TL;DR
• Re/Max Europe reported in their 2025 European Housing Trend report that homeownership rates are declining across nearly half of surveyed countries.
• In Turkey, the homeownership rate has dropped by 9%, while the UK, France, Germany, Romania, and the Czech Republic saw a 2% decrease.
• The report indicates that 53% of non-homeowners are satisfied with their rental situation, according to Re/Max.
• The average time to save for a deposit in Europe is 7.3 years, with the figure extending to a decade in Germany.
Homeownership Decline Across Europe According to Re/Max Europe’s Report
Homeownership rates are declining in nearly half of the countries surveyed by Re/Max Europe.
Soaring property and energy prices, along with job volatility, are shifting the paradigm.
The trend shows a decline of 2% in the UK, France, Germany, Romania, and the Czech Republic.
The decline in homeownership is attributed to various factors, impacting countries like Turkey with a steep 9% drop. Re/Max Europe’s annual European Housing Trend report highlights that renting is becoming more entrenched in areas such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This shift points to broader lifestyle changes over mere financial barriers.
The Long Path to Saving a Deposit in Germany and Across Europe
It takes an average of 7.3 years to save up for a deposit in Europe.
In Germany, saving for a deposit can extend to a full decade.
More than a quarter (26%) of Europeans rely on family support to assist with their first home purchase.
The substantial time required to save for a deposit has led many to turn to the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’. Particularly in Greece and Lithuania, reliance on financial gifts is notably high, reaching 38% and 36% respectively. This trend illustrates the challenges many face in achieving homeownership across various European nations.
Europe’s Nomads Prefer Renting for Greater Flexibility
About 16% of people prefer renting to buying for the flexibility it offers.
The figure rises significantly to 50% in Malta due to a large foreign resident population.
Millennials rank as the most nomadic generation, with 22% preferring renting for mobility.
The desire for flexibility in living arrangements is prompting many in Europe to favour renting over buying. This trend is particularly apparent in Malta and Finland, where a significant portion of the population values the mobility renting provides. Popular destinations among Europeans looking to relocate include Spain and Germany, highlighting shifting preferences in housing decisions.