The European Housing Trends Report 2026 from REMAX Europe reveals that 23% of citizens have maintained their emotional bond for economic reasons and access to the residential market
Access to housing conditions personal life decisions, including independence, romantic relationships, and starting a family. This is confirmed by the European Housing Trends Report 2026 from REMAX Europe; a study conducted by the consulting firm Opinium Research after analyzing the responses of more than 22,000 people over 18 years old in 24 European countries during the past month of July 2026.
One of the highlighted findings is that almost one in four Europeans (23%) admits to having prolonged a romantic relationship longer than they wanted due to factors related to housing. This situation particularly affects Generation Z, where 34% of respondents acknowledge having made this decision, compared to 31% of millennials, 20% of Generation X, and 10% of baby boomers. 25% of men admit this influence compared to 20% of women.
Economic pressure stands out as the main factor for this decision. Among the most frequent reasons for those who have prolonged their relationship are the need to save money, the inability to afford living alone, and the desire to avoid the costs or difficulties of moving. The figures vary by region, reaching 35% in Luxembourg and 34% in Turkey, while in countries like Austria, Slovenia, Finland, Malta, Bulgaria, and Croatia the rate is between 15% and 18%.
The report emphasizes that 35% of Europeans believe that living alone is not a realistic option in their country, a figure that rises to 41% in the case of Generation Z. Respondents who share this opinion point to the overall cost of living (60%), the high level of rents (57%), and the need to have a salary above average (42%) as the main barriers.
Michael Polzler, CEO of REMAX Europe, stated: "Housing decisions are rarely limited to four walls, and these results show how connected they are to other areas of people's lives. Across Europe, residents are adopting increasingly thoughtful strategies to achieve their housing goals, whether by sharing expenses, delaying their next move, or even postponing the end of a relationship while they decide what their next housing situation will be. Our latest survey highlights the importance of quality housing, as people weigh their housing desires and needs alongside important decisions about their relationships, independence, and future."
In Spain, the residential market presents a duality between attachment to the environment and access barriers. 69% of Spaniards have not considered emigrating in the last two years and 59% claim to live in their permanent home. However, 54% of those aspiring to buy their first property identify saving for the down payment as the main obstacle, a figure that doubles the European average of 24%.
Full report: https://isu.pub/k3IrTeo