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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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 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.

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

Percentage of total monthly household income spent on private rent, by country and by regions of England, financial years ending 2013 to 2023.

Monthly data showing the proportion of gross income spent on rent for new tenancies across the UK, from Dataloft Rental Market Analytics (DRMA). These are official statistics in development. Source: Dataloft. Dataloft is a PriceHubble company.

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.

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.

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.

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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

Property unit trust revenue is expected to contract at a compound annual rate of 9.8% over the five years through 2023-24. Regulations under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II have inflated the costs because of additional tax now charged on research. The pandemic damaged property unit trusts as retail and commercial heavy portfolios faced lower rental income from struggling retailers and businesses with less need for office space. Following the EU referendum and the pandemic, there was a reduction in the industry's assets under management due to funds outflow, adversely affecting revenue. In 2023-24, property unit trusts are experiencing considerable withdrawals as investors' confidence declined in the UK due to economic challenges. The Bank of England's interest rate has spiked from 0.25% in 2021 to 5.25% in 2024, prompting investors to shift their demand to alternative investments that offer higher returns — this includes cash savings. Additionally, there was an uptick in construction loans. Demand for retail and office spaces fell, impacted by the surge in online shopping and the adoption of hybrid working models. In response, trusts have suspended trading several times, highlighting their liquidity weakness. Property unit trust revenue is estimated to fall by 5.5% in 2023-24 to £316.7 million, with the average profit margin set to fall to 9.1% Property unit trust revenue is expected to shrink at a compound annual rate of 0.5% to £308.2 million over the five years through 2028-29. In the short term, economic uncertainty driven by inflation and high energy costs is likely to curb investment and revenue in the property unit trust sector. Yet, adapting investment strategies to include mixed-use developments could cushion this impact by aligning with the evolving demand for online shopping and hybrid work environments, which favour efficient and versatile spaces. To strengthen their position, especially against REITs, property unit trusts are moving towards Property Authorised Investment Funds (PAIFs) for better tax efficiency. Despite these adaptations, challenges like global geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation and rising interest rates will continue to pose staunch obstacles.

Expenditure on rent by renters and mortgages by mortgage holders, by region and age from the Living Costs and Food Survey for the financial year ending 2022. Data is presented as a proportion of total expenditure and a proportion of disposable income.