The most expensive newly built homes among the European markets surveyed are located in Luxembourg, the Czech Republic and Germany, while the cheapest are in Turkey, Serbia and Albania. At the same time, in a number of cities in Central and Southeastern Europe, purchasing housing requires more than 15 average annual salaries, according to the findings of the Deloitte Property Index 2026 study.
As the international consulting company Deloitte reported on October 13, 2026, its 15th annual study covered 25 countries and 71 cities. The indicators are based on data for 2025 and include prices of newly built residential properties, apartment purchase affordability, rental rates, residential construction and mortgage lending.
According to Deloitte, the average price per square meter of new housing in Luxembourg reached €9,160, compared with €5,412 in the Czech Republic, €5,200 in Germany, €5,199 in Austria and €5,186 in the Netherlands.
By contrast, the average price of new housing in Turkey was €864 per sq. m, compared with €1,706 in Serbia, €1,720 in Albania, €1,917 in Romania and €1,931 in Greece.
Thus, the difference between the most expensive and cheapest national markets among the countries surveyed exceeded tenfold.
Ranking of countries with the highest average prices for new housing in 2025:
Luxembourg — €9,160 per sq. m.
Czech Republic — €5,412.
Germany — €5,200.
Austria — €5,199.
Netherlands — €5,186.
Five countries with the lowest prices:
Turkey — €864 per sq. m.
Serbia — €1,706.
Albania — €1,720.
Romania — €1,917.
Greece — €1,931.
At the same time, a low absolute price per square meter does not always mean high housing affordability for the local population, since the determining factor is the ratio between property prices and household incomes.
The least affordable among the cities surveyed was the Albanian city of Vlorë, where purchasing a standard new apartment measuring 70 sq. m requires 21.3 average gross annual salaries. In Prague, this figure was 16.9 annual salaries, in Athens — 16, and in Slovakia’s Košice and the Czech city of Brno — 15 each.
Cities with low housing affordability also included Bratislava, where purchasing a standard apartment requires 13.7 annual salaries, and Banská Bystrica, with a figure of 13.4.
At the opposite end was the Italian city of Turin, where purchasing a new 70 sq. m home requires 4.7 average annual salaries. In Norway’s Bergen and Denmark’s Odense, the figure was 4.9 salaries each.
Overall, the number of European cities surveyed where purchasing a standard apartment requires more than ten annual salaries increased from 11 to 19.
Separately, Deloitte analyzed the largest urban markets in terms of the absolute cost of new housing. Munich was the most expensive, with an average price of €11,200 per sq. m. It was followed by Luxembourg City at €10,567, Amsterdam at €8,650 and Barcelona at €8,037.
The cheapest new homes among the major cities surveyed were offered in Turkey: the average price was €870 per sq. m in Ankara, €1,155 in Izmir and €1,339 in Istanbul.
In 2025, increases in average new housing prices were recorded in 19 of the 22 countries for which Deloitte had comparable nationwide data. The highest rates of price growth were observed in Romania (+14.4%), Croatia (+14.3%), Slovakia (+12.5%) and Hungary (+10.9%).
By contrast, according to the study, average prices in euros decreased by 9% in Turkey and 2.5% in Serbia. At the same time, individual urban markets showed the opposite trend. In particular, new housing prices rose by 20% in Belgrade and by approximately 24% in the Albanian city of Durrës.
Luxembourg became the most expensive rental housing market, with an average monthly rate of €45.4 per sq. m. In Paris, rent amounted to €31.2 per sq. m, in Barcelona — €30.9, Dublin — €30.8 and Oslo — €28.9.
Significant differences in the cost of mortgage lending also persist across European countries. Deloitte recorded the highest average rates in Hungary at 9.08%, Poland at 6.91%, Romania at 5.86% and Norway at 5.44%. The lowest figures were in Bulgaria and Finland at 2.77% each, Turkey at 2.84%, Croatia at 2.90% and Spain at 2.94%.
The average mortgage rate in the countries surveyed fell by 0.38 percentage points to 4.09%.
Turkey led in the number of completed residential units, with nearly 674,000 housing units put into operation in 2025. The corresponding figure was 379,000 in France, 209,000 in Poland and 207,000 in Germany.
Ukraine is not represented in the Deloitte Property Index 2026 ranking, so its average price per square meter cannot be directly compared with the figures for other countries within the framework of this study.
At the same time, according to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the housing price index in the primary market increased by 13% in 2025, while in the secondary market it rose by 13.4%. These indicators reflect changes in prices in Ukrainian hryvnias rather than the average price per square meter in euros, and therefore are not part of the Deloitte ranking.
Additionally, in May 2026, the State Statistics Service updated its methodology for calculating housing price indices in accordance with European statistical standards.
Deloitte analysts note that the main problem facing the European market remains the mismatch between rising housing prices and household incomes. The situation is aggravated by the limited supply of new homes, high construction costs, lengthy permit procedures and the cost of mortgage financing.
The Deloitte Property Index is an annual international study of residential real estate markets that the company has conducted for 15 years. It is used to compare housing prices and affordability, residential construction, rental markets and mortgage lending across European countries.
Sources: Deloitte Property Index 2026 — official study, Deloitte, press release dated October 12, 2026, State Statistics Service of Ukraine — housing price statistics.
Ukrainian companies from the grain processing and food industries showcased their products at the SIAL Paris 2026 international trade show, which opened on October 17 in France and will run through October 21. The “Flour Millers of Ukraine” Association is participating in the exhibition as part of the collective Ukrainian pavilion, showcasing the production capabilities and export potential of the domestic grain processing industry.
As reported by the Ukrainian Flour Millers Association on social media, the participation of Ukrainian producers is organized with the support of the Swiss Import Promotion Program (SIPPO), initiated by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) as part of cooperation in the field of economic development.
Among the Ukrainian companies and brands represented by the Association at the exhibition were “Ukrprominvest-Agro,” YEDNIST’ GROUP, the Khmelnytskyi Pasta Factory (Ukrpasta), ALVIVA GROUP, the “Rumyanets” brand, Ekor.ua, “Zakhidny Bug,” and The Miller (Ukrainian Stone Mills).
Participants will showcase the capabilities of the Ukrainian food industry in the production of flour, pasta, grains, baked goods, and other grain-processing products.
The main goal of participating in SIAL Paris 2026 is to establish direct contacts with international importers, distributors, and retail chains; promote Ukrainian products on the global market; find new partners; and expand export markets.
For Ukrainian grain processing enterprises, participation in international trade shows is particularly important given the need to diversify foreign markets and increase exports of value-added products. Unlike the export of grain as a raw material, the supply of flour, cereals, pasta, and prepared food products allows the majority of the value added from processing to remain in Ukraine.
Ukrainian producers also have the opportunity to learn about new technologies in the food industry, modern packaging solutions, international requirements for product quality and safety, and trends in consumer demand.
According to data from the Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine, released on October 15, 2026, the Ukrainian food industry is represented at SIAL Paris by 107 participants—exporting companies—as well as 15 business support organizations.
In total, Ukraine is represented by seven collective booths and 28 individual exhibits. Most Ukrainian producers operate in the segments of grocery products, confectionery, cookies, baked goods, and dairy products.
The “Flour Millers of Ukraine” Association is participating in the collective booth of Ukrainian business support organizations in Pavilion 1, Booth A128. It is organized by the Office for Entrepreneurship and Export Development and the national project “Diya.Business” with support from SIPPO.
SIAL Paris is one of the largest international food and beverage exhibitions, held every two years at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition complex. In 2026, approximately 8,000 exhibitors from 130 countries are expected to participate, and the number of trade visitors could reach 285,000.
The exhibition brings together food producers, international retail chains, importers, distributors, representatives of the restaurant industry, and investors. For Ukrainian companies, it serves as a platform for entering new markets and developing international commercial partnerships.
The “Flour Millers of Ukraine” Association is an industry association of Ukrainian producers of flour, grains, bread, confectionery and pasta products, grain snacks, cereals, and dry breakfast foods. The organization represents the interests of enterprises in the grain processing sector, promotes the development of production cooperation, the adoption of modern technologies, the improvement of product quality, and the expansion of exports. One of its key areas of activity is establishing international partnerships, participating in industry-specific exhibitions, and promoting Ukrainian grain processing products in foreign markets.
In January–September 2026, Ukraine imported 34,270 metric tons of manganese ore worth $5.309 million, whereas during the same period in 2025, there were no imports of this raw material, according to statistics from the State Customs Service.
In the first nine months of this year, the physical volume of imports has already reached 92.6% of the total for all of 2025. Last year, Ukraine purchased 37,006 thousand metric tons of manganese ore abroad for $5.546 million, with all shipments taking place in November.
Imports in 2026 picked up significantly in August and September. While Ukraine imported approximately 10,900 metric tons of ore over the first seven months, imports rose to 23,099 metric tons over eight months and to 34,270 metric tons over nine months.
Thus, in September alone, the country imported 11,171 metric tons of manganese ore with an estimated value of $1.731 million. In August, imports totaled approximately 12,198 metric tons, meaning they declined by about 8.4% in September.
Ghana was the main supplier of manganese ore to Ukraine in 2025. In January–July 2026, it also accounted for virtually the entire volume of imports: 10,896 thousand metric tons worth $1.677 million. Another approximately 5 metric tons worth $3 thousand were imported from China. The geography of shipments for the full nine months requires clarification based on detailed customs statistics.
At the same time, Ukraine is increasing its own exports of manganese ore. In January–September 2026, 36,598 thousand metric tons of ore worth $6,393 million were shipped abroad.
Thus, the physical volume of exports over the nine-month period exceeded imports by only 2,328 thousand metric tons, and the trade surplus for this commodity group amounted to approximately $1,084 million.
The estimated average customs value of imported manganese ore was about $155 per metric ton, while that of exported ore was $175 per metric ton. However, without information on the chemical composition and quality of the raw materials, these figures cannot be used for a direct comparison of market prices.
The increase in imports is occurring as some Ukrainian ferroalloy plants resume operations following a production shutdown in 2023.
The Nikopol and Zaporizhzhia ferroalloy plants suspended ferroalloy smelting at the end of 2023 following the cessation of manganese ore mining at the Pokrovsk and Marganets mining and processing complexes. In the summer of 2024, the ferroalloy plants partially resumed production.
Manganese ore is the primary raw material for the production of ferromanganese and silicomanganese, which are used in ferrous metallurgy for deoxidizing and alloying steel. At the same time, foreign trade statistics alone do not allow us to determine what proportion of the imported ore was actually processed by Ukrainian enterprises.
In January–September 2026, Ukraine increased its manganese ore exports by 3.76 times compared to the same period last year—to 36,598 thousand metric tons from 9,739 thousand metric tons, according to data from the State Customs Service.
In monetary terms, exports nearly quadrupled—to $6.393 million compared to $1.615 million over the first nine months of 2025. Thus, foreign exchange earnings increased by 296%, while the physical volume of shipments rose by 276%.
As of the end of the first nine months of this year, Ukraine has already exceeded the volume of manganese ore exports for the entire year 2025 by 64.3%. Last year, 22,281 thousand metric tons of this raw material were shipped abroad, worth $3.599 million.
At the same time, export revenue for January–September 2026 exceeded the total for all of last year by 77.6%.
The estimated average customs value of exported manganese ore for the first nine months of this year was approximately $175 per metric ton, compared to $166 per metric ton for the same period in 2025. Thus, the increase in foreign exchange earnings was driven primarily by growth in the physical volume of exports.
September was the busiest month of the current year, with Ukraine shipping 8.44 thousand metric tons of manganese ore abroad. This is 2.4 times more than in August and nearly 4.9 times more than in September of last year.
In 2025, Slovakia was the largest foreign market for Ukrainian manganese ore, accounting for 99.22% of export revenue. Poland accounted for another 0.78% of revenue.
The recovery in exports is taking place against the backdrop of a gradual resumption of manganese concentrate production in Ukraine. Specifically, the Pokrovsk Mining and Processing Plant produced 63.9 thousand metric tons of concentrate in 2025 following a shutdown in 2024.
In its previously approved production plans for 2026, the plant projected a 3.44-fold increase in concentrate output—to 220,000 metric tons. Actual fulfillment of this annual plan currently requires confirmation based on the results of the reporting period.
The Pokrovsky Mining and Processing Plant is one of the leading producers of manganese ore in Ukraine. The company engages in open-pit mining of oxide, carbonate, and oxide-carbonate ores, as well as their beneficiation and the production of manganese concentrate and sinter. The main domestic consumers of these products are enterprises in the ferroalloy industry.
On October 15, 2026, the Swiss city of Aarau hosted the “Wiederaufbau Ukraine” Export Forum, an economic forum dedicated to engaging Swiss companies in Ukraine’s reconstruction, developing bilateral trade, and implementing joint investment projects.
According to the Embassy of Ukraine in Switzerland, the event was organized by the Aargau Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AIHK). The forum was attended by representatives of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission, Swiss government agencies, the business community, and experts in international trade.
Representatives of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) presented opportunities in the Ukrainian market, the experience of Swiss companies operating in Ukraine, and government mechanisms for supporting private investment.
In particular, Silvio Girou, SECO’s representative on infrastructure financing, and Xavier Cornu, a consultant at Switzerland Global Enterprise specializing in Europe and the CIS countries, addressed the participants.
The main focus was on engaging Swiss companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure, expanding industrial cooperation, and utilizing financial instruments to support business. The forum also served as a platform for establishing direct contacts between Swiss entrepreneurs and representatives of organizations that facilitate international investment projects.
The event took place against the backdrop of the expansion of Switzerland’s government program to support the reconstruction of the Ukrainian economy.
According to the 2025–2028 cooperation program with Ukraine, the Swiss government has allocated over CHF1.5 billion to finance reconstruction, reforms, and sustainable development projects. Of this amount, CHF500 million is earmarked to support Swiss private-sector projects in Ukraine.
Specifically, on October 2, 2026, the Swiss Federal Council approved funding for eight additional projects by Swiss companies totaling CHF135 million. These projects relate to energy, public transportation, and water supply.
The projects were selected on a competitive basis with the participation of representatives from the Ukrainian and Swiss governments. Companies receiving funding must provide their own contribution of at least 10% of the project’s implementation cost.
In addition, on October 9, 2026, a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and Switzerland on cooperation in the reconstruction process entered into force. The document establishes a legal framework for expanding the participation of Swiss companies in the recovery of Ukraine’s economy and infrastructure.
A separate area of support involves financing investments in the creation and modernization of production facilities in Ukraine. In May 2026, SECO announced a call for proposals with a budget of up to CHF 50 million for Swiss companies already operating in the Ukrainian market. Support for an individual project ranges from CHF 3 million to CHF 10 million, provided that the company finances at least half of the project’s cost. The selection of such projects will continue until spring 2027.
According to the Embassy of Ukraine in Switzerland, developing cooperation with local chambers of commerce and industry and business associations creates additional opportunities to attract the investments, technologies, and equipment needed for the country’s reconstruction.
Switzerland Global Enterprise is the official Swiss organization for promoting exports and the international activities of businesses. It helps companies enter foreign markets, find business partners, and evaluate investment opportunities. SECO is responsible for implementing Switzerland’s economic policy and participates in financing international development and reconstruction programs.
Ukraine has transferred 773 seed samples of ten agricultural crops from its national collection to the Global Seed Vault on the Svalbard archipelago in Norway.
The samples transferred to the Arctic seed vault include triticale, barley, buckwheat, millet, peas, white lupine, vetch, Sarepta mustard, alfalfa, and clover. These samples represent valuable genetic resources from Ukrainian plant breeding, which are essential for developing new varieties, adapting agriculture to climate change, and ensuring food security.
According to the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine (NAAS), the seeds were prepared by the V.Y. Yuryev Institute of Plant Growing and the Ustymiv Experimental Station of Plant Growing. Scientists selected the most valuable samples and ensured their testing, packaging, and documentation under wartime conditions.
“Preserving the national plant gene pool is a matter of our national security and ensuring food stability for future generations,” emphasized Taras Vysotsky, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, as quoted by SEEDS.
According to him, transferring the duplicate collection to an international repository will protect the unique achievements of Ukrainian plant breeders from risks associated with the war.
This transfer marks the second such event in Ukraine’s history. The previous deposit of Ukrainian seeds on Svalbard took place in 2012.
According to the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, these two transfers have ensured the backup storage of genetic material representing approximately 10% of the national seed collection.
Ukraine’s National Plant Genetic Bank contains over 154,300 samples of 2,002 plant species. Of these, approximately 56,900 samples are of Ukrainian origin. The collection includes genetic material from cereals, legumes, oilseeds, forage crops, and other agricultural crops.
Preserving this collection is of strategic importance for agricultural science. Genetic diversity enables breeders to develop new varieties that are resistant to drought, diseases, temperature fluctuations, and other adverse growing conditions.
Following the outbreak of full-scale war, Ukraine’s system for conserving genetic resources came under threat due to hostilities, damage to scientific infrastructure, and the risk of losing unique collections.
To protect the seeds, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with financial support from the European Union, implemented a program to establish backup storage facilities in collaboration with the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine (NAAS) and international partners.
As part of this initiative, 51,000 seed samples were evacuated to the western regions of Ukraine, and in November 2025, a permanent backup center was opened, equipped with modern laboratories and specialized infrastructure for the long-term storage of genetic material.
Storing part of the collection on Svalbard provided an additional layer of protection. In the event of damage to or loss of Ukraine’s primary collections, the backup samples can be used to restore genetic resources.
At the same time, the transferred seeds remain the property of Ukraine. The international repository ensures their storage without transferring ownership rights to the genetic material.
Ukraine has also acceded to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, which entered into force for the country on August 12, 2026. This creates additional opportunities for international scientific cooperation and the protection of agricultural biodiversity.
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is located on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, above the Arctic Circle, and has been in operation since 2008. It was established for the long-term backup storage of genetic resources of agricultural plants from around the world.
According to the vault’s administration, as of 2026, it holds more than 1.4 million seed samples provided by gene banks and scientific institutions from various countries.
During the October 2026 ceremony, 21 research institutions from various regions of the world donated samples. In total, the repository received more than 16,000 new samples.
The project is supported by the Norwegian government, the Nordic Genetic Resource Center (NordGen), and the international organization Crop Trust. Its primary goal is to ensure the restoration of crop varieties in the event of wars, natural disasters, man-made disasters, or other threats to plant genetic diversity.
Sources: SEEDS, publication dated October 16, 2026; V. Ya. Yuryev Institute of Plant Growing, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine; Svalbard Global Seed Vault, announcement dated October 14, 2026.
agricultural sector, FOOD SECURITY, plant breeding, SEEDS, UKRAINE
