Explore Cushman & Wakefield's comprehensive analysis of Europe’s living sector through 2040. Our latest report delves into the demographic and societal trends driving unprecedented growth, the challenges of meeting housing needs, and strategic insights for investors and developers.
Unpacking Europe's Living Revolution
Tom McCabe • 6/20/2024
Key Highlights:
- Growing demand across private rented, student accommodation, senior living, and affordable housing segments.
- Projected demographic shifts and their impact on housing needs.
- Investment opportunities in key European regions.
- Policy recommendations to support housing development.
- Download the full report now and stay ahead in the evolving living sector landscape.
Discover Europe’s Housing Future
Get exclusive insights into the demographic and societal trends shaping Europe’s living sector through 2040. Click on the button below to access the report.
Unlock Investment Opportunities
Identify the most promising regions and segments for investment in Europe’s evolving housing market. Contact us for more information or to schedule a presentation.
Navigate Housing Challenges
Understand the key challenges in meeting Europe’s housing needs and explore potential solutions. Contact our team to find out more.
Stay Ahead in Real Estate
Gain strategic insights to make informed decisions in the rapidly changing living sector. Subscribe to receive up-to-date insights from the European living sector research.
Related services
Equity, Debt and Structured Finance
Our financial services platform provides unsurpassed advisory and integrated capital solutions.
Project & Development Services
Aligning with client culture and goals to shape the built environment together
Learn More
Related insights
Research
European Living Capital Markets Update
This comprehensive outlook serves as a valuable perspective to anticipate the future landscape of European living spaces.
9/19/2025
Subscribe for Insights
Keep abreast of the latest developments and research in the European living sector.
Benefits for You:- Stay ahead of current market trends
- Make well-informed investment decisions
- Optimize your returns in the European living sector
- Gain a competitive edge
- Save time with our expert insights
Contacts
Research
European Living Capital Markets Update
This comprehensive outlook serves as a valuable perspective to anticipate the future landscape of European living spaces.
9/19/2025
Article
Investors aren’t late to the party of investing in build-to-rent (BTR) product. Rather, investor interest only continues to gain steam, both from an investment—as well as a development—perspective.
Sam Tenenbaum • 12/20/2023
Article
The Growing Case for Build-to-Rent
Build-to-rent (BTR) property—a relatively new niche multifamily product resembling single-family homes—is well-positioned to capitalize on several demographic and capital market tailwinds.
Sam Tenenbaum • 12/13/2023
Research
Poland Student Accommodation Report
PBSA remains on students’ radar despite rental growth.
Karolina Furmańska • 11/9/2023
Article
Contextualizing Development Risk
The U.S. multifamily market is in the midst of the largest supply wave in modern history. But construction timelines are longer than ever, meaning the market has more time to absorb these deliveries. With supply risk distributed across the U.S., overbuilding is just a much a function of demand as it is supply.
Sam Tenenbaum • 3/24/2023
Article
Sky-High Mortgage Rates Benefitting Multifamily
With mortgage rates approaching 7%, we wanted to see the material impact of the movement in the market. Using data from Cushman & Wakefield Asset Services, which looks at the self-identified reasons that renters are moving out, we’ve laid out the share of renters that have said they were moving out of our managed communities to buy a home, condo, or townhouse.
Sam Tenenbaum • 9/28/2022
Article
ODCE Fund Allocations To Multifamily On The Rise
Here, we look at data on the flow of core institutional capital across asset classes. The data comes from NCREIF’s ODCE index.
Sam Tenenbaum • 9/12/2022
Article
Housing Starts Down But Single Family for Rent and Built-to-Rent Remain Strong
The Census recently released second quarter starts data, and as expected, we continue to see a pullback in the single-family market. Overall housing starts continue to decline with single-family starts back to 2019 levels.
Sam Tenenbaum • 8/22/2022
Research
How Generation Z is Fueling the Demand for Multifamily
As the multifamily sector continues to grow, investors have Gen Z’s preferences in mind.
5/10/2022
Research • Sustainability / ESG
Across the commercial real estate (CRE) investment landscape, ESG-focused funds have been growing in popularity across institution types.
3/29/2022
Latest Trends in Europe’s Living Sector
- Demographic Shifts: Population growth and ageing populations are reshaping housing needs.
- Urbanization: Major cities are expected to grow, increasing demand for urban housing.
- Housing Affordability: Affordability issues continue to drive rental and affordable housing demand.
- Senior Living: The growing elderly population necessitates more senior living facilities.
- Student Accommodation: Rising international student numbers fuel demand for purpose-built student housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The growth is primarily driven by demographic shifts, including an increase in private rented, student accommodation, senior living, and affordable housing demand. Urbanisation and changes in housing affordability also play significant roles.
Countries with growing populations and potential for further urbanisation, such as the UK, Ireland, Benelux countries, Spain, and Sweden, present the most attractive investment opportunities.
Key challenges include high construction costs, regulatory hurdles, and housing affordability issues. Government support and streamlined planning processes are essential to overcoming these challenges.
Urbanisation significantly impacts housing demand, with major European cities expected to grow substantially, driving the need for diverse housing solutions.