This study examines trends in the place of death for adults in 32 countries from 2012 to 2021, comparing the initial COVID-19 pandemic years (2020-2021) with the eight years before the pandemic (2012-2019). The data, sourced from vital registration systems, covers over 100.7 million people, with a focus on adults aged 18 and over. The study found that 30.8% of deaths occurred at home, with this percentage rising from 30.1% in 2012-2013 to 32.2% in 2020-2021. Home deaths increased in 23 countries, with the highest increase observed in Northern Ireland. The rise was more pronounced among women and those dying from cancer. The study highlights the need for palliative care resources to support the growing trend of home deaths and suggests that the pandemic may have influenced preferences for dying at home, particularly for those with non-COVID-19 conditions. However, the findings also indicate variability across countries, with no clear patterns based on UN region or Quality of Death and Dying Index grade. The study underscores the importance of monitoring and adapting end-of-life care to meet the changing needs of dying populations.This study examines trends in the place of death for adults in 32 countries from 2012 to 2021, comparing the initial COVID-19 pandemic years (2020-2021) with the eight years before the pandemic (2012-2019). The data, sourced from vital registration systems, covers over 100.7 million people, with a focus on adults aged 18 and over. The study found that 30.8% of deaths occurred at home, with this percentage rising from 30.1% in 2012-2013 to 32.2% in 2020-2021. Home deaths increased in 23 countries, with the highest increase observed in Northern Ireland. The rise was more pronounced among women and those dying from cancer. The study highlights the need for palliative care resources to support the growing trend of home deaths and suggests that the pandemic may have influenced preferences for dying at home, particularly for those with non-COVID-19 conditions. However, the findings also indicate variability across countries, with no clear patterns based on UN region or Quality of Death and Dying Index grade. The study underscores the importance of monitoring and adapting end-of-life care to meet the changing needs of dying populations.