Housing is often one of the first topics that comes up when I speak with mobility teams. It is highly visible for assignees, closely scrutinised internally, and increasingly difficult to get right as markets continue to shift. Many clients tell me that housing is also where they feel the most uncertainty, particularly when market conditions change quickly or when different data sources tell different stories.
Based in Europe, I work closely with clients across the region, and the latest AIRINC Data Points housing update includes European markets alongside locations in other parts of the world. While my day-to-day focus is often regional, the challenges clients face around housing allowances are remarkably consistent globally. Whether assignments are within Europe or further afield, the need for reliable data and clear context remains the same.
Data Points is a selection of AIRINC research results, shared each quarter to provide mobility teams with timely insight into current cost-of-living and housing trends. This quarter’s research was conducted primarily across Europe, Asia, and mainland Southeast Asia, reflecting the locations where we have seen the most notable movement in recent months.
While Data Points offers a useful snapshot of market developments, it represents only a small portion of the housing research our teams conduct throughout the year. Our housing specialists monitor conditions across a huge range of locations, allowing us to support clients with both current data and the context behind it.
For many mobility teams, Data Points serves as a starting point for discussion rather than a definitive answer. We are always pleased to talk through housing challenges, whether they relate to locations featured in the update or anywhere elsewhere in the world!
What we continue to see is that global housing trends rarely move in unison. Even within the same region, market dynamics can look very different.
Belgrade has seen a softening in rental prices as increased construction activity expands supply. With fewer expatriate tenants entering the market, rental costs have stabilised, particularly outside the most premium properties. For some mobility programmes, this may open up opportunities to reassess housing budgets that were set during tighter market conditions.
In contrast, Bucharest continues to experience upward pressure on rents. Inflation, higher construction costs, and tax changes have all contributed to rising prices, while availability of high-quality housing has become more limited. In markets like this, where conditions can shift quickly, having reliable and current housing data makes a real difference.
In Colombo, demand for expatriate-quality housing has increased as international assignees return and corporate leasing activity grows. Limited availability of premium homes, particularly larger properties, has led to higher rental expectations. This can reduce choice for assignees and make housing discussions more challenging without the right level of budget flexibility.
Rental prices across Pakistan have risen as demand for modern, managed housing continues to grow. Policy changes, construction slowdowns, and higher mortgage costs have contributed to a broader shift toward renting. With conditions varying significantly by city and housing segment, a consistent approach across locations becomes increasingly important.
In Phnom Penh, larger rental properties have become more expensive. Improved furnishing standards and sustained demand for family-sized housing have driven these increases. This is a good reminder that average rental figures do not always reflect the reality faced by different assignee profiles.
Qingdao’s expatriate rental market has softened overall, with higher vacancy levels in some premium neighbourhoods. At the same time, reduced availability of larger apartments, partly due to conversions to commercial use, adds complexity. It is a market where headline trends need to be interpreted carefully.
When new clients contact me, housing allowances are often one of their biggest pain points. Many have spent considerable time double or even triple checking data from multiple sources, trying to understand which figures truly reflect the housing their assignees can access. What they are often looking for is not just a number, but confidence in how that number has been built.
AIRINC’s housing data is derived from multiple sources and analysed by experienced in-house research teams who specialise in expatriate housing markets. Because our housing team monitors markets throughout the year, they also understand the broader context behind the numbers. This makes it easier to explain, for example, why a budget may feel tight even when rents appear stable, or why availability can be limited despite modest price movement.
Our housing allowance methodology is designed to reflect how assignees actually live, while supporting internal equity across locations. Rather than relying solely on bedroom counts or limited market snapshots, we look across expatriate residential areas, property types, quality tiers, and moderate-to-premium housing segments. This approach helps ensure that housing budgets are grounded in realistic housing options rather than assumptions.
Housing markets rarely stand still, and that is unlikely to change any time soon. What does make a difference is having the right information, at the right time, and people who can help make sense of it. I spend a lot of time talking about housing and data, and I am always happy to continue those conversations. When housing feels complicated, a well-informed discussion is often the best place to start.
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