Land Development in the US - Industry Market Research Report

Property for sale: Rising interest rates will have a negative effect on overall industry growth

Developers in the industry are responsible for preparing sites prior to construction. Industry-specific activities vary between projects, but common activities include purchasing land, obtaining regulatory approval for subdivision, preparing sites and installing basic amenities like roads and sidewalks. Only companies that earn a majority of their revenue from these prebuilding activities are considered to be part of the industry. Consequently, site preparation services offered by developers in other construction-related industries are not included in the industry. Decreases in nonresidential construction activity and increases in office rental vacancies in 2020 and 2021 have negatively affected revenue growth because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past five years, industry revenue decreased at a CAGR of 6.4% to $11.7 billion, including a 5.5% decrease in 2023 alone. Profit, measured as earnings before interest and taxes, is estimated to account for 17.7% of industry revenue in 2023.

This industry services raw land (except cemeteries) and subdivides properties into lots for subsequent sale to builders. Land subdivision precedes building activity. Servicing of land may include excavation work for the installation of roads and utility lines, and operators may subcontract excavation and other activities to specialist contractors. Operators that perform only the legal subdivision of land are not included in this industry.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.