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.

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.

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 *** million U.S. dollars. Hawaii and Delaware experienced the strongest home appreciation.

In 2020, Nantucket, Massachusetts, had the most expensive vacation homes with the median sales price reaching 2.3 million U.S. dollars. Another Massachusetts county, Barnstable, ranked third with the median vacation home selling for 475,000 U.S. dollars.

Graph and download economic data for Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States (MSPUS) from Q1 1963 to Q2 2025 about sales, median, housing, and USA.

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.

Despite the pandemic's broader economic disruptions, low interest rates in 2020 initially fueled a housing market boom driven by work-from-home orders and a shift toward residential construction. This surge was a lifeline for builders amid economic turbulence. However, the tide turned in 2022 and 2023 as the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes curbed housing investments, dampening consumer enthusiasm and slowing residential construction activity. Low housing stock and rate cuts late in 2024 led to growth in single-family housing starts, boosting revenue. Single-family home development climbed in more affordable and less densely populated areas in 2024, but new multifamily developments have plummeted. Industry revenue has been climbing at a CAGR of 0.8% over the past five years to total an estimated $233.5 billion in 2025, including an estimated increase of 0.2% in 2025 alone. The initial boom in 2020 and 2021 led to one of the most significant expansions in home-building in recent memory, yet interest rate hikes soon tempered this growth. As smaller-scale developers struggled with escalating construction costs and regulatory hurdles, larger, financially robust companies like DR Horton, Lennar and PulteGroup managed to thrive and expand their operations. These larger companies maximized their market share, leveraging their resources to navigate the challenging economic climate and maintain momentum despite the pressures of rising material costs and labor shortages. These rising material costs and labor shortages have driven up purchase and wage costs, contributing to profit declines over the past five years. Expected interest rate cuts will boost housing developers. Developers will benefit from these favorable conditions, especially those who strategically invest in less densely populated areas to meet the growing appetite for affordable housing. Rate cuts will also provide relief to smaller housing developers more sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. Sustainability also looms on the horizon, with tax incentives and energy-efficient building standards encouraging developers to explore eco-friendly construction. Still, rising material costs and labor shortages will continue to stifle profit growth and increase housing prices. Larger companies will continue to gain market share, strategically developing homes near areas with strong job growth near new large manufacturing facilities. Industry revenue is forecast to expand at a CAGR of 1.4% to total an estimated $250.6 billion through the end of 2030.

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.

This map uses a two-color thematic shading to emphasize where areas experience the least to the most affordable housing across the US. This web map is part of the How Affordable is the American Dream story map.

Esri’s Housing Affordability Index (HAI) is a powerful tool to analyze local real estate markets. Esri’s housing affordability index measures the financial ability of a typical household to purchase an existing home in an area. A HAI of 100 represents an area that on average has sufficient household income to qualify for a loan on a home valued at the median home price. An index greater than 100 suggests homes are easily afforded by the average area resident. A HAI less than 100 suggests that homes are less affordable. The housing affordability index is not applicable in areas with no households or in predominantly rental markets . Esri’s home value estimates cover owner-occupied homes only. For a full demographic analysis of US growth refer to Esri's Trending in 2017: The Selectivity of Growth.

The pop-up is configured to show the following 2017 demographics for each County and ZIP Code:

Total Households 2010-17 Annual Pop Change Median Age Percent Owner-Occupied Housing Units Median Household Income Median Home Value Housing Affordability Index Share of Income to Mortgage

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. These dataset give the community of housing analysts the opportunity to use a consistent set of affordability measures. The most recent year HADS is available as a Public Use File (PUF) is 2013. For 2015 and beyond, HADS is only available as an IUF and can no longer be released on a PUF. Those seeking access to more recent data should reach to the listed point of contact.

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.

Snapshot img

Real Estate Market Size 2025-2029

The real estate market size is valued to increase USD 1258.6 billion, at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2029. Growing aggregate private investment will drive the real estate market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 64% growth during the forecast period.
By Type - Residential segment was valued at USD 1440.30 billion in 2023
By Business Segment - Rental segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 48.03 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 1258.60 billion
CAGR from 2024 to 2029 : 5.6%

Market Summary

In the dynamic realm of global real estate, private investment continues to surge, reaching an impressive USD 2.6 trillion in 2020. This significant influx of capital underscores the sector's enduring appeal to investors, driven by factors such as stable returns, inflation hedging, and the ongoing demand for shelter and commercial real estate space. Simultaneously, marketing initiatives have gained momentum, with digital platforms and virtual tours becoming increasingly popular.
However, regulatory uncertainty looms, posing challenges for market participants. Amidst this complex landscape, real estate remains a vital component of the global economy, continually evolving to meet the shifting needs of businesses and individuals alike.

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

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How is the Real Estate Market Segmented ?

The 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.

Type

  Residential
  Commercial
  Industrial


Business Segment

  Rental
  Sales


Manufacturing Type

  New construction
  Renovation and redevelopment
  Land development


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The residential segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Amidst the dynamic real estate landscape, the residential sector encompasses the buying and selling of various dwelling types, including single-family homes, apartments, townhouses, and more. This segment experiences continuous growth, fueled by increasing millennial homeownership rates and urbanization trends. Notably, the APAC region, specifically China, dominates the market share, driven by escalating homeownership numbers. Concurrently, the Indian real estate sector thrives due to the demand for affordable housing, with initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) spurring the development of affordable housing projects. In this evolving market, various aspects such as environmental impact studies, capital appreciation potential, title insurance coverage, building lifecycle costs, mortgage interest rates, and structural engineering analysis play crucial roles.

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The Residential segment was valued at USD 1440.30 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Property tax appeals, property insurance premiums, property tax assessments, property marketing strategies, building material pricing, property management software, land surveying techniques, zoning regulations compliance, architectural design features, building code compliance, multifamily property management, rental yield calculations, construction cost estimation, energy efficiency ratings, green building certifications, tenant screening processes, investment property returns, property development plans, geotechnical site investigations, sustainable building practices, due diligence procedures, HVAC system efficiency, property renovation costs, market value appraisals, building permit acquisition, and property valuation models significantly impact the sector's progression. As of 2021, the market is projected to reach a value of USD 33.3 trillion, underscoring its substantial influence on the global economy.

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Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 64% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

See How Real Estate Market Demand is Rising in APAC Request Free Sample

The APAC region held the largest share of the market in 2024, driven by factors such as rapid urbanization and increasing spending capacity. This trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. The overall health of the economy signi

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 new homes sold in the United States increased steadily from 1965 to 2022, followed by two years of decline. In 2024, a newly built home cost approximately ******* U.S. dollars. That was a decline from the peak price of 434,500 U.S. dollars in 2022. Prices varied greatly across different regions in the country, with the most expensive housing found in the Northeast region.

This table contains data on the percent of households paying more than 30% (or 50%) of monthly household income towards housing costs for California, its regions, counties, cities/towns, and census tracts. Data is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Consolidated Planning Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) and the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS). The table is part of a series of indicators in the [Healthy Communities Data and Indicators Project of the Office of Health Equity] Affordable, quality housing is central to health, conferring protection from the environment and supporting family life. Housing costs—typically the largest, single expense in a family's budget—also impact decisions that affect health. As housing consumes larger proportions of household income, families have less income for nutrition, health care, transportation, education, etc. Severe cost burdens may induce poverty—which is associated with developmental and behavioral problems in children and accelerated cognitive and physical decline in adults. Low-income families and minority communities are disproportionately affected by the lack of affordable, quality housing. More information about the data table and a data dictionary can be found in the Attachments.

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Lodging Away from Home in U.S. City Average (CUSR0000SEHB) from Dec 1997 to Aug 2025 about lodging, urban, consumer, CPI, housing, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Home builders construct single-family homes while also remodeling houses and other residential buildings. Perennially low housing stock has driven new housing development throughout the current period. Still, from early 2022 through mid-2024, the Federal Reserve rose or maintained interest rates up from historic lows; these rate hikes sent housing starts into a steady decline. Loans have become less accessible, with mortgage rates increasing, discouraging property developers from breaking ground on more residential projects. Even as the Federal Reserve has cut rates since mid-2024, mortgage rates, which are only indirectly impacted by the federal funds rate, have largely increased. Even as housing starts have fallen over recent years, house prices have seen strong growth, allowing builders to see growth. Overall, industry revenue is set to push up at a CAGR of 2.9% to $166.9 billion over the five years through 2025, including a 1.6% increase in 2025 alone. Spikes in the 30-year conventional mortgage rate reduced the number of projects available for home builders. Inflationary concerns have also led more consumers to rent instead of buy. A bright spot has been state and federal projects like affordable housing programs in large metropolitan cities. Home builders also cut expenses and raised profit by hiring subcontractors. The basic underlying need for more housing has remained strong throughout the period. Interest rates are set to gradually fall over the coming years, while the nation will remain in its housing shortage, driving growth for home builders. Home builders will aim to differentiate themselves by building homes that meet sustainability standards to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Government programs and households will continue to be a source of income for many homebuilders. The Trump administration has proposed using federal lands for housing development but is also set to drive up costs for builders through its tariff policies. Overall, revenue is set to climb at a CAGR of 1.8% to reach $182.8 in 2030.

West Virginia and Kansas had the lowest cost of living across all U.S. states, with composite costs being half of those found in Hawaii. This was according to a composite index that compares prices for various goods and services on a state-by-state basis. In West Virginia, the cost of living index amounted to **** — well below the national benchmark of 100. Virginia— which had an index value of ***** — was only slightly above that benchmark. Expensive places to live included Hawaii, Massachusetts, and California. Housing costs in the U.S. Housing is usually the highest expense in a household’s budget. In 2023, the average house sold for approximately ******* U.S. dollars, but house prices in the Northeast and West regions were significantly higher. Conversely, the South had some of the least expensive housing. In West Virginia, Mississippi, and Louisiana, the median price of the typical single-family home was less than ******* U.S. dollars. That makes living expenses in these states significantly lower than in states such as Hawaii and California, where housing is much pricier. What other expenses affect the cost of living? Utility costs such as electricity, natural gas, water, and internet also influence the cost of living. In Alaska, Hawaii, and Connecticut, the average monthly utility cost exceeded *** U.S. dollars. That was because of the significantly higher prices for electricity and natural gas in these states.

First launched by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Department of Transportation (DOT) in November 2013, the Location Affordability Index (LAI) provides ubiquitous, standardized household housing and transportation cost estimates for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Because what is affordable is different for everyone, users can choose among eight household profiles—which vary by household income, size, and number of commuters—and see the impact of the built environment on affordability in a given location while holding household demographics constant.

Version 3 updates the constituent data sets with 2012-2016 American Community Survey data and makes several methodological tweaks, most notably moving to modeling at the Census tract level rather at the block group. As with Version 2, the inputs to the simultaneous equation model (SEM) include six endogenous variables—housing costs, car ownership, and transit usage for both owners and renters—and 18 exogenous variables, with vehicle miles traveled still modeled separately due to data limitations.To learn more about the Location Affordability Index (v.3) visit: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/location-affordability-index/, for questions about the spatial attribution of this dataset, please reach out to us at GISHelpdesk@hud.gov. Date of Coverage: 2012-2016 Data Dictionary: DD_Location Affordability Indev v.3.0LAI Version 3 Data and MethodologyLAI Version 3 Technical Documentation

This data, maintained by the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH), is an inventory of all income-restricted units in the city. This data includes public housing owned by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), privately- owned housing built with funding from DND and/or on land that was formerly City-owned, and privately-owned housing built without any City subsidy, e.g., created using Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) or as part of the Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP). Information is gathered from a variety of sources, including the City's IDP list, permitting and completion data from the Inspectional Services Department (ISD), newspaper advertisements for affordable units, Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation’s (CEDAC) Expiring Use list, and project lists from the BHA, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), MassHousing, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), among others. The data is meant to be as exhaustive and up-to-date as possible, but since many units are not required to report data to the City of Boston, MOH is constantly working to verify and update it. See the data dictionary for more information on the structure of the data and important notes. The database only includes units that have a deed-restriction. It does not include tenant-based (also known as mobile) vouchers, which subsidize rent, but move with the tenant and are not attached to a particular unit. There are over 22,000 tenant-based vouchers in the city of Boston which provide additional affordability to low- and moderate-income households not accounted for here. The Income-Restricted Housing report can be directly accessed here:
https://www.boston.gov/sites/default/files/file/2023/04/Income%20Restricted%20Housing%202022_0.pdf

Learn more about income-restricted housing (as well as other types of affordable housing) here: https://www.boston.gov/affordable-housing-boston#income-restricted