European real estate markets show mixed performance in 2026

The Dutch property market stayed largely stable in the first half of 2026, with total transaction volume slipping 0.8% to €5.28 billion. Growth in residential, office and retail segments offset declines in hotel, care and logistics assets.

In Spain, housing sales fell for the fifth consecutive month in May 2026, dropping 7.6% to about 61,000 units, while new mortgage approvals slipped 0.5% – the first decline in almost two years. Despite the slowdown, average prices kept rising, reaching €2,041 per square meter, 12% higher than a year earlier. Rental yields for investors declined to 6.5% from 7.2%.

Both markets reflect cautious buyer behaviour: Dutch investors maintain activity amid modest volume changes, while Spanish buyers and lenders become more restrained as price growth persists.