The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has a major negative impact on economic activity. Many countries face one of the worst recessions on record, affecting a wide range of economic sectors. This JVI webinar takes a closer look at residential real estate markets, which are impacted by the pandemic in a number of ways. On the one hand, lockdowns and the increased use of remote working practices are likely to increase the demand for residential real estate and accommodative monetary policy is likely to improve its affordability. On the other hand, the economic downturn and increases in unemployment are expected to weigh negatively on demand. Which of these effects prevails, is difficult to assess and likely to differ from country to country.  

Against this backdrop, the webinar will review and discuss residential real estate developments in the euro area, Poland and Croatia one year after the start of the pandemic.

What is the impact on residential real estate prices so far? Are there indications for structural shifts in the demand for residential real estate?

How should public policy react to these developments?