A sharp drop in the Euribor interbank rate by 0.25 percentage points in June 2024 and subsequent easing reduced the cost of mortgage lending. This brought buyers back to the market, especially large families and investors.
After the winter slump, an unexpected surge in transactions was observed in January: the number of available properties fell by more than a third, and some market segments experienced shortages. This signaled a recovery in demand.
New changes in legislation have eased refinancing conditions, with a number of fees abolished and commission thresholds reduced. This has encouraged homeowners who are willing to change their loan terms.
Renting a home to avoid extreme risks is becoming a lifestyle choice—renting is no longer just a temporary measure, but a full-fledged alternative to buying. Cafes, coworking spaces, and city services have moved renting into a new category.
Latvians continue to invest in housing abroad, especially in Southern Europe, and foreign investors are attracted by the growing rental market – but government regulation has already restricted short-term rentals in some countries.
There is active construction of rental housing (ALTUM projects) in the regions. However, housing shortages in cities such as Ventspils, Cesis, and Jurmala remain a problem.
According to estimates, average housing price growth rates in Latvia are expected to be in the range of 3-7% by the end of the year. For example, a 60 m² apartment in Riga for €150,000 could rise in price to €154,500-160,500.
Breakdown by property type:
Property type Growth forecast
Studio (30 m², €75,000) to €77,250-80,250
Apartment (75 m², €200,000) to €206,000-214,000
Penthouse (100 m², €500,000) up to €515,000-535,000
Where the highest price growth is expected
In recent years, the real estate market in Serbia has shown a unique trend: the vast majority of transactions are made in cash. According to data from the
Republic Geodetic Administration (RGZ), in the fourth quarter of 2024, 89% of all real estate transactions were paid in cash, including 76% of apartment purchases. In Belgrade, this figure was 70.4%, and in Novi Sad, 71.8%.
Experts identify several factors contributing to the high level of cash payments in the real estate market:
Limited access to mortgage lending: High interest rates and strict bank requirements make mortgages less accessible to many citizens.
Savings and investments: Citizens with savings prefer to invest in real estate, considering it a reliable way to preserve capital.
Financial support from relatives: Buyers often receive funds from family members or from the sale of inherited property.
Some analysts are concerned that the high level of cash payments may indicate attempts to legalize income of dubious origin. However, according to experts such as Alexander Radivojevic, most real estate transactions in Serbia are legal, and it is incorrect to link them to money laundering without sufficient grounds.
Impact on the real estate market
The prevalence of cash payments has a significant impact on the real estate market:
Rising housing prices: High demand from cash buyers contributes to rising real estate prices.
Reduced housing affordability: For citizens who do not have significant savings, purchasing a home becomes less affordable.
Declining role of mortgage lending: Banks are facing a decline in demand for mortgage loans, which may affect their lending policies.
To ensure transparency and stability in the real estate market in Serbia, the following is recommended:
Improving access to mortgage lending: Developing programs with more favorable terms for borrowers.
Strengthening control over financial flows: Improving the effectiveness of monitoring large cash transactions.
Improving financial literacy among the population: Informing citizens about the advantages and risks of different methods of financing home purchases.
Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/1032
The Greek residential real estate market 2025 continues to show steady growth despite global economic challenges. Demand for housing remains high among both local residents and foreign investors, which contributes to higher prices and the development of new projects.
We provide an analysis of the residential real estate market in Bratislava with a description of the main districts, current prices, trends and forecast for 2025-2026.
The main districts of Bratislava and real estate prices:
Old Town (Staré Mesto):
The central district with historical buildings and developed infrastructure.
In the third quarter of 2024, prices for secondary housing increased by 5.8%.
Nové Mesto:
Combines residential and commercial areas, popular with families and young professionals.
Housing prices in this area also increased by 6.5% in the third quarter of 2024.
Ružinov:
Known for its proximity to the center and developed infrastructure, including parks and schools.
Moderate price growth is expected due to environmentally friendly urban projects and the construction of new schools and parks.
Investropa
Petržalka:
The most densely populated neighborhood with numerous panel houses and developing infrastructure.
High price growth is expected due to limited housing stock and upcoming renovations of historic buildings.
Karlova Ves:
A green neighborhood that attracts families and students due to its proximity to universities.
Average price growth is forecast due to the development of hybrid workspaces and new multifunctional complexes.
Current prices and trends:
In the third quarter of 2024, the average price per square meter of secondary housing in Bratislava was €3,748, which is 9.97% higher than in the previous year.
The average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment in 2025 is about €900 per month.
At the end of 2024, there was a surge in real estate purchases, driven by the expected increase in VAT and lower mortgage rates.
Forecast for 2025-2026:
Real estate prices in Bratislava are expected to grow by 3-7% annually, depending on the area and type of property.
Supply and demand: Despite a temporary decline in demand in early 2025 after a surge in late 2024, the number of transactions is expected to stabilize and continue to grow until spring 2025.
Influence of economic factors: Inflation is expected to reach 5.1% in 2025, which may affect purchasing power and the availability of mortgages.
Overall, the residential real estate market in Bratislava is showing steady growth, driven by a combination of high demand, limited supply and economic factors.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/analysis-of-residential-real-estate-market-in-bratislava-from-relocation/
In 2024, the office real estate market in Riga demonstrates stability, supported by economic growth and increased business activity. Despite the moderate pace of construction of new business centers, the demand for modern office space remains high, especially in the city’s central districts and business zones.
Thus, the office real estate market in Riga continues to develop, remaining attractive to occupiers, especially in modern business centers and flexible office spaces.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/ohliad-ofisnoi-nerukhomosti-ryhy-vid-relocation/
In 2024, the German residential real estate market faced a number of challenges, including falling prices, slowing construction and rising borrowing costs. Here are the key trends and forecasts for 2025, focusing on the country’s largest cities.
Decline in housing prices
In the first half of 2024, the average asking prices for new and existing apartments decreased by about 3.6% compared to the same period in 2023. This decline is less pronounced than in previous periods, when the drop reached 7.3% and 7.4%, respectively. The largest annual decline was recorded in Frankfurt am Main – by 6.5%, while in Hamburg the decline was only 0.6%.
The situation in major cities
Munich: The most expensive city in Germany with an average price of about 11,000 euros per square meter. In 2024, there was a 5.2% decline in prices for new buildings.
Berlin: The average housing price was around 7,920 euros per square meter.
Hamburg: A 5% decline in new construction prices, which is one of the smallest declines among major cities.
Frankfurt am Main: The largest year-on-year price decline of 6.5%.
Düsseldorf and Leipzig: On the contrary, these cities recorded an increase in prices for new buildings by 4.1% and 8.7%, respectively.
Housing shortage and construction activity
According to a study by the Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Spatial Research (BBSR), Germany needs to build 320,000 new apartments every year until 2030 to meet growing demand, boosted by the influx of immigrants from Ukraine and Syria. However, in 2024, only 216,000 apartments were authorized, the lowest number since 2010 and reflecting the real estate crisis.
Financial performance and investments
Germany’s largest real estate group, Vonovia, reported its third consecutive annual loss in 2024, amounting to EUR 962.3 million, due to significant write-downs in property values. Nevertheless, CEO Rolf Buch predicts a return to profitability in 2025, provided that real estate prices stabilize.
Forecast for 2025
German house prices are expected to grow by 3.5% in 2025, although there is a significant risk of weaker growth. The market continues to face difficulties due to high borrowing and construction costs. Rental growth is expected to exceed house price growth, making it difficult for potential buyers to save a down payment.
In general, the German residential real estate market in 2024 was characterized by declining prices and slowing construction activity. Forecasts for 2025 suggest a moderate increase in prices, but the market remains sensitive to economic and political factors.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/analysis-of-residential-real-estate-market-in-germany/
