Rent prices soar across Europe, led by a 43% jump in Romania

Eurostat reports that Romanian rental prices jumped 43% in 2026, making the country the leader in rent inflation across the EU. Croatia experienced a rise of over 12%, and Serbia saw rents climb 12.5%, while other nations reported more modest increases. Economists point to a shortage of housing, heightened real-estate investment and a small proportion of state-owned rental units as key drivers, noting that even after accounting for inflation, real rent growth exceeds 30% in Romania and Croatia.

The surge in housing costs has fueled large-scale demonstrations in several European capitals, with some protests turning violent. Authorities in France detained numerous participants, and in Italy shops were looted and barricades set on fire. In Portugal, demonstrators demanded higher wages, pensions and affordable housing, setting up tents in Porto's city centre. These unrests reflect growing public frustration over the cost of living.