The Housing Affordability Index value in the United States plummeted in 2022, surpassing the historical record of ***** index points in 2006. In 2024, the housing affordability index measured **** index points, making it the second-worst year for homebuyers since the start of the observation period. What does the Housing Affordability Index mean? The Housing Affordability Index uses data provided by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). It measures whether a family earning the national median income can afford the monthly mortgage payments on a median-priced existing single-family home. An index value of 100 means that a family has exactly enough income to qualify for a mortgage on a home. The higher the index value, the more affordable a house is to a family. Key factors that drive the real estate market Income, house prices, and mortgage rates are some of the most important factors influencing homebuyer sentiment. When incomes increase, consumer power also increases. The median household income in the United States declined in 2022, affecting affordability. Additionally, mortgage interest rates have soared, adding to the financial burden of homebuyers. The sales price of existing single-family homes in the U.S. has increased year-on-year since 2011 and reached ******* U.S. dollars in 2023.

Portugal, Canada, and the United States were the countries with the highest house price to income ratio in 2024. In all three countries, the index exceeded 130 index points, while the average for all OECD countries stood at 116.2 index points. The index measures the development of housing affordability and is calculated by dividing nominal house price by nominal disposable income per head, with 2015 set as a base year when the index amounted to 100. An index value of 120, for example, would mean that house price growth has outpaced income growth by 20 percent since 2015. How have house prices worldwide changed since the COVID-19 pandemic? House prices started to rise gradually after the global financial crisis (2007–2008), but this trend accelerated with the pandemic. The countries with advanced economies, which usually have mature housing markets, experienced stronger growth than countries with emerging economies. Real house price growth (accounting for inflation) peaked in 2022 and has since lost some of the gain. Although, many countries experienced a decline in house prices, the global house price index shows that property prices in 2023 were still substantially higher than before COVID-19. Renting vs. buying In the past, house prices have grown faster than rents. However, the home affordability has been declining notably, with a direct impact on rental prices. As people struggle to buy a property of their own, they often turn to rental accommodation. This has resulted in a growing demand for rental apartments and soaring rental prices.

Affordable Housing Market was valued at USD 210.41 Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 8.78% through 2028.

Global Affordable Housing market size is expected to reach $75.13 billion by 2029 at 5.8%, easy access to home loans propels growth in the affordable housing market

Affordable Housing Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the affordable housing market size reached USD 69.2 billion globally in 2024, driven by rapid urbanization, supportive government policies, and rising demand for cost-effective housing solutions. The market is projected to expand at a robust CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 117.4 billion by the end of the forecast period. The growth is primarily attributed to increasing urban migration, widening income disparities, and a surge in public and private investments aimed at addressing the global housing deficit. As per our latest research, the affordable housing sector is undergoing significant transformation as stakeholders focus on innovative construction methods, sustainable materials, and digital technologies to streamline project delivery and reduce costs.

One of the primary growth drivers for the affordable housing market is the escalating rate of urbanization, particularly in emerging economies. Urban populations are swelling at an unprecedented pace, with millions migrating to cities in search of better employment opportunities and improved living standards. This mass migration has led to a surge in demand for affordable, quality housing, placing immense pressure on urban infrastructure and local governments. Consequently, both public and private sector players are ramping up investments in affordable housing projects, leveraging innovative financing models and partnerships to bridge the housing gap. Furthermore, the emergence of smart city initiatives and sustainable urban planning is fostering the development of integrated, affordable housing solutions that cater to the diverse needs of low- and middle-income populations.

Another significant factor propelling the affordable housing market is the increasing involvement of governments and international organizations in addressing the global housing crisis. Numerous policy interventions, such as subsidies, tax incentives, and relaxed regulatory frameworks, are being introduced to stimulate the supply of affordable homes. Governments are also collaborating with private developers through public-private partnerships (PPPs) to expedite project execution and ensure long-term sustainability. Additionally, multilateral agencies and non-governmental organizations are providing technical and financial assistance to support large-scale affordable housing initiatives, particularly in regions with acute housing shortages. These concerted efforts are not only enhancing access to affordable housing but also fostering socio-economic development and reducing urban poverty.

Technological advancements in construction methods and materials are further accelerating the growth of the affordable housing market. The adoption of modular and prefabricated construction techniques is enabling developers to deliver high-quality housing units at lower costs and within shorter timeframes. These innovative approaches are also contributing to improved energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced structural durability. Moreover, the integration of digital technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and project management software, is streamlining the design, planning, and execution of affordable housing projects. As a result, stakeholders are increasingly embracing technology-driven solutions to optimize resource utilization, minimize risks, and ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific continues to dominate the affordable housing market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, followed by North America and Europe. The region's rapid urbanization, burgeoning population, and proactive government policies are driving significant investments in affordable housing infrastructure. Countries such as China, India, and Indonesia are at the forefront, implementing ambitious housing schemes and leveraging innovative construction technologies to address the growing demand. Meanwhile, developed regions like North America and Europe are witnessing renewed interest in affordable housing, fueled by rising property prices, income inequality, and shifting demographic trends. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also emerging as promising markets, supported by favorable regulatory environments and increased foreign direct investments.

Affordable Housing Market Analysis The global affordable housing market is projected to reach $1,983.52 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.71% from 2025 to 2033. The rising population, urbanization, affordability crisis, and supportive government policies are the primary drivers fueling market growth. The increasing demand for affordable single-family homes, multi-family units, and townhouses, coupled with the adoption of innovative construction methods like prefabrication, 3D printing, and sustainable construction, are key trends shaping the market. The market faces restraints such as escalating land and construction costs, regulatory challenges, and the shortage of skilled labor. Nevertheless, the emergence of crowdfunding platforms and non-profit organizations providing financial assistance, as well as government subsidies and tax incentives, are expected to mitigate these constraints. The market is segmented based on housing type, funding source, construction method, and target demographics. D.R. Horton, Taylor Morrison, PulteGroup, Zillow, Hovnanian Enterprises, and Lennar Corporation are notable companies in the global affordable housing market, with operations in key regions like North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Recent developments include: Recent developments in the Affordable Housing Market have highlighted the urgent need for innovative housing solutions as governments and organizations strive to address the growing housing crisis exacerbated by economic challenges and population growth. Various nations are prioritizing policies that encourage public-private partnerships to stimulate investment in affordable housing initiatives. Additionally, the integration of sustainable building practices and smart technologies is gaining traction as stakeholders aim to improve energy efficiency while reducing construction costs. Recent collaborations among international entities and local governments focus on leveraging funding for housing projects, particularly in urban areas where demand is surging. Moreover, rising material costs and labor shortages are prompting stakeholders to explore alternative building materials and methods, including modular construction and 3D printing, to streamline processes. These trends underscore a collective commitment to creating equitable housing opportunities while navigating the complexities of market dynamics, aiming for significant progress by 2032. Overall, this evolving landscape reflects a concerted effort to promote affordability, sustainability, and accessibility in housing worldwide.. Key drivers for this market are: Green building technologies adoption Public-private partnerships expansion Innovative financing solutions development Urban regeneration projects implementation Digital platforms for housing access. Potential restraints include: rising urbanization, government initiatives; increasing housing demand; socioeconomic disparities; affordable financing options.

A commonly accepted threshold for affordable housing costs at the household level is 30% of a household's income. Accordingly, a household is considered cost burdened if it pays more than 30% of its income on housing. Households paying more than 50% are considered severely cost burdened. These thresholds apply to both homeowners and renters.

The Housing Affordability indicator only measures cost burden among the region's households, and not the supply of affordable housing. The directionality of cost burden trends can be impacted by changes in both income and housing supply. If lower income households are priced out of a county or the region, it would create a downward trend in cost burden, but would not reflect a positive trend for an inclusive housing market.

The Housing Affordability Data System (HADS) is a set of files derived from the 1985 and later national American Housing Survey (AHS) and the 2002 and later Metro AHS. This system categorizes housing units by affordability and households by income, with respect to the Adjusted Median Income, Fair Market Rent (FMR), and poverty income. It also includes housing cost burden for owner and renter households. These files have been the basis for the worst case needs tables since 2001. The data files are available for public use, since they were derived from AHS public use files and the published income limits and FMRs. We are providing these files give the community of housing analysts the opportunity to use a consistent set of affordability measures.This data set appears to not be upated after 2013

This data sets out the percentage of residents of the Cambridge housing sub-region who are unable to afford housing, based on contemporary income data and housing costs, broken down into percentage for 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes.

The data comes from the housing sub-region's Strategic Housing Market Assessment, or SHMA, which is updated regularly. The data provided in this open data set comes from: *SHMA 2013, based on 2011/12 data *SHMA 2012, based on 2009/10 data *SHMA 2010, based on 2008/9 data *SHMA 2009, based on mostly 2007/8 data

The data is all published in chapters of our strategic housing market assessment which are used as part of our calculations around the need for affordable housing, particularly where we need to work out the proportion of people unlikely to be able to afford housing via the private market (owned or rented) and thus potentially in need of "sub market" or affordable housing.

Graph and download economic data for Housing Affordability Index (Fixed) (FIXHAI) from Jun 2024 to Jun 2025 about fixed, housing, indexes, and USA.

The housing affordability in Canada was the lowest in Vancouver and the higher in Edmonton in 2023. In the third quarter of the year, the ratio of homeownership costs to income in Canada was **** percent. On the other hand, in Vancouver, the ratio amounted to ***** percent.

Home affordability has worsened substantially in Canada since 2021. In the first quarter of 2025, the monthly single-family mortgage payment amounted to approximately 61.7 percent of a household's income, on average. In 2021, when affordability had improved slightly, the average mortgage payment constituted 46.5 percent of a household's income.

The US residential real estate market, a cornerstone of the American economy, is projected to experience steady growth over the next decade. While the provided CAGR of 2.04% is a modest figure, it reflects a market maturing after a period of significant expansion. This sustained growth is driven by several key factors. Firstly, population growth and urbanization continue to fuel demand for housing, particularly in densely populated areas and emerging suburban markets. Secondly, low interest rates (historically, though this can fluctuate) have made mortgages more accessible, stimulating buyer activity. Thirdly, a robust construction sector, though facing challenges in material costs and labor shortages, is gradually increasing the housing supply, mitigating some of the upward pressure on prices. However, challenges remain. Rising inflation and potential interest rate hikes pose a risk to affordability, potentially dampening demand. Furthermore, the ongoing evolution of remote work is reshaping residential preferences, with a shift toward larger homes in suburban or exurban locations. This trend impacts the relative demand for various property types, potentially increasing the appeal of landed houses and villas compared to apartments and condominiums in certain regions. The segmentation of the market into apartments/condominiums and landed houses/villas provides crucial insights into consumer preferences and investment strategies. High-density urban areas will continue to see strong demand for apartments and condos, while suburban and rural areas are likely to experience a greater increase in landed property sales. Major players like Simon Property Group, Mill Creek Residential, and others are strategically adapting to these trends, focusing on both development and management across various property types and geographic locations. Analyzing regional data within the US (e.g., comparing growth in the Northeast versus the Southwest) will highlight market nuances and potential investment opportunities. While the global data provided is valuable for understanding broader market forces, focusing the analysis on the US market allows for a more granular understanding of the specific drivers, trends, and challenges within this significant segment of the real estate sector. The forecast period (2025-2033) suggests continued, albeit measured, expansion. Recent developments include: May 2022: Resource REIT Inc. completed the sale of all of its outstanding shares of common stock to Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust Inc. for USD 14.75 per share in an all-cash deal valued at USD 3.7 billion, including the assumption of the REIT's debt., February 2022: The largest owner of commercial real estate in the world and private equity company Blackstone is growing its portfolio of residential rentals and commercial properties in the United States. The company revealed that it would shell out about USD 6 billion to buy Preferred Apartment Communities, an Atlanta-based real estate investment trust that owns 44 multifamily communities and roughly 12,000 homes in the Southeast, mostly in Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Florida cities of Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa.. Key drivers for this market are: Investment Plan Towards Urban Rail Development. Potential restraints include: Italy’s Fragmented Approach to Tenders. Notable trends are: Existing Home Sales Witnessing Strong Growth.

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Residential Real Estate Market Size 2025-2029

The residential real estate market size is forecast to increase by USD 485.2 billion at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, fueled by increasing marketing initiatives that attract potential buyers and tenants. This trend is driven by the rising demand for housing solutions that cater to the evolving needs of consumers, particularly in urban areas. However, the market's growth trajectory is not without challenges. Regulatory uncertainty looms large, with changing policies and regulations posing a significant threat to market stability. Notably, innovative smart home technologies, such as voice-activated assistants and energy-efficient appliances, are gaining traction, offering enhanced convenience and sustainability for homeowners.
As such, companies seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the growing the market must navigate these challenges with agility and foresight. The residential construction industry's expansion is driven by urbanization and the rising standard of living in emerging economies, including India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. By staying abreast of regulatory changes and implementing innovative marketing strategies, they can effectively meet the evolving needs of consumers and maintain a competitive edge. These regulatory shifts can impact everything from property prices to financing options, making it crucial for market players to stay informed and adapt quickly.

What will be the Size of the Residential Real Estate Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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In the dynamic housing market analysis, small flats continue to be a popular choice for both investors and first-time homebuyers, driven by affordability and urban growth. International investment in housing projects, including apartments and condominiums, remains strong, offering attractive investment returns. Real estate syndication and property management software facilitate efficient property ownership and management. Real estate loans, property insurance, and urban planning are essential components of the housing market, ensuring the development of affordable housing and addressing the needs of the middle class and upper middle class. Property disputes, property tax assessments, and real estate litigation are ongoing challenges, requiring careful attention from stakeholders.
Property search engines streamline the process of finding the perfect property, from studio apartments to luxury homes. Real estate auctions, land banking, and nano apartments are innovative solutions in the market, while property flipping and short sales provide opportunities for savvy investors. Urban growth and community development are key trends, with a focus on sustainable, planned cities and the integration of technology, such as real estate blockchain, into the industry. Developers secure building permits, review inspection reports, and manage escrow accounts during real estate transactions. Key services include contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and tailored investment strategies for portfolio management. Financial aspects cover tax implications, estate planning, retirement planning, taxdeferred exchanges, capital gains, tax deductions, and maintaining positive cash flow for sustained returns.

How is this Residential Real Estate Industry segmented?

The residential real estate industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Mode Of Booking

  Sales
  Rental or lease


Type

  Apartments and condominiums
  Landed houses and villas


Location

  Urban
  Suburban
  Rural


End-user

  Mid-range housing
  Affordable housing
  Luxury housing


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    Australia
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Mode Of Booking Insights

The sales segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The sales segment dominates the global residential real estate market and will continue to dominate during the forecast period. The sales segment includes the sale of any property that is majorly used for residential purposes, such as single-family homes, condos, cooperatives, duplexes, townhouses, and multifamily residences. With the growing population and urbanization, the demand for homes is also increasing, which is the major factor driving the growth of the sales segment. Moreover, real estate firms work with developers to sel

“Exploring Housing Affordability in Illinois: An In-Depth Study of the State’s Real Estate Market” focuses on the Illinois housing market from 2013 to 2022, mainly targeting housing affordability. Housing has been a cornerstone of stability in anyone’s life throughout history. Yet today, housing affordability has emerged as a critical societal issue impacting numerous individuals and families statewide. This study aims to get an overview of the trends of Illinois housing affordability over time across different counties in Illinois. It involves a comprehensive analysis of median home value and median incomes across Illinois counties, using data from two authoritative sources: the Census Bureau and Zillow. By providing insights, we can analyze and study the hidden factors that influence housing affordability over time and forecast future trends.

The Housing Affordability Data System (HADS) is a set of housing unit level datasets that measures the affordability of housing units and the housing cost burdens of households, relative to area median incomes, poverty level incomes, and Fair Market Rents. The purpose of these datasets is to provide housing analysts with consistent measures of affordability and burdens over a long period. The datasets are based on the American Housing Survey (AHS) national files from 1985 through 2005 and the metropolitan files for 2002 and 2004. Users can link records in HADS files to AHS records, allowing access to all of the AHS variables. Housing-level variables include information on the number of rooms in the housing unit, the year the unit was built, whether it was occupied or vacant, whether the unit was rented or owned, whether it was a single family or multiunit structure, the number of units in the building, the current market value of the unit, and measures of relative housing costs. The dataset also includes variables describing the number of people living in the household, household income, and the type of residential area (e.g., urban or suburban).

Residential Real Estate Market Outlook

The global residential real estate market size was valued at approximately $9.7 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach an astounding $15.4 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. This growth is driven by several factors, including increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the ongoing global shift towards homeownership as a stable investment. Demographic shifts, such as the growing number of nuclear families and millennials entering the housing market, also contribute significantly to this upward trend.

One of the primary growth factors for the residential real estate market is the increasing urbanization across the globe. As more people migrate to urban areas in search of better job opportunities and a higher standard of living, the demand for residential properties in cities continues to rise. This trend is particularly pronounced in developing countries, where rapid economic growth is accompanied by significant rural-to-urban migration. Additionally, the trend of urban redevelopment and the creation of smart cities are further fueling the demand for modern residential properties.

Another crucial growth factor is the rise in disposable incomes and improved access to financing options. With strong economic growth in many parts of the world, individual incomes have been rising, allowing more people to afford homeownership. Financial institutions are also playing a critical role by offering a variety of mortgage products with attractive interest rates and flexible repayment terms. This increased access to capital has enabled a broader section of the population to invest in residential real estate, thereby expanding the market.

Technological advancements and the digital transformation of the real estate sector are also contributing to market growth. The proliferation of online platforms and real estate technology (proptech) solutions has made the process of buying, selling, and renting properties more efficient and transparent. Virtual tours, online mortgage applications, and blockchain for property transactions are some of the innovations revolutionizing the industry. These technological advancements not only improve the customer experience but also attract tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z buyers.

Regionally, the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing significant growth in the residential real estate market. Countries like China and India, with their large populations and rapid urbanization, are at the forefront of this expansion. Government initiatives aimed at providing affordable housing and improving infrastructure are also playing a pivotal role. In contrast, mature markets like North America and Europe are witnessing steady growth driven by economic stability and continued investment in housing. Meanwhile, regions like Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also showing promise, albeit at a slower pace, due to varying economic conditions and market maturity levels.

Property Type Analysis

The residential real estate market is segmented by property type, including single-family homes, multi-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and others. Single-family homes are the most traditional and widespread type of residential property. They are particularly popular in suburban areas where space is more abundant. The demand for single-family homes continues to be driven by the desire for privacy, larger living spaces, and the ability to customize the property. These homes appeal especially to families with children and those looking to invest in a long-term residence.

Multi-family homes, which include duplexes, triplexes, and apartment buildings, are gaining traction, particularly in urban settings. These properties are attractive due to their potential for generating rental income and their ability to house multiple tenants. Investors find multi-family homes appealing as they offer a higher return on investment (ROI) compared to single-family homes. Additionally, the increasing trend of co-living and shared housing arrangements has bolstered the demand for multi-family properties in cities.

Condominiums, or condos, are another significant segment within the residential real estate market. Condos are particularly popular in urban areas where land is scarce and expensive. They offer a balance between affordability and amenities, making them an attractive option for young professionals and small families. Condominiums often come with added benefits such as maintenance services, security, and shared facilities like gyms and swimmin

The US residential real estate market, a significant component of the global market, is characterized by a moderate but steady growth trajectory. With a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.04% from 2025 to 2033, the market demonstrates resilience despite fluctuating economic conditions. The 2025 market size, while not explicitly provided, can be reasonably estimated based on available data and considering recent market trends. Assuming a continuation of the observed growth pattern in preceding years, a substantial market value in the trillions is plausible. Key drivers include sustained population growth, particularly in urban areas, increasing household formations among millennials and Gen Z, and ongoing demand for both rental properties (apartments and condominiums) and owner-occupied homes (landed houses and villas). However, challenges persist, including rising interest rates which impact affordability, supply chain constraints affecting new construction, and the potential for macroeconomic shifts to influence buyer confidence. Segmentation analysis highlights the varying performance across property types, with apartments and condominiums potentially experiencing higher demand in urban centers while landed houses and villas appeal to a different demographic profile and geographic distribution. The competitive landscape includes a mix of large publicly traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) like AvalonBay Communities and Equity Residential, regional developers like Mill Creek Residential, and established brokerage firms such as RE/MAX and Keller Williams Realty Inc., all vying for market share within distinct segments. The geographical distribution of the market shows significant concentration within North America, particularly in the US, reflecting established infrastructure, economic stability, and favorable regulatory environments. While other regions like Europe and Asia-Pacific contribute to the global market, the US continues to be a dominant force. The forecast period (2025-2033) suggests continued expansion, albeit at a moderate pace, indicating a relatively stable and mature market that remains attractive for investment and development. Future growth hinges upon addressing affordability concerns, navigating fluctuating interest rates, and managing supply-demand dynamics to ensure sustainable market expansion. Government policies influencing housing affordability and construction regulations will play a crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of the US residential real estate sector. Recent developments include: May 2022: Resource REIT Inc. completed the sale of all of its outstanding shares of common stock to Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust Inc. for USD 14.75 per share in an all-cash deal valued at USD 3.7 billion, including the assumption of the REIT's debt., February 2022: The largest owner of commercial real estate in the world and private equity company Blackstone is growing its portfolio of residential rentals and commercial properties in the United States. The company revealed that it would shell out about USD 6 billion to buy Preferred Apartment Communities, an Atlanta-based real estate investment trust that owns 44 multifamily communities and roughly 12,000 homes in the Southeast, mostly in Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Florida cities of Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa.. Notable trends are: Existing Home Sales Witnessing Strong Growth.

The house price to income ratio in the United States has reached concerning levels, with the index hitting ***** in the fourth quarter of 2024. This indicates that house prices have outpaced income growth by over ** percent since 2015, highlighting a growing affordability crisis in the housing market. The widening gap between home prices and wages is putting homeownership out of reach for many Americans, particularly as real wages have remained stagnant. Rising home prices and stagnant wages While average annual real wages in the United States have increased slightly since 2014, home prices have soared. The median sales price of existing single-family homes reached a record-high in 2024, representing a substantial increase over the past five years. This disparity between wage growth and home price appreciation has led to a significant decrease in housing affordability across the country. Affordability challenges in the U.S. housing market The U.S. Housing Affordability Index, which measures whether a family earning the median income can afford a median-priced home, plummeted in 2024, marking the second-worst year for homebuyers since records began. This decline in affordability is reflected in homebuyer sentiment, with homebuyer sentiment plummeting.