The rapid expansion of institutional investment into residential sectors in the United States can be attributed in part to the homogeneity of this large market. It offers a relatively consistent regulatory framework between states. Investors in the European market have to navigate a much more diverse set of regulations with big differences between countries.

The table below sets out some of the key regulations and stances towards residential (multifamily) markets in different countries. It is interesting to note that Germany and Sweden, characterised by stronger regulatory headwinds, have the largest residential investment markets on the continent.