European Rental Market Forecast Has Reached €35.5 Billion
The equipment rental sector grew by 1% in 2025, with projections showing steady long-term growth across major economies.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Apartments
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The European Equipment Rental Association recently published its 2026 Market Report, highlighting a 1% growth rate in 2025 for the equipment rental sector. This comprehensive report covers 17 European markets that account for over 95% of the total industry across the EU, EFTA, and the UK.
Why it matters
The report provides critical performance benchmarks for an industry now relying on non-construction activities for 35% of its market share. Understanding these trends helps households and businesses assess regional economic health and future infrastructure investment potential.
The European rental market is expected to reach a total turnover of €35.5 billion in 2026, up from 2025 levels. Meanwhile, the UK, Germany, and France combined represent 60% of the total market size, while France faces a projected negative compound annual growth rate of -0.7%.
The players
European Equipment Rental Association
An industry organization that establishes standards and provides performance benchmarks for the European rental market.
KPMG
A global professional services firm that collaborated on the analysis and methodology for the 2026 Market Report.
The details
The report, developed in collaboration with KPMG, utilizes a common methodology to analyze market dynamics across 17 countries. While the sector grew overall, localized performance varies, with Southern European markets like Spain, Portugal, and Italy demonstrating strength. Conversely, major economies like France and the UK face more limited or negative growth prospects compared to the broader 1.8% forecasted annual increase.
Timeline
2025: The European equipment rental market experienced 1% growth.
2025-2027: The forecasted period for a 1.8% compound annual growth rate.
2026: The expected rental turnover is projected to reach €35.5 billion.
End of 2026: Germany could benefit from increased public investment.
Money Landscape
The 2026 European Equipment Rental Association Market Report provides a baseline for tracking regional rental sector turnover. This development reflects a maturation of the industry as it shifts away from traditional construction dependence toward broader service applications.
Changes in local rental industry health can influence the availability and cost of equipment for renovation or construction projects. Residents should monitor local market activity to gauge if regional infrastructure development, particularly in Germany, might drive future service costs.
The takeaway
The equipment rental sector remains a key indicator of regional economic activity despite disparate growth trends across Europe. Keep an eye on local industrial growth data to understand how potential shifts in public infrastructure spending may eventually affect your local construction and renovation costs.
Further reading
For more information on housing and rental trends, visit our Apartments section.
More information
To review the full industry analysis, visit the ERA market report access portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by International Rental News.
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