The reference period comes first
Eurostat reported on 2 July 2026 that, in Q1 2026 compared with Q1 2025, house prices rose 5.1% in the EU and 4.7% in the euro area. Rents rose 3.0% in the EU over the same comparison. The quarter-on-quarter changes were 1.2% for EU house prices and 0.7% for rents. These are index movements, not quotes for a particular listing.
Country differences need their own context
For the comparison with the 2025 annual average, Eurostat recorded the largest house-price increases in Portugal, Bulgaria and Slovakia, while Finland and France recorded decreases. Rent movements also differed: Croatia had the strongest increase among countries with available data. Country comparisons depend on coverage, definitions and the exact reference period.
What the HPI measures
The House Price Index measures transaction-price changes for residential properties purchased by households, including new and existing dwellings. It is not an asking-price index and it does not describe one neighbourhood, building condition or contract.
Use the index responsibly
Use the reference period, country and dataset when discussing context. For an individual property, verify the property facts, location, condition and transaction evidence separately. Market context can inform a conversation; it cannot substitute for property-level due diligence.