More Romanians are looking to rent homes over higher prices and tighter lending conditions, shows a recent survey by Unlock Market Research for Colliers.
The survey of 1,000 urban Romanians indicates that only 73% own their homes, a significant drop from the official statistic of 95%.
The research highlights a decrease in interest in homeownership, from approximately 44% in previous years to 35% in 2025. This decline is attributed to rising property prices and stricter lending conditions. In contrast, the number of non-renters planning to move into rented accommodation has also fallen, from around 10% in previous years to 6% in 2025.
These trends suggest that renting is no longer viewed as a temporary solution but rather a medium-term alternative, driven by a limited supply of new housing and increasing costs. At the same time, tenants are becoming more selective, seeking modern, fully furnished homes with additional amenities, reflecting a notable shift in the residential market dynamics.
Gabriel Blăniță, Director & Advisory Services at Colliers Romania, says: “Home ownership remains an important goal for most Romanians, but declining affordability in central areas and tight credit conditions have led to a decline in purchase intentions. At the same time, the limited supply of new housing and the shrinking number of housing developments under construction have accelerated price increases, further reducing interest in buying. In this context, renting is no longer a temporary solution but a viable medium-term alternative."
Housing affordability varies by location, with a growing gap between central, well-connected areas and outskirts. Developers are shifting to metropolitan areas where house price-to-wage ratios are better. However, high costs make central city homebuying increasingly difficult, according to Colliers’ experts.
