impacting material sourcing and project specifications. Competition is likely to intensify as established firms consolidate and new entrants emerge, particularly those specializing in sustainable and technological innovations. Strategic partnerships and mergers and acquisitions will play a significant role in shaping the competitive landscape, leading to increased efficiency and potentially improved capacity to manage the industry's challenges and capitalize on its growth opportunities. Recent developments include: December 2022: 375 low-carbon rental homes are delivered as part of a historic restoration project for Bristol City Center through public-private partnerships., December 2022: As the One Sydney Harbour residential building from Lendlease celebrates a critical milestone of "topping out" of Residences One, marking the completion of the highest structural point of the 72-story tower, it has secured more than $3.7 billion in sales over its three towers.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Growth in Commercial Activities and Increased Competition4.; Increasing Demand for Affordable Housing Units. Potential restraints include: 4., Lack of Housing Spaces and Mortgage Regulation can Create Challenges. Notable trends are: Government mandates pertaining to Energy Efficiency.

The UK residential real estate market, valued at £360.27 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by several key factors. A consistently strong CAGR of 5.75% indicates a healthy and expanding market over the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth is fueled by increasing urbanization, a growing population, and a persistent demand for housing, particularly in major cities like London. Furthermore, government initiatives aimed at boosting homeownership and infrastructure development contribute positively to market expansion. The market is segmented by property type, with apartments and condominiums, and landed houses and villas representing significant segments. Key players such as Bellway PLC, Barratt Developments PLC, and Berkeley Group dominate the market, while a competitive landscape also includes numerous smaller developers and housing associations. While rising interest rates and construction costs present challenges, the overall outlook remains positive due to the enduring demand and limited housing supply, particularly in desirable areas. However, several factors could influence the market's trajectory. Fluctuations in the national economy, changes in government regulations concerning mortgages and property taxation, and global economic uncertainty could impact buyer confidence and investment. Regional variations also exist, with market dynamics differing across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Understanding these regional nuances is crucial for targeted investment strategies. The market's resilience will depend on the ability of developers to adapt to changing market conditions and meet evolving consumer preferences for sustainable and energy-efficient housing. The continuous evolution of consumer preferences towards specific types of housing and location preferences will further shape the market's future growth. Recent developments include: May 2023: A UAE-based investment manager, Rasmala Investment Bank, has launched a USD 2bn ( €1.8bn) UK multifamily strategy for a five-year period to build a USD 2bn portfolio of UK residential properties. The strategy is focused on the UK market for multifamily properties through a Shariah-compliant investment vehicle, initially targeting the serviced apartment (SAP) and BTR (build-to-rent) subsectors within and around London. Seeded by Rasmala Group, the strategy is backed by an active investment pipeline for the next 12 – 18 months., November 2022: ValuStrat, a Middle East consulting company, increased its foothold in the UK by acquiring an interest in Capital Value Surveyors, a real estate advisory services company with offices in London. The UK continues to be one of the most established real estate markets worldwide and attracts foreign investors regularly. They are excited to expand their presence there to better serve all of their clients, both in the UK and the Middle East.. Key drivers for this market are: Demand for New Dwellings Units, Government Initiatives are driving the market. Potential restraints include: Demand for New Dwellings Units, Government Initiatives are driving the market. Notable trends are: Increasing in the United Kingdom House Prices.

The UK real estate services industry, valued at approximately £32.45 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.00% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven by several factors. Increasing urbanization and population growth in key UK cities fuel demand for both residential and commercial properties, stimulating the need for property management, valuation, and other related services. Furthermore, the ongoing development of innovative technologies, such as proptech solutions improving efficiency and transparency in property transactions, contributes to market expansion. Government initiatives aimed at boosting housing supply and infrastructure development also play a significant role in shaping industry growth. However, economic uncertainties, including interest rate fluctuations and potential market corrections, could pose challenges to the industry’s trajectory. The segmentation within the UK market reflects this diversity, with residential property services likely holding the largest share, followed by commercial properties. The "Other Services" segment encompasses a variety of specialized offerings, likely experiencing growth proportional to the overall market expansion. Competition among established players like Hammerson, British Land, and Rightmove, alongside smaller firms and niche players, remains intense, driving innovation and efficiency within the sector. The regional distribution of market share within the UK is likely skewed towards London and the South East, given their high property values and transaction volumes. However, significant growth potential exists in other regions fueled by infrastructure projects and investment in new housing developments. The presence of large housing associations like Bridgewater and Sanctuary indicates a substantial social housing component influencing the overall market dynamics. The forecast period (2025-2033) suggests continued, albeit moderate, expansion, indicative of a maturing but still dynamic market. The industry's long-term outlook hinges on effective adaptation to technological advancements, economic stability, and consistent government policy support for housing and infrastructure projects. Recent developments include: January 2023: United Kingdom Sotheby's Property Business Acquired by the Dubai Branch of Sotheby's. UK Sotheby International Realty was previously owned by Robin Paterson, who sold the business to his business partner and affiliate, George Azar. George Azar currently holds and operates Sotheby's Dubai and the MENA region., November 2022: JLL identified a shortage of quality rental homes as a long-term problem for the UK, which the recent boom in rentals has accentuated. This unmet need for quality rental homes has led to continued investor interest in purpose-built rental properties in UK city centers. JLL reported that annual investment in UK living real estate reached £10bn (USD 12.73 bn) in Q3 2022, setting living on track for another record year.. Key drivers for this market are: Improvements in Infrastructure and New Development, Population Growth and Demographic Changes. Potential restraints include: Improvements in Infrastructure and New Development, Population Growth and Demographic Changes. Notable trends are: Increasing in the United Kingdom House Prices.

Comprehensive dataset of 254 Modular home builders in United Kingdom as of June, 2025. Includes verified contact information (email, phone), geocoded addresses, customer ratings, reviews, business categories, and operational details. Perfect for market research, lead generation, competitive analysis, and business intelligence. Download a complimentary sample to evaluate data quality and completeness.

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Residential Real Estate Market Size 2025-2029

The residential real estate market size is forecast to increase by USD 485.2 billion at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, fueled by increasing marketing initiatives that attract potential buyers and tenants. This trend is driven by the rising demand for housing solutions that cater to the evolving needs of consumers, particularly in urban areas. However, the market's growth trajectory is not without challenges. Regulatory uncertainty looms large, with changing policies and regulations posing a significant threat to market stability. Notably, innovative smart home technologies, such as voice-activated assistants and energy-efficient appliances, are gaining traction, offering enhanced convenience and sustainability for homeowners.
As such, companies seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the growing the market must navigate these challenges with agility and foresight. The residential construction industry's expansion is driven by urbanization and the rising standard of living in emerging economies, including India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. By staying abreast of regulatory changes and implementing innovative marketing strategies, they can effectively meet the evolving needs of consumers and maintain a competitive edge. These regulatory shifts can impact everything from property prices to financing options, making it crucial for market players to stay informed and adapt quickly.

What will be the Size of the Residential Real Estate Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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In the dynamic housing market analysis, small flats continue to be a popular choice for both investors and first-time homebuyers, driven by affordability and urban growth. International investment in housing projects, including apartments and condominiums, remains strong, offering attractive investment returns. Real estate syndication and property management software facilitate efficient property ownership and management. Real estate loans, property insurance, and urban planning are essential components of the housing market, ensuring the development of affordable housing and addressing the needs of the middle class and upper middle class. Property disputes, property tax assessments, and real estate litigation are ongoing challenges, requiring careful attention from stakeholders.
Property search engines streamline the process of finding the perfect property, from studio apartments to luxury homes. Real estate auctions, land banking, and nano apartments are innovative solutions in the market, while property flipping and short sales provide opportunities for savvy investors. Urban growth and community development are key trends, with a focus on sustainable, planned cities and the integration of technology, such as real estate blockchain, into the industry. Developers secure building permits, review inspection reports, and manage escrow accounts during real estate transactions. Key services include contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and tailored investment strategies for portfolio management. Financial aspects cover tax implications, estate planning, retirement planning, taxdeferred exchanges, capital gains, tax deductions, and maintaining positive cash flow for sustained returns.

How is this Residential Real Estate Industry segmented?

The residential real estate industry 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.

Mode Of Booking

  Sales
  Rental or lease


Type

  Apartments and condominiums
  Landed houses and villas


Location

  Urban
  Suburban
  Rural


End-user

  Mid-range housing
  Affordable housing
  Luxury housing


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    Australia
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Mode Of Booking Insights

The sales segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The sales segment dominates the global residential real estate market and will continue to dominate during the forecast period. The sales segment includes the sale of any property that is majorly used for residential purposes, such as single-family homes, condos, cooperatives, duplexes, townhouses, and multifamily residences. With the growing population and urbanization, the demand for homes is also increasing, which is the major factor driving the growth of the sales segment. Moreover, real estate firms work with developers to sel

Number of Businesses statistics on the Residential Building Construction industry in United Kingdom

The European residential real estate market, valued at €1.95 trillion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven by several key factors. Increasing urbanization across major European cities like London, Paris, and Berlin fuels demand for apartments and condominiums. A growing population, coupled with rising disposable incomes in several European countries, particularly in Western Europe, further boosts demand for housing, particularly in the higher-end villa and landed house segments. Government initiatives aimed at affordable housing in some regions also contribute to market activity, though this effect varies significantly across different nations. However, the market faces constraints such as fluctuating interest rates influencing mortgage affordability and the ongoing impact of economic uncertainty affecting investor confidence. The market is segmented geographically, with the United Kingdom, Germany, and France representing the largest national markets, showcasing diverse dynamics within each country based on local economic conditions and government policies. The strong performance of the UK market is primarily attributed to its robust economy and concentration of high-value properties in London. Germany, on the other hand, is characterized by a more balanced market spread across different property types, with solid growth driven by sustained economic activity and population growth in major cities. France's market reflects a mix of urban and suburban development, demonstrating a dynamic interplay between high-demand urban centers and more affordable suburban options. Major players like CPI Property Group, Aroundtown Property Holdings, and LEG Immobilien AG shape market trends through their development and investment activities. The long-term outlook remains positive, though subject to global economic fluctuations and national-specific regulatory changes. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large publicly listed REITs and privately held companies. These companies compete based on their portfolio strategies, development capabilities, and financial strength. The future of the European residential real estate market will likely see a continued focus on sustainable development practices, technological advancements impacting property management, and a greater emphasis on meeting the needs of a diverse population with varying housing preferences. The varied regulatory frameworks across Europe necessitate a nuanced approach for developers and investors to successfully navigate the market dynamics in each specific country. Further growth will be influenced by demographic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences concerning sustainable and smart living environments. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the European residential real estate market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a base year of 2025 and an estimated year of 2025, this report offers valuable insights into market trends, key players, and future growth opportunities within the European residential real estate sector. It includes detailed analysis of condominiums, apartments, villas, and landed houses across major markets like Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the rest of Europe. This report is crucial for investors, developers, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand this dynamic and rapidly evolving market.
Keywords: European residential real estate market, real estate market trends Europe, European property market, residential real estate investment Europe, Germany real estate market, UK property market, France real estate market, European real estate forecast, real estate market analysis Europe, PropTech Europe Recent developments include: November 2023: DoorFeed, a Proptech company, raised EUR 12 million (USD 13.24 million) in seed funding, led by Motive Ventures and Stride and supported by renowned investors, including Seedcamp. Founded by veteran proptech entrepreneur and ex-Uber employee James Kirimi, DoorFeed aims to be the first choice for institutional investors seeking to invest in residential real estate. The company is looking to expand its footprint across Europe, with a focus on Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom., October 2023: H.I.G, a global alternative investment firm with over USD 59 billion in assets under management, invested in the real estate development company, The Grounds Real Estate Development AG (“the Transaction”), which is listed on the alternative stock exchange. The proceeds of the transaction are expected to be utilized to fund the capital expenditures of the current projects of The Grounds. The Grounds, based in Berlin, specializes in the acquisition and development of German residential properties located in large metropolitan areas. In the transaction, the major shareholders of The Grounds, which currently hold 73% of the company’s shares, have agreed to grant H. I.G. the right to share in future rights issues.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Developments in the Residential Segment, Investments in the Senior Living Units. Potential restraints include: Limited Availability of Land Hindering the Market. Notable trends are: Student Housing to Gain Traction.

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.