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.

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

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.

The average sales price of new homes in the United States experienced a slight decrease in 2024, dropping to 512,2000 U.S. dollars from the peak of 521,500 U.S. dollars in 2022. This decline came after years of substantial price increases, with the average price surpassing 400,000 U.S. dollars for the first time in 2021. The recent cooling in the housing market reflects broader economic trends and changing consumer sentiment towards homeownership. Factors influencing home prices and affordability The rapid rise in home prices over the past few years has been driven by several factors, including historically low mortgage rates and increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the market has since slowed down, with the number of home sales declining by over two million between 2021 and 2023. This decline can be attributed to rising mortgage rates and decreased affordability. The Housing Affordability Index hit a record low of 98.1 in 2023, indicating that the median-income family could no longer afford a median-priced home. Future outlook for the housing market Despite the recent cooling, experts forecast a potential recovery in the coming years. The Freddie Mac House Price Index showed a growth of 6.5 percent in 2023, which is still above the long-term average of 4.4 percent since 1990. However, homebuyer sentiment remains low across all age groups, with people aged 45 to 64 expressing the most pessimistic outlook. The median sales price of existing homes is expected to increase slightly until 2025, suggesting that affordability challenges may persist in the near future.

House prices in the UK rose dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic, with growth slowing down in 2022 and turning negative in 2023. The year-on-year annual house price change peaked at 14 percent in July 2022. In April 2025, house prices increased by 3.5 percent. As of late 2024, the average house price was close to 290,000 British pounds. Correction in housing prices: a European phenomenon The trend of a growing residential real estate market was not exclusive to the UK during the pandemic. Likewise, many European countries experienced falling prices in 2023. When comparing residential property RHPI (price index in real terms, e.g. corrected for inflation), countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain also saw prices decline. Sweden, one of the countries with the fastest growing residential markets, saw one of the largest declines in prices. How has demand for UK housing changed since the outbreak of the coronavirus? The easing of the lockdown was followed by a dramatic increase in home sales. In November 2020, the number of mortgage approvals reached an all-time high of over 107,000. One of the reasons for the housing boom were the low mortgage rates, allowing home buyers to take out a loan with an interest rate as low as 2.5 percent. That changed as the Bank of England started to raise the base lending rate, resulting in higher borrowing costs and a decline in homebuyer sentiment.

The number of home sales in the United States peaked in 2021 at almost ************* after steadily rising since 2018. Nevertheless, the market contracted in the following year, with transaction volumes falling to ***********. Home sales remained muted in 2024, with a mild increase expected in 2025 and 2026. A major factor driving this trend is the unprecedented increase in mortgage interest rates due to high inflation. How have U.S. home prices developed over time? The average sales price of new homes has also been rising since 2011. Buyer confidence seems to have recovered after the property crash, which has increased demand for homes and also the prices sellers are demanding for homes. At the same time, the affordability of U.S. homes has decreased. Both the number of existing and newly built homes sold has declined since the housing market boom during the coronavirus pandemic. Challenges in housing supply The number of housing units in the U.S. rose steadily between 1975 and 2005 but has remained fairly stable since then. Construction increased notably in the 1990s and early 2000s, with the number of construction starts steadily rising, before plummeting amid the infamous housing market crash. Housing starts slowly started to pick up in 2011, mirroring the economic recovery. In 2022, the supply of newly built homes plummeted again, as supply chain challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic and tariffs on essential construction materials such as steel and lumber led to prices soaring.

The number of U.S. home sales in the United States declined in 2024, after soaring in 2021. A total of four million transactions of existing homes, including single-family, condo, and co-ops, were completed in 2024, down from 6.12 million in 2021. According to the forecast, the housing market is forecast to head for recovery in 2025, despite transaction volumes expected to remain below the long-term average. Why have home sales declined? The housing boom during the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated that being a homeowner is still an integral part of the American dream. Nevertheless, sentiment declined in the second half of 2022 and Americans across all generations agreed that the time was not right to buy a home. A combination of factors has led to house prices rocketing and making homeownership unaffordable for the average buyer. A survey among owners and renters found that the high home prices and unfavorable economic conditions were the two main barriers to making a home purchase. People who would like to purchase their own home need to save up a deposit, have a good credit score, and a steady and sufficient income to be approved for a mortgage. In 2022, mortgage rates experienced the most aggressive increase in history, making the total cost of homeownership substantially higher. Are U.S. home prices expected to fall? The median sales price of existing homes stood at 413,000 U.S. dollars in 2024 and was forecast to increase slightly until 2026. The development of the S&P/Case Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index shows that home prices experienced seven consecutive months of decline between June 2022 and January 2023, but this trend reversed in the following months. Despite mild fluctuations throughout the year, home prices in many metros are forecast to continue to grow, albeit at a much slower rate.

Graph and download economic data for All-Transactions House Price Index for Baltimore city, MD (ATNHPIUS24510A) from 1975 to 2024 about Baltimore City, MD; Baltimore; MD; HPI; housing; price index; indexes; price; and USA.

The number of housing units in the United States has grown year-on-year and in 2024, there were approximately *** million homes. That was an increase of about one percent from the previous year. Homeownership in the U.S. Most of the housing stock in the U.S. is owner-occupied, meaning that the person who owns the home uses it as a primary residence. Homeownership is an integral part of the American Dream, with about *** in ***** Americans living in an owner-occupied home. For older generations, the homeownership rate is even higher, showing that buying a home is an important milestone in life. Housing transactions slowing down During the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. experienced a housing market boom and witnessed an increase in the number of homes sold. Since 2020, when the market peaked, new homes transactions have slowed down and so have the sales of existing homes. That has affected the development of home prices, with several states across the country experiencing a decline in house prices.

The global condominiums and apartments market is experiencing robust growth, driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing preference for urban lifestyles. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 3.00% indicates a consistent expansion, projected to continue throughout the forecast period (2025-2033). Key market drivers include government initiatives promoting affordable housing, increasing tourism and associated hospitality needs, and the growing popularity of mixed-use developments integrating residential and commercial spaces. Emerging trends such as smart home technology integration, sustainable building practices, and the rise of co-living spaces are further shaping market dynamics. However, constraints such as rising construction costs, stringent building regulations, and limited land availability in prime urban locations pose challenges to market growth. The market is segmented geographically, with North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific representing significant market shares. Analysis of production, consumption, import/export volumes and values, and price trends provides a comprehensive understanding of the market's dynamics across these regions. Major players like Christie International Real Estate, Lennar Corporation, and Savills PLC are actively shaping the market through their developments and innovations. This competitive landscape necessitates continuous adaptation and innovation to remain successful. The projected market size for 2025 serves as the base for forecasting future growth. Considering the CAGR of >3.00%, a reasonable estimation of the market size can be derived for subsequent years. Regional variations in growth rates will exist depending on factors such as economic conditions, urbanization rates, and governmental policies. While precise figures for each segment and region are not provided, the analysis clearly points to a positive trajectory fueled by ongoing urbanization and evolving consumer preferences, with significant opportunities and challenges within this dynamic market. A deeper regional analysis will reveal nuanced differences in market performance, influencing strategic decisions of players in this competitive landscape. Recent developments include: October 2022: City Developments Ltd. (CDL), controlled by billionaire Kwek Leng Beng, is proceeding with the launch of a suburban residential condominium project in Singapore's western region, indicating its confidence that property demand will be sustained despite the government's new property curbs., June 2022: ALTIDO, a European property management company, has announced two mergers and acquisitions, including Flatty and A&A Apartments & Boats. It comes less than four months after ALTIDO was acquired by Italian living company DoveVivo, ensuring it emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic with a large injection of financing under its belt and the ability to expand its inventory by 51 properties through the combined acquisitions.. Notable trends are: Increasing Demand for Condominiums in Several Regions Driving the Market.

Graph and download economic data for All-Transactions House Price Index for Knoxville, TN (MSA) (ATNHPIUS28940Q) from Q1 1983 to Q1 2025 about Knoxville, TN, appraisers, HPI, housing, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Home prices in the U.S. reach new heights The American housing market continues to show remarkable resilience, with the S&P/Case Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index reaching an all-time high of 325.78 in July 2024. This figure represents a significant increase from the index value of 166.24 recorded in January 2015, highlighting the substantial growth in home prices over the past decade. The S&P Case Shiller National Home Price Index is based on the prices of single-family homes and is the leading indicator of the American housing market and one of the indicators of the state of the broader economy. The S&P Case Shiller National Home Price Index series also includes S&P/Case Shiller 20-City Composite Home Price Index and S&P/Case Shiller 10-City Composite Home Price Index – measuring the home price changes in the major U.S. metropolitan areas, as well as twenty composite indices for the leading U.S. cities. Market fluctuations and recovery Despite the overall upward trend, the housing market has experienced some fluctuations in recent years. During the housing boom in 2021, the number of existing home sales reached the highest level since 2006. However, transaction volumes quickly plummeted, as the soaring interest rates and out-of-reach prices led to housing sentiment deteriorating. Factors influencing home prices Several factors have contributed to the rise in home prices, including a chronic supply shortage, the gradual decline in interest rates, and the spike in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the subprime mortgage crisis (2007-2010), the construction of new homes declined dramatically. Although it has gradually increased since then, the number of new building permits, home starts, and completions are still shy from the levels before the crisis. With demand outweighing supply, competition for homes can be fierce, leading to bidding wars and soaring prices. The supply of existing homes is further constrained, as homeowners are less likely to sell and move homes due to the worsened lending conditions.

Graph and download economic data for Housing Inventory: Median Days on Market in Pittsburgh, PA (CBSA) (MEDDAYONMAR38300) from Jul 2016 to Jun 2025 about Pittsburgh, PA, median, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Real Residential Property Prices for Canada (QCAR628BIS) from Q1 1970 to Q1 2025 about Canada, residential, HPI, housing, real, price index, indexes, and price.

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Ready to Move in Luxury Homes Market size is USD 600.5 billion in 2023 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2023 to 2030.

Remote work fueled demand for Ready to Move-in Luxury Homes, emphasizing dedicated offices and advanced amenities, creating synergy with the evolving work landscape.
The dominant category in the Ready to Move-in Luxury Homes market is the 1000-3000 square feet segment.
In the ready to move-in luxury homes market, luxury homes dominate.
North America will continue to lead, whereas the Europe Ready to Move in Luxury Homes Market will experience the strongest growth until 2030.

Market Dynamics of the Ready-to-Move-in Luxury Home Market

Remote Work and Low-Interest Rates Drive Surge in Demand for Ready-to-Move-in Luxury Home 

The advent of widespread remote work became a driving force for the ready-to-move-in luxury homes market. As companies embraced flexible work arrangements, professionals sought residences that catered to remote work needs. The cause-and-effect relationship unfolded as the demand for homes with dedicated office spaces, high-speed internet, and enhanced amenities surged. The market responded by prioritizing features conducive to remote work, such as spacious home offices and advanced technology infrastructure, creating a symbiotic relationship between the evolving work landscape and the flourishing luxury real estate sector.

Historic Low-Interest Rates Propel Demand for Ready to Move-in Luxury Homes

The ready to move-in luxury homes market experienced a boost driven by historically low-interest rates. As central banks implemented measures to stimulate economies amidst the pandemic, mortgage rates reached unprecedented lows. This led to increased buyer confidence and heightened affordability, catalyzing demand in the luxury real estate sector. The cause-and-effect relationship materialized as favorable financing conditions encouraged prospective buyers to invest in ready-to-move-in luxury homes, fostering a climate of increased transactions and market activity. Low-interest rates emerged as a pivotal driver shaping the positive trajectory of the luxury real estate market.

Restraints of the Ready-to-Move-in Luxury Homes

Supply Chain Disruptions and Construction Slowdown Impacting Ready-to-Move-in Luxury Homes Market

Supply chain disruptions emerged as a significant restraint in the ready to move-in luxury homes market. The cause-and-effect dynamic unfolded as the pandemic disrupted the flow of construction materials and labor, leading to a slowdown in construction activities. Delays in obtaining essential materials and the inability to secure skilled labor hindered project timelines. This restraint underscored the market's vulnerability to external factors affecting the construction industry, impacting the timely delivery of luxury homes and potentially dissuading prospective buyers who sought immediate occupancy.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Ready-to-Move-in Luxury Homes Market

The ready-to-move-in luxury homes market faced a dual impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and economic uncertainties caused a slowdown in transactions and construction activities. However, as remote work gained prominence, there was a notable shift in demand toward spacious and well-equipped luxury homes. The market adapted by incorporating features like home offices and private amenities. Low interest rates further stimulated demand, leading to a rebound. Despite initial challenges, the pandemic catalyzed a transformation in the luxury real estate sector, aligning offerings with the evolving lifestyle preferences shaped by the new normal.

Opportunity for the growth of the Ready-to-Move-in Luxury Homes Market.

The increasing preference among affluent buyers for hassle-free, immediate occupancy solutions that combine convenience with high-end amenities.

One key opportunity for the growth of the ready-to-move-in luxury homes market lies in the increasing preference among affluent buyers for hassle-free, immediate occupancy solutions that combine convenience with high-end amenities. With rising disposable incomes and evolving lifestyles, especially among urban professionals, HNIs, and NRIs, there is a growing demand for premium properties that are fully constructed, elegantly designed, and equipped with smart home techno...

Detached House Market Outlook

The global detached house market size was estimated to be approximately USD 1.5 trillion in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 2.2 trillion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period. This growth is driven by various factors including increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing preference for individual living spaces. The demand for detached houses is also being fueled by the trend towards more spacious and private living conditions, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic which highlighted the need for personal space and home office setups.

The first major growth factor for the detached house market is urbanization. With a significant proportion of the global population moving towards urban areas, the demand for housing has skyrocketed. Detached houses offer a unique proposition in urban settings, combining the need for proximity to city centers with the desire for personal space and privacy. This trend is particularly evident in rapidly developing countries where the middle class is expanding, driving demand for high-quality housing solutions that detached houses offer.

Another key driver is the increase in disposable incomes globally. As more people attain higher income levels, they are increasingly able to afford detached houses, which are often seen as a mark of social status and financial stability. The affordability of mortgages and favorable lending rates in many regions have also made the dream of owning a detached house more attainable for many families. Additionally, government initiatives and subsidies aimed at promoting homeownership have played a significant role in boosting this market.

The third significant growth factor is the shift towards remote work and the need for dedicated home spaces. The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed how people view their living spaces. With remote work becoming more common, there is a heightened demand for homes that can accommodate both living and working needs. Detached houses, with their ample space and potential for customization, provide an ideal solution for this new way of living. This trend is expected to continue, further propelling the market for detached houses.

Regional outlook for the detached house market indicates robust growth across various regions. North America remains a significant market, driven by strong economic conditions and high disposable incomes. Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth, fueled by rapid urbanization and a burgeoning middle class. Europe also shows steady growth, supported by favorable government policies and a strong preference for homeownership. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are emerging markets with significant potential, although growth in these regions may be tempered by economic and political challenges.

Type Analysis

In the detached house market, the type of house plays a pivotal role in influencing buyer preferences. Single-story detached houses are particularly popular among older adults and retirees who prefer not to navigate stairs. These homes are also easier to maintain and offer a more straightforward floor plan, which can be appealing to first-time homebuyers or small families. Single-story homes are often associated with a more traditional and cozy living environment, making them a preferred choice in suburban and rural areas.

On the other hand, multi-story detached houses cater to larger families and those who require more living space. These homes often come with the advantage of added privacy, as bedrooms and personal spaces can be separated from common areas such as the living room and kitchen. Multi-story homes also offer the possibility of more elaborate architectural designs and can be seen as a status symbol in many cultures. The demand for multi-story houses is particularly strong in urban and densely populated areas where land is at a premium.

The choice between single-story and multi-story homes is also influenced by regional preferences and cultural factors. For instance, in many parts of the United States and Canada, multi-story homes are more popular due to the availability of larger plots of land and the preference for spacious living areas. In contrast, single-story homes are more common in Australia and certain parts of Europe, where they are seen as more practical and in line with local architectural traditions.

Report Scope

La Rioja was the Spanish region where the pandemic impact on real estate prices was higher compared to the previous year, with a decrease of almost 16% in the last quarter of 2020. The only place in Spain where there was an increase in comparison with the pre-pandemic data was in the autonomous city of Melilla.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Real Estate Sector market size will be USD 3625.5 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50% 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 1450.20 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1087.65 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 833.87 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 181.28 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% 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 72.51 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 to 2031.
The Commercial real estate is the fastest-growing segment, driven by economic development, urbanization, and a shift toward modern, multi-use spaces

Market Dynamics of Real Estate Sector Market

Key Drivers Real Estate Sector Market

Urbanization and Population Growth Fueling Demand: The increase in urban migration is driving the need for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. The development of megacities, improved infrastructure, and rising disposable incomes are contributing to the growth of the real estate sector. For instance, the Reserve Bank of India’s low interest rates in 2021 significantly boosted housing demand by 35–40% during the festive period.

Economic Growth and Rising Incomes Facilitating Market Expansion: A robust economy and increasing income levels are allowing for more substantial investments in real estate. The development of infrastructure, enhanced investor confidence, and capital inflows are further driving demand across the residential, commercial, and industrial property sectors.

Key Restraint Real Estate Sector Market

High Construction Costs Impeding Market Growth: The escalating costs of raw materials and labor shortages are raising project expenses and causing delays. Global supply chain disruptions and inflation are also impacting profit margins and making housing less affordable, which in turn is hindering real estate activity.

Key Trends for Real Estate Sector Market

Smart Cities and Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Governments and developers are focusing on smart city initiatives that include green buildings, energy-efficient designs, and technology-integrated infrastructure, thereby improving livability and long-term value in urban real estate markets.

Increasing Demand for Mixed-Use Developments: There is a growing consumer preference for integrated spaces that combine residential, retail, and office units. This trend is transforming urban planning and generating demand for multi-functional real estate projects that cater to convenience and contemporary lifestyles.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Real Estate Sector Market

Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted the real estate sector, leading to shifts in both demand and operational dynamics. During the early phases of the pandemic, lockdowns and economic uncertainties caused a slowdown in construction activities, delays in project completions, and a decline in property transactions. The residential market experienced a surge in demand for larger homes and properties in suburban areas as people sought more space due to remote work trends. On the other hand, the commercial real estate market, especially office spaces, faced challenges with businesses adopting remote work models, resulting in a reduced demand for office buildings. Introduction of the Real Estate Sector Market

The real estate sector encompasses the development, buying, selling, leasing, and management of land, residential, commercial, and industrial properties. It is a dynamic market driven by a complex mix of factors, including economic conditions, urbanization, demographic shifts, and government policies. Market growth in the real estate sector is primarily influenced by factors such as population growth, increasing urbaniza...

Nationwide Housing Prices YoY in the United Kingdom decreased to 2.10 percent in June from 3.50 percent in May of 2025. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for the United Kingdom Nationwide Housing Prices YoY.

The Canadian housing market, particularly in major urban centers, has experienced a prolonged period of rapid price appreciation, driven by factors such as low interest rates, strong population growth, and limited supply. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the national average house price rose by more than 50% between 2020 and 2022, with prices in some major cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, increasing by even more. This rapid price growth has made it increasingly difficult for many Canadians to afford a home, especially in the country's most desirable markets. However, the Canadian housing market is starting to show signs of cooling in 2023, as rising interest rates and stricter mortgage lending rules from the government begin to take effect. The CMHC predicts that the national average house price will decline by 7.6% in 2023, with prices in some markets, such as Toronto and Vancouver, expected to fall by even more. This cooling is expected to continue in 2024, with the CMHC predicting a further decline in the national average house price of 3.2%. The long-term outlook for the Canadian housing market is more uncertain, but the CMHC expects that prices will continue to rise, albeit at a more moderate pace. The Canadian housing market is one of the most expensive in the world, with prices in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver soaring to record highs in recent years. This has led to a growing concern about affordability, as many Canadians are being priced out of the market. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Adoption of Remote and Hybrid Work Model. Potential restraints include: Lack of Privacy. Notable trends are: Pandemic Accelerated Luxury Home Sales in Major Canadian Markets.