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European housing prices rise, led by Portugal and Bulgaria
European housing prices continued to rise in the second quarter of 2026, with the European Union seeing an average annual increase of 4.7%, outpacing the 3.2% inflation rate. According to Eurostat data, nine countries recorded double-digit annual growth.
Portugal experienced the highest increase at 16.5%, followed closely by Bulgaria at 15.5%. Other nations with double-digit growth included Lithuania (14.3%), Slovakia (13.6%), Croatia (12.7%), Spain (12.1%), and Romania (12.1%). In contrast, prices declined in Finland, Luxembourg, and France.
Real estate expert Mikk Kalmet of Global Property Guide attributed the surge in Portugal to limited new construction, foreign investment, tourism-related demand, and a persistent housing shortage, particularly in Lisbon, Porto, and coastal regions. In Bulgaria, rising household incomes, wage growth, and property demand as an investment vehicle were cited as primary drivers.
Entities
Bulgaria · European Union · Eurostat · Global Property Guide · Mikk Kalmet · Portugal
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Bulgaria's price increases are supported by rising household incomes, wage growth, affordable mortgages, and property investment demand. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nine out of 29 European countries recorded double-digit annual increases in house prices in Q2 2026. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Portugal recorded the highest annual house price increase at 16.5%. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] House prices declined in Finland, Luxembourg, and France during the second quarter of 2026. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] EU house prices rose by 4.7% year-on-year in Q2 2026, exceeding the 3.2% inflation rate. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Bulgaria recorded a 15.5% annual increase in house prices. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] In Portugal, rising prices are driven by limited new construction, foreign investment, tourism demand, and housing shortages. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com