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Investment volumes for European hotels this year are expected to “significantly” surpass 2023’s numbers as more than €1bn (£860m) of UK hotel assets have transacted so far, according to Savills’ latest research.
The news comes after the UK recorded €2.62bn (£2.24bn) in hotel transactions last year, marginally ahead of the €2.61bn (£2.23bn) recorded in Spain.
According to the research, this was driven by a marked increase in UK activity in the final quarter, helped by a reduction in borrowing costs, and with it, improved investor sentiment.
Savills European Investor Sentiment Survey 2024 also showed significant appetite amongst investors to increase their allocation to hospitality over the next three years.
Survey respondents said they expect to deploy approximately €10bn (£8.55bn) in that three-year period alone, in particular targeting serviced apartments, lifestyle hotels and mid-market hotels.
Richard Dawes, director in the Savills EMEA hotels team, said: “In the second half of 2023, investment activity exhibited promising signs of recovery, marked by consecutive quarterly increases. Regional volumes surged by 20% quarter-on-quarter during Q3, a noteworthy development given that Q3 traditionally experiences subdued activity.
“This momentum has continued with stronger Q1 2024 volumes in several key markets across the region.”
Marie Hickey, director of Savills research, said: “With demand across a number of European hotel markets still in recovery mode, there remains significant support for further occupancy growth, which will underpin rates and help drive top line performance.
“While private buyers and owners/operators were particularly active in 2023, and will continue to be so this year, we also expect mid-cap private equity and institutions to make a return in 2024, supported by the relative appeal of the Hospitality sector, strong demand fundamentals, operational performance, and the pressure to deploy capital.”
Charlie Bottomley, director at Savills Capital Advisors, Debt Advisory, added: “The debt markets will play a large role in shaping the investment landscape for European Hospitality in 2024.
“Correctly navigating the debt environment will present opportunities for those able to adapt their approach, and as the sector continues to adjust, careful monitoring and strategic decision-making will be essential for sustained growth and profitability in 2024.”
