Fact Check: From 2010 to 2022, rents in the EU rose by 18%.

Fact Check: "From 2010 to 2022, rents in the EU rose by 18%."

What We Know

The claim that rents in the EU rose by 18% from 2010 to 2022 is supported by multiple sources. According to Eurostat, rents in the EU increased by 17% by the first quarter of 2022 compared to 2010. This data indicates a steady rise in rental prices throughout the period, with a consistent upward trend since the second quarter of 2011. Additionally, a report from Brussels Times corroborates this, stating that rents increased by 18% during the same timeframe.

However, it's important to note that while the average increase is cited as 18%, there are significant variations across different EU member states. For instance, in countries like Estonia, rents increased by as much as 177%, while in Greece, they decreased by 24% during the same period (Euronews).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from reputable sources such as Eurostat, which is the statistical office of the European Union, ensuring a high level of reliability. The data presented shows a clear trend of increasing rents across the EU, although the average figure of 18% masks considerable regional disparities.

The reliability of the sources is generally strong, particularly Eurostat, which is known for its rigorous data collection and analysis methods. However, the claim's accuracy may be affected by the averaging of data across diverse economic contexts within the EU. For example, while some countries experienced significant increases, others saw declines, which could skew the perception of overall trends.

Furthermore, the context of rising rents is also influenced by factors such as the increase in short-term rentals, which have taken housing stock off the market, contributing to higher prices (Europarl). This suggests that while the claim holds true on average, it does not fully capture the complexities of the housing market across the EU.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True
The claim that rents in the EU rose by 18% from 2010 to 2022 is partially true. While the average increase reported by credible sources like Eurostat and Brussels Times supports this figure, it is essential to consider the significant variations among different member states and the broader economic factors influencing these changes. The average does not reflect the full picture of the rental market across the EU, where some countries experienced substantial increases, while others saw declines.

Sources

1. Seznam – najdu tam, co neznám
2. Rents up by 17%, house prices by 45% since 2010
3. Seznam.cz - vyhledávání na Internetu
4. Rising housing costs in the EU: the facts (infographics)
5. Seznam Zprávy – Seznam.cz
6. Europe's cost of living crisis: This is how much more rent you are ...
7. Aplikace Seznam.cz
8. Rents up by 18% since 2010 in EU, house prices up by 49%