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 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.

Portugal, Canada, and the United States were the countries with the highest house price to income ratio in 2023. In all three countries, the index exceeded 130 index points, while the average for all OECD countries stood at 117.5 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 4,670 U.S. dollars per square foot.

Turkey experienced the highest annual change in house prices in 2024, followed by Russia and the United Arab Emirates. In the first quarter of the year, the nominal house price in Turkey grew by 55 percent, while in Russia and the United Arab Emirates, the increase was 19 and 18 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, several markets, including Hong Kong, Luxembourg, and Germany, saw prices fall. That has to do with an overall cooling of the global housing market that started in 2022. When accounting for inflation, house price growth was slower, and even more countries saw the market shrink.

Geneva, Switzerland, was the most expensive city to buy an apartment in Europe in the first quarter of 2024. The square meter price in Geneva was nearly 15,650 euros in that quarter, about 2,000 euros higher than the second city in the ranking, Zurich. Cost of rent Rents across the major cities in Europe increased significantly in 2023. One of the main factors driving high rents across European cities is the same as any other consumer-driven business. If demand outweighs supply, prices will inflate. The drive for high paid professionals to be located centrally in prime locations, mixed with the low levels of available space, high land, and construction costs, all help keep rental prices increasing. Mortgage rates The average mortgage interest rates across Europe in 2023 were all under five percent, except in Czechia, Romania, Hungary, and Poland. On an individual level, a difference of one percent would most likely mean thousands of euros in interest on the mortgage a person is paying, making timing key in house purchasing. Mortgage interest rates tend to be lower in Nordic countries due to the financial stability and reliability of its borrowers. Other factors that influence the mortgage interest rates include inflation, economic growth, monetary policies, the bond market and the overall conditions of the housing market. More stable markets also tend to have higher average prices.

In 2024 Tokyo was ranked as the most expensive market worldwide for data center construction. The cost per watt in the Japanese capital was reported at 14.3 U.S. dollars, ahead of Singapore at 13.8 U.S. dollars.

In 2023, the home ownership rate among residents in Singapore was at 89.7 percent, an increase from the previous year. Singapore has high rates of home ownership, despite being among the world’s most expensive property markets. Singapore’s public housing policy hinges on high rates of home ownership Home ownership is seen as key to nation-building in Singapore, and thus makes up the core of its public housing policy. The Home Ownership Scheme, introduced in 1964, provides grants and subsidies to Singaporean citizens planning to purchase a housing unit under the management of the Housing Development Board (HDB). As a result, 80 percent of the residents in Singapore live in public housing. Priced out of the private market? While new HDB units are only available for Singaporean citizens, the resale and private housing market are open to non-citizens as well. Private residential property in Singapore is seen as an attractive and safe investment for many foreign buyers. Luxury private apartments, costing millions of dollars, are unattainable for many residents

The house price index in Malaysia reached 216.5 in 2023, an increase of more than twofold compared to the base index of 100 in 2010. The price index, which measures the average change in prices over a period of time, indicated that the value of housing in the country continued to increase every year since 2014. Recovery in the housing market Malaysia’s real estate industry was significantly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but showed signs of recovery in 2022 when the restrictions were finally lifted. Subsequently, the housing market also signaled a positive recovery, with the transaction value of the residential sector growing by approximately 22 percent in the same year. Going into 2024, despite uncertainties in the global economy, the housing market in Malaysia is likely to experience more growth. Demand for more affordable housing Although the real estate market is recovering and the inflation rate in the country has slowed down, the average price of houses reached nearly 450,000 Malaysian ringgit in 2022, an increase of around 12,000 Malaysian ringgit compared to the previous year. According to a survey conducted in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, the majority of potential home buyers had a housing budget of less than 250,000 Malaysian ringgit. As of 2024, the Malaysian government already has several low-cost housing schemes catered for the B40 lower-income and M40 middle-income groups. Nevertheless, with the rising residential prices and current cost of living, there will be more demand for affordable housing options among home buyers.

Monaco was the leading city in terms of most expensive luxury real estate worldwide in 2023. One million dollars could only buy 16 square meters of luxury property there. In London, the same amount of money could purchase 33 square meters of luxury real estate. In Tokyo, one million dollars was enough to buy 64 square meters of prime real estate in 2023. Luxury real estate – additional information Real estate is considered one of the best long-term investments, and it certainly is one of the major investments one might make during a lifetime. As far as luxury real estate is concerned, though, only the most affluent individuals or prominent real estate companies can afford to invest in prime properties in the world’s most attractive locations.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Container Homes market size will be USD 62514.5 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 25005.80 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 18754.35 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 14378.34 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 3125.73 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 1250.29 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The Sustainable, eco-friendly designs and modular units category is the fastest growing segment of the Container Homes industry

Market Dynamics of Container Homes Market

Key Drivers for Container Homes Market

Container homes offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional housing options to Boost Market Growth

The market for container homes has seen significant growth, driven by various key factors and influenced by some restraints. Container homes offer an affordable housing solution compared to traditional homes, which is one of the most significant drivers. Cost savings are due to using recycled shipping containers, which reduces material costs. This makes it an attractive option for individuals seeking affordable housing or countries with limited access to traditional construction materials. Despite the benefits, container homes often face regulatory hurdles due to building codes and zoning laws. Many regions still have restrictive rules that make it difficult to build container homes without significant modifications or approvals. These legal barriers can slow the growth of the market. The container home market is experiencing growth due to its cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and quick construction times, making it an attractive alternative to traditional housing. However, it faces regulatory hurdles, financing difficulties, and climate control concerns, which could slow down its wider adoption.

Recycled materials and minimal environmental impact attract eco-conscious consumers

The growing demand for recycled materials is driven by increasing consumer awareness of environmental sustainability. Eco-conscious consumers prefer products that reduce waste and promote a circular economy. The minimal environmental impact of recycled materials aligns with efforts to reduce carbon footprints and conserve natural resources. As industries adopt greener practices, eco-friendly alternatives, such as recycled plastics, metals, and paper, attract environmentally-conscious buyers, influencing product choices and enhancing market growth for sustainable goods.

Restraint Factor for the Container Homes Market

Container homes require significant upfront investment for construction

The substantial initial outlay needed for the building is a major barrier to the market for container homes. This covers the price of buying and modifying containers, obtaining licenses, and ensuring that construction codes are followed. The cost may also be increased by expenditures for plumbing, electrical, finishing, and insulation. Although container homes can save money over time, the high initial cost may put off prospective investors or buyers, preventing the industry from expanding widely.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Container Homes Market

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the container homes market by increasing demand for affordable, flexible, and autonomous housing solutions. Lockdowns and remote work trends prompted a shift towards alternative living options. Container homes, offering mobility, low construction costs, and environmental sustainability, became appealing. However, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages initially hindered production. As the economy recovers, container homes continue to gain traction as a solution for hous...

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Home Furniture market size will be USD 642514.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 257005.6 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 192754.2 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 147778.2 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 32125.7 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 12850.2 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The Beds and Mattresses category is the fastest growing segment of the Home Furniture industry

Market Dynamics of Home Furniture Market

Key Drivers for Home Furniture Market

Increasing the Use of Biodegradable and Compostable Materials to Boost Market Growth

The global real estate market is experiencing growth, with many governments promoting affordable housing initiatives and private developers launching new residential projects. This has led to a rise in demand for home furniture to furnish these new homes. According to the National Association of REALTORS, 4.09 million existing homes were sold in 2023. In May 2024, new single-family home sales reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 619,000, as the U.S. Census Bureau reported. The Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances indicated that 66.1% of families owned their primary residence. Additionally, over 360,000 real estate brokerage firms are operating in the U.S. The booming rental housing market, particularly in metropolitan areas, is also driving demand, with renters seeking affordable, durable, and easily transportable furniture to furnish temporary homes, boosting sales in certain home furniture categories.

Increased Consumer Spending and Urbanization to Drive Market Growth

As disposable incomes rise, particularly in emerging economies such as India, China, and Brazil, consumers increasingly invest in high-quality home furniture. This shift is motivated by the desire to improve living conditions, aesthetics, and comfort. The trend of rapid urbanization is also driving demand for modern homes, which in turn fuels the need for contemporary furniture. People relocating to urban areas are more likely to furnish their homes according to modern styles. Globally, a growing portion of the population resides in cities. In 2012, 52.5% of the population lived in urban areas, and by 2022, this was projected to rise to 56.9%. The urban population share is generally higher in developed regions (79.7% in 2022) than in developing ones (52.3%). In least-developed countries (LDCs), urban residents remain the minority at 35.8%. In the U.S., among cities with populations of 1 million or more, Austin, TX, saw the fastest growth at 32.8%, followed by Raleigh, NC, at 25.1%, and Orlando, FL, at 22.7%. Austin, TX, also led in land conversion from rural to urban, with an 18.5% increase.

Restraint Factor for the Home Furniture Market

Fluctuating Raw Material Prices, will Limit Market Growth

The cost of key raw materials like wood, metal, foam, and fabrics is often highly volatile, directly affecting production costs for manufacturers. This can lead to higher prices for consumers, which may dampen demand. As the furniture market is global, with manufacturers sourcing materials and shipping products internationally, rising freight and shipping costs can significantly impact pricing—particularly for large, bulky items like sofas, beds, and dining tables, where transportation forms a major part of the overall cost structure. Additionally, the furniture manufacturing industry in developed countries faces labor shortages due to an aging workforce and rising wages. These labor challenges drive up production costs, especially in regions with high labor expenses like the U.S., Canada, a...

In Manila, luxury home prices surged by over 26.3 percent between December 2022 and December 2023, making it the fastest growing luxury real estate market worldwide. In the United States, Miami was the market where prices rose the most during that period. Shanghai was the Asia-Pacific (APAC) city that experienced the most price growth in the luxury market, amounting to 8.6 percent.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Real Estate Investment Trusts Reits market size will be USD XX million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The industrial segment is the fastest-growing application in the REITs market, largely due to the rapid expansion of e-commerce and the demand for distribution centers and warehouses

Market Dynamics of Real Estate Investment Trusts Reits Market

Key Drivers for Real Estate Investment Trusts Reits Market

Growing Demand for Stable Income-Generating Assets to Boost Market Growth

The demand for stable income-generating assets is one of the key drivers of the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) market. Investors increasingly seek predictable cash flows, especially in uncertain economic climates. REITs provide access to a diversified portfolio of income-producing properties, such as office buildings, shopping centers, and residential complexes, offering consistent dividends. This appeal is particularly strong among income-focused investors like retirees or those seeking to reduce risk. Additionally, REITs allow smaller investors to gain exposure to large-scale real estate investments without the need for substantial capital, further fueling market growth. For instance, in November 2023, 1031 Crowdfunding launched the Covenant Senior Housing REIT, Inc., which aims to create new ways for senior living investors to grow their holdings. The newly formed REIT stands as its own company, and 1031 is the REIT’s sponsor. With the launch, 1031 Crowdfunding focused on “exchange-type vehicles” and working with investors interested in “non-correlating assets who want to invest in senior housing”

Rise in Investor Interest for Diversification and Liquidity to Drive Market Growth

The growing desire for diversification and liquidity among investors has contributed to the expansion of the REITs market. Unlike direct property ownership, REITs provide liquidity as they can be traded on major stock exchanges, offering an attractive alternative for those looking for easier access to real estate investments without the complexities of managing properties. This liquidity makes REITs a highly attractive investment vehicle, especially in volatile markets. Furthermore, REITs enable investors to diversify their portfolios across different types of real estate assets, helping to mitigate risks and enhance returns in a well-balanced investment strategy.

Restraint Factor for the Real Estate Investment Trusts Reits Market

Impact of Fluctuating Interest Rates, will Limit Market Growth

Fluctuating interest rates represent a significant restraint for the REITs market. When interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing increases, making it more expensive for REITs to finance property acquisitions or development projects. This can limit growth opportunities and reduce profitability. Additionally, higher interest rates tend to make fixed-income investments more attractive relative to REITs, which may cause a shift in investor preferences. The sensitivity of REITs to interest rate changes can lead to price volatility, which could deter some investors from entering or staying in the market, particularly those seeking stable returns.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Real Estate Investment Trusts Reits Market

Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) market, disrupting both the demand and performance of certain types of ...

In the first quarter of 2024, the United Arab Emirates, Poland, and Bulgaria registered the highest house price increase in real terms (adjusted for inflation). In the United Arab Emirates, house prices outgrew inflation by 16.17 percent. When comparing the nominal price change, which does not take inflation into consideration, the average house price growth was even higher. Nevertheless, many countries experienced declining prices, with Luxembourg recording the biggest decline, at nearly 14 percent. That has to do with a broader trend of a slowing global housing market.

As of 2019, Hong Kong was the most unaffordable city in the world to buy a home, as it would take the average skilled service worker 21 years to be able to purchase a 650-square foot apartment in the city. In 2018, the average price for a home in the city was 1.24 million U.S. dollars.

The most expensive home put on the market globally (outside of the U.S.) in 2020 was 24 Middle Gap Road in The Peak, Hong Kong, which was listed for 447 million U.S. dollars. This four-bedroom property sits on 16,330 square feet.

The average resale house price in Canada was forecast to reach nearly 836,000 Canadian dollars in 2026, according to a January forecast. In 2024, house prices increased after falling for the first time since 2019. One of the reasons for the price correction was the notable drop in transaction activity. Housing transactions picked up in 2024 and are expected to continue to grow until 2026. British Columbia, which is the most expensive province for housing, is projected to see the average house price reach 1.2 million Canadian dollars in 2026. Affordability in Vancouver Vancouver is the most populous city in British Columbia and is also infamously expensive for housing. In 2023, the city topped the ranking for least affordable housing market in Canada, with the average homeownership cost outweighing the average household income. There are a multitude of reasons for this, but most residents believe that foreigners investing in the market cause the high housing prices. Victoria housing market The capital of British Columbia is Victoria, where housing prices are also very high. The price of a single family home in Victoria's most expensive suburb, Oak Bay was 1.9 million Canadian dollars in 2024.

Barcelona, Madrid, and Donostia - San Sebastian were some of the most expensive cities to rent a house in Spain in February 2025. Barcelona, which is the capital of Catalonia, led the list with an average price of 23.7 euros per square meter. Madrid followed closely in the second position with an average square meter of rental residential property cost of 21.2 euros.

In 2023, the average price of real estate in China was approximately 10,438 yuan per square meter, representing a decrease from the previous year. Rising prices in the real estate market Since the 1998 housing reform, property prices in China have been rising continuously. Housing in the country is now often unaffordable, especially considering the modest per capita income of Chinese households. Shanghai and Beijing even have some of the most competitive real estate markets in the world. The rapid growth in housing prices has increased wealth among homeowners, while it also led to a culture of speculation among buyers and real estate developers. Housing was treated as investments, with owners expecting the prices to grow further every year. Risk factors The expectation of a steadily growing real estate market has created a property bubble and a potential debt crisis. As Chinese real estate giants, such as China Evergrande and Country Garden, operate by continuously acquiring land plots and initiating new projects, which often require substantial loans and investments, a slowdown in property demands or a decline in home prices can significantly affect the financial situation of these companies, putting China’s banks in a vulnerable position. In addition, due to a lack of regulations and monetary constraints, the long-term maintenance issues of high-rise apartments are also a concern to the sustainable development of China’s cities.