Very high house prices will continue to rise until the end of the year. Where the biggest increases were recorded
House prices are perceived as “very high” by the vast majority of Romanians interested in real estate purchases, and most expect the price increases to continue until the end of 2026.
Interest in old homes increased by 26% PHOTO Shutterstock
According to a survey carried out by Imobiliare.ro, approximately 90% of respondents believe that the current level of prices is exaggerated, while only 6% see it as fair.
Only 4% still believe that housing is affordable. At the same time, 76% of potential buyers fear that the asking price does not reflect the real value of the property.
Due to the tense economic context, many postpone the purchase decision. According to the survey, Romanians would only act immediately if they found an excellent offer or if prices suddenly dropped by at least 15%.
“At the moment, buyers are rather reluctant to act. Doubt about tomorrow, reinforced by the immediate effects reflected in the exchange rate evolution of the recent government crisis, joins a series of anxieties caused by high inflation, interest rates, changes in the labor market. Buyers need time and facts to regain their confidence in the economy and the security of tomorrow“, explain Daniel Crainic, the platform's marketing director, in a statement.
The announcer points out that “precisely in moments like these, good purchases can be made, because, objectively speaking, apartments in Romania still remain affordable, and the power of negotiation lies with the determined buyer”.
The capital registered the highest price increases
The Imobiliare.ro index shows that the average asking price at the national level has reached 2,025 euros/useful square meter, increasing by 12% in one year. Bucharest recorded the highest price increases: +26% for new apartments and +12% for old ones, to which is also added the effect of exchange rate fluctuations.
Regarding the future development, 33% of respondents believe that prices will continue to rise until the end of 2026, 27% anticipate only a slight correction, and 24% cannot estimate the direction of the market.
Buyers' motivations are diverse: 44% are looking for a property upgrade, 32% want to become first-time owners, 14% see the purchase as a protective investment, and 10% are looking to generate rental income.
Interest in old homes has increased
In the Capital, interest in old homes (cheaper than new ones) increased by 26%, while demand for new ones decreased by 11%. Areas such as Timpuri Noi, Drumul Taberei, Dristor and Bucurestii Noi are among the most dynamic, each attracting between 4 and 6 potential buyers per listed apartment.
When it comes to the rental market, demand increased by 20% in Bucharest, but supply decreased by 27%, which increased the competition for available housing. Areas such as Militari, Dristor, Piața Iancului and Constantin Brâncoveanu remain among the most sought after.
The survey was conducted in May on a sample of 1,420 active users of the platform, interested in purchasing a new or old home.
