LUXEMBOURG / RankWire.AI / – According to Eurostat, house prices across the European Union experienced a 4.7% growth in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. During this period, rents also went up by 3.0%. As per the latest data, compared to the first quarter, EU residential property prices increased by 1.2%, with rents rising by 0.7%. These figures highlight a persistent upward trend in both homeownership costs and rental prices throughout the bloc during April through June.
The eurozone also saw a rise in residential property values in the same timeframe. House prices grew by 4.0% from the second quarter of 2025 and by 1.1% from the previous quarter. The annual growth rate within the euro area slowed from 4.6% in the first quarter. Across the broader EU, annual house price growth similarly decelerated, dropping from 5.1% in the first quarter to 4.7% in the second.
Most member states reported higher housing prices compared to a year earlier. Out of the countries with available data, 23 nations experienced annual increases, while three saw declines. Portugal led the list with a 16.5% rise, followed by Bulgaria at 15.5% and Lithuania at 14.3%. Finland experienced the largest drop at 2.7%, while prices fell 2.2% in Luxembourg and 0.8% in France during the same period.
Majority of EU countries record quarterly house price increases
Quarterly data also shows widespread price gains across national housing markets. House prices increased in 24 EU nations with available figures, with only two countries experiencing declines. Lithuania posted the strongest quarterly increase at 5.0%, followed by Bulgaria at 4.5% and Romania at 4.4%. Hungary saw a 1.4% decrease compared to the first quarter, while France was the only other country with a quarterly drop, with prices down 0.8%.
Another comparison examined second-quarter prices against the average level of 2025. Based on this, EU house prices were 4.1% higher, and rents increased by 2.6%. Bulgaria recorded the largest house price increase at 14.3%, with Portugal close behind at 14.2%. Lithuania experienced a 12.8% rise. Conversely, Finland and France recorded declines of 1.5% and 1.4%, respectively, under this same measure.
Rental expenses rise in every EU member country
When comparing to the 2025 annual average, rental prices increased across all EU nations. Romania saw the most significant surge at 41.2%, while Croatia followed with a 22.1% rise. Slovenia experienced a 10.2% growth, the third-highest increase. Estonia and Finland recorded minimal gains, both at 0.1%. Rents in Luxembourg rose by 1.2%, illustrating the notable variations in rental price movements among the bloc’s member states.
Eurostat monitors residential property prices through its House Price Index, which includes both new and existing homes bought by households. This index covers flats, detached houses, and terraced properties regardless of previous ownership or intended use. Since the first quarter of 2024, EU house prices have continuously recorded quarterly increases. The upcoming report will present data for the third quarter of 2026, scheduled for release on January 11, 2027.