Romania Leads EU Rent Surge at 43.5% YoY; Housing Supply Shortfall Cited

Eurostat data shows Romania's rents rose 43.5% YoY in Q2 2026, the highest in the EU, with Croatia at 40.1% and Turkey at 49.6% (distorted by inflation). Analysts attribute the surge to insufficient housing supply, real estate investment demand, and limited public housing. The trend signals sustained inflationary pressure in housing costs across Eastern Europe, potentially influencing ECB and national policy responses.