In 2020, Hong Kong had the most expensive residential property market worldwide, with an average property price of 1.25 million U.S. dollars. The government of Hong Kong provide public housing for lower-income residents and almost 45 percent of the Hong Kong population lived in public permanent housing in 2018.

Telluride, CO, was the most expensive market for luxury single-family home market in the United States in 2025. In February that year, the median sales price of a single-family home in Telluride was 4.5 million U.S. dollars. Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Park City, UT were other locations that fetched prices over four million U.S. dollars.

Luxury home prices grew by more than ** percent year-on-year in ** of the ** most populous metros in the United States in the first quarter of 2024. The average sales price of luxury homes in Providence, RI increased by over ** percent in that period, making it the metro with the fastest growing luxury home prices. The luxury market is defined by the source as the most expensive five percent of the market.

In the United States, Hawaii was the state with the most expensive housing, with the typical value of single-family homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range exceeding ******* U.S. dollars. Unsurprisingly, Hawaii also ranked top as the state with the highest cost of living. Meanwhile, a property was the least expensive in West Virginia, where it cost under ******* U.S. dollars to buy the typical single-family home. Single-family home prices increased across most states in the United States between December 2023 and December 2024, except in Louisiana, Florida, and the District of Colombia. According to the Federal Housing Association, house appreciation in 13 states exceeded **** percent in 2023.

Graph and download economic data for Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States (MSPUS) from Q1 1963 to Q1 2025 about sales, median, housing, and USA.

In 2024, San Francisco, was the most expensive metro area for buying a luxury property. The median sale price of the single family homes in the top five percent of the market by market price was *** million U.S. dollars. In Detroit, on the other hand, the median sales price of a luxury housing unit was approximately ******* U.S. dollars.

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 median sales price of the existing privately owned single-family homes in the United States increased slightly in 2024. The most expensive homes were found in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, where the median sales price was 1.9 million U.S. dollars. Hawaii and Delaware experienced the strongest home appreciation.

The global residential real estate market, valued at $11.14 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by several key factors. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.07% from 2025 to 2033 indicates a significant expansion in market size over the forecast period. Rising urbanization, increasing disposable incomes in emerging economies, and shifting demographic trends, particularly the growth of millennial and Gen Z homebuyers, are major contributors to this growth. Further fueling the market is the ongoing demand for luxury properties and sustainable, eco-friendly housing options. The market is segmented by property type, encompassing apartments and condominiums, as well as landed houses and villas, each catering to distinct buyer preferences and price points. Competition among major players like Christie's International Real Estate, Coldwell Banker, and DLF Ltd, alongside regional and local developers, remains fierce, leading to innovation in property development and marketing strategies. While potential economic downturns and fluctuations in interest rates pose challenges, the long-term outlook for the residential real estate sector remains positive. However, the market's growth trajectory is not uniform across all regions. North America and Asia-Pacific are expected to be key growth drivers, fueled by strong economic performance and population growth in specific areas like major cities in the US and China. Conversely, regions facing economic instability or regulatory hurdles may experience slower growth. The increasing adoption of PropTech (property technology) solutions, including online property portals and virtual reality tours, is transforming the way properties are bought and sold, increasing efficiency and transparency. Sustainable building practices and government policies promoting affordable housing will also shape the market's future, influencing construction materials, design, and pricing strategies. Analyzing these factors is critical for investors and developers looking to navigate the complexities of this dynamic and lucrative market. Recent developments include: December 2023: The Ashwin Sheth group is planning to expand its residential and commercial portfolio in the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Area) region, India., November 2023: Tata Realty and Infrastructure, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, plans to grow its business with more than 50 projects in major cities in India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The projects have a development potential of more than 51 million square feet.. Key drivers for this market are: Rapid urbanization, Government initiatives. Potential restraints include: Rapid urbanization, Government initiatives. Notable trends are: Increased urbanization and homeownership by elderly.

The median house price in *****, Atherton, California, was about *** million U.S. dollars. This made it the most expensive zip code in the United States in 2023. ***** Sagaponack, N.Y., was the runner-up with a median house price of about *** million U.S. dollars. Of the ** most expensive zip codes in the United States in 2026, six were in California.

The most expensive home put on the market in 2020 in the United States was The One in Bel Air, California, which was listed for *** million U.S. dollars. This property has ** bedrooms and takes up an impressive 100,000 square feet, making it twice the size of the White House.

In 2019, Hong Kong had the most expensive residential property market worldwide, with an average price per square foot of 1,987 U.S. dollars.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong, an autonomous special administrative region of China, has one of the least affordable housing markets in the world. A region with an estimated 7.49 million people, it has become increasingly difficult to purchase a home in Hong Kong. The spoken languages in Hong Kong are Cantonese, Mandarin, and English.

Hong Kong housing market

The housing market in Hong Kong has seen an increase in prices in the past couple years. There are two types of housing unit offers in Hong Kong, private and public. The number of public rental housing units has been consistently rising since 2008. Nearly half of the public rental apartments in Hong Kong as of March 2018 were between 30 and 39.9 square meters. Not only has the number of public rental housing units increased since 2008, so have the private ones. However, there are more private housing units than public ones in Hong Kong. Additionally, the Home Ownership Scheme exists in Hong Kong. It is a government sponsored program that subsidizes public housing in Hong Kong. First created in the late 1970s, it was instituted with two targets in mind. The first was to persuade the richer tenants of these apartments to leave so families in greater need could live there. The second was to allow these families to become home owners, since they did not have enough money to buy in the private sector. Under this program, the government sells apartments to qualified low-income tenants at prices below the market value.

Thanks to a bustling online retail scene, the Storage and Warehouse Leasing industry thrives. With e-commerce businesses maintaining a wide array of inventory, demand for storage and warehousing has shot up. Another key trend has been the necessity for these facilities to be located near city centers to ensure quicker deliveries. Urbanization and downsizing have led to more people living in cramped spaces, boosting demand for self-storage solutions. Technological advancements like automated retrieval systems and intelligent inventory management software have also been game-changing, making the industry more efficient and competitive. Through the end of 2024, industry revenue has climbed at a CAGR of 5.7% to reach $35.8 billion in 2024, including a climb of 2.3% in 2024 alone. The gain in online shopping and faster delivery expectations has increased demand for urban warehouse solutions. Growing urbanization has pushed people into smaller living spaces, increasing reliance on personal storage solutions like self-storage units. Technological integrations have streamlined operations and societal changes, boosting the industry's profit. However, higher interest rates pose a challenge, making investments more expensive and potentially affecting expansion and property values. Through the end of 2029, demand for urban warehousing solutions will continue to expand, driven mainly by the shift toward online shopping. Also, a growing pharmaceutical market will command a need for specialized warehousing solutions. A trend for smaller storage spaces is also on the horizon, driven by high real estate costs and the needs of SMEs and cramped city dwellers. The push towards sustainability will also be a significant influence as warehouses look to integrate green practices to stand out in the market. This green transition might be initially costly, but in the long term, this shift will provide cost savings and a boosted public image, lifting the industry's overall prospects. Through the end of 2029, industry revenue will expand at a CAGR of 2.9% to reach $41.4 billion.

In Seoul, luxury home prices surged by over **** percent between December 2023 and December 2024, making it the fastest growing luxury real estate market worldwide. In the United States, Orange County was the market where prices rose the most during that period. Manila was the Asia-Pacific (APAC) city that experienced the most price growth in the luxury market, amounting to **** percent.

In Texas, Austin was the most expensive market for office space in the second quarter of 2024. The rental rate of class A offices was nearly 52 U.S. dollars per square foot, compared to 26 U.S. dollars per square foot for El Paso. Dallas, which is the largest office real estate market in the state, had rental rates of about 30.3 U.S. dollars for all classes and 35.7 U.S. dollars for class A offices. In the United States, Manhattan, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley-South Bay fetch the highest office rental rates.

The median house prices in the most expensive zip codes in New England, United States ranged from *** to *** million U.S. dollars. Boston (zip code 02199) was the most expensive in New England with a median house price of *** million U.S. dollars. Nevertheless, that was more affordable than in the ten zip codes with the highest median house price in the entire United States.

Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose had the highest share of home listings priced over one million U.S. dollars among the biggest cities in the United States in 2023. However, considering that the median home price in these cities ranges from 1.5 million to 900 thousand U.S. dollars, housing around one million dollars would not be considered luxurious but that of higher prices. Los Angeles city had the largest share of luxury housing above five million U.S. dollars of 11.6 percent, followed by New York City with 7.4 percent.

The median house prices in the most expensive zip codes in California reached as high as *** million U.S dollars. Atherton (94027), had the most expensive median house price, followed by Santa Barbara (93108), and Beverly Hills (90210). Six of the ranked zip codes were among the top ten most expensive zip codes in the United States 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.

This statistic shows the price per square foot in selected prime residential markets worldwide in 2018. Hong Kong was the most expensive residential market globally with average prime residential values of ***** U.S. dollars per square foot.