House prices are climbing again across the European Union, creating significant challenges for single individuals aspiring to own property. After a temporary slowdown in 2023, property values surged by 5.4% in the second quarter of 2025, according to recent Eurostat data. This rebound is exacerbating existing affordability issues, with a growing number of single dwellers feeling increasingly excluded from the housing market.
A recent survey of over 20,000 people in 23 countries, conducted by RE/MAX and shared with Europe in Motion, reveals that 37% of those living alone believe homeownership is now unattainable. This sentiment underscores a concerning trend where access to property is increasingly dependent on partnership or financial privilege.
Rising House Prices and the Partnership Push
The survey indicates a growing trend of individuals considering relationships as a practical pathway to buying a home. 26% of respondents intending to purchase property cited coupling up as a key strategy. This figure is particularly pronounced in the Netherlands and Portugal, both at 33%, and amongst Gen Z, where 35% view partnership as a solution, compared to 25% of Millennials.
This pragmatic approach may also explain faster timelines for cohabitation. Gen Z couples, on average, move in together after 2.7 years, slightly faster than Millennials at 3.2 years. The quickest move-ins were found in the UK, averaging just two years and four months, while France demonstrated the longest timeframe, exceeding four years.
Many European couples are accelerating their timelines to cohabitate, with 13% moving in after only six months and 26% within a year. “Affordability is shaping not just where people live, but who they live with,” stated RE/MAX Europe CEO Michael Polzler. “Rising housing costs disproportionately impact those without a partner or shared income.”
Alternative Strategies for Homeownership
Beyond relationships, prospective buyers are exploring other options. Fourteen percent are considering relocating to more affordable areas, a tactic most prevalent in Germany (20%) and Turkey (23%). However, the most significant barrier remains income, cited by 58% of respondents as the primary obstacle to homeownership, reaching 66% in Poland and 67% in Hungary.
Interestingly, while Gen Z faces wage challenges due to entry-level positions (62% citing income as a barrier), the issue is surprisingly more prominent among Baby Boomers (57%) and Gen X (56%), suggesting it’s a multifaceted problem affecting multiple generations. The availability of mortgages also plays a crucial role in affordability for all demographics.
The Financial Reality of Solo Living in Europe
Homeownership rates differ significantly between coupled and single individuals. While 72% of couples own their residence, only 49% of those living alone do. These disparities are even more pronounced across different European countries.
Switzerland (17%), Germany (19%), and Malta (15%) have particularly low rates of homeownership among single dwellers. The financial burden of solo living is also substantial, with housing costs, including bills, averaging 36% of income across Europe. Germany faces a high toll – almost 42% – while the Czech Republic experiences an even greater strain exceeding 45%. Italy, France, and Spain offer a more manageable burden, all below 33%, with the UK aligning with the European average at 36%. Lithuania stands out as the most affordable, with housing costs consuming less than 25% of income.
European Housing Market Outlook
The housing market is largely experiencing a resurgence of price increases across the EU in 2025. With the exception of Finland (-1.3%), all member states reported higher property values in the second quarter. The most significant gains were observed in Portugal (+17.2%), Bulgaria (+15.5%), and Hungary (+15.1%).
This turnaround follows a period of decline in 2023, when EU house prices fell by 6.4% (adjusted for inflation) due to interest rate hikes implemented by the European Central Bank to combat inflation. 2024 saw only a modest increase of 0.6%.
As the EU housing market continues to evolve, the challenges for single buyers remain acute. Monitoring interest rate trends, wage growth, and government policies aimed at improving affordability will be critical in determining the future of homeownership access for all Europeans.
