Residential Real Estate Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

According to this report, the global residential real estate market size reached approximately USD 9.97 trillion in 2024. Aided by the increasing demand for housing, urbanisation, and favourable government policies, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 16.8 trillion by 2034.

Residential real estate encompasses the sale, purchase, and development of properties intended for residential purposes, including houses, apartments, and condominiums. The growth of this sector is driven by factors such as population growth, increasing disposable incomes, and the ongoing urbanisation trend across various regions. Furthermore, with the rise of digital platforms for property transactions, the ease and transparency of buying or selling residential properties have improved, contributing to the residential real estate market expansion.

The increasing trend of urban migration is a key factor fuelling the market demand. As more people move from rural areas to urban centres in search of better job opportunities, the demand for housing in cities continues to rise. Moreover, the rise of the middle class and changing lifestyles are propelling demand for more comfortable and secure living spaces.

The rapid pace of urbanisation is one of the major drivers of the residential real estate market growth. According to the United Nations, more than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, and this trend is expected to continue. The influx of people into urban centres creates significant demand for housing, driving the development of residential properties. In particular, emerging economies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America are experiencing robust urbanization, leading to increased demand for affordable and premium housing.

Another important driver of the market is the growing population and changing family structures. As the global population continues to rise, the need for housing grows correspondingly. Additionally, as nuclear families become more common and the trend of single-person households rises, there is increasing demand for smaller housing units such as apartments and townhouses. This shift in family dynamics is expected to sustain the demand for residential real estate over the forecast period.

The rising disposable incomes of individuals, particularly in developing economies, are also contributing to the market growth of residential real estate. As people’s purchasing power increases, they are more likely to invest in property, either as a primary residence or as an investment. This growing financial capability, coupled with relatively low interest rates in some regions, has led to increased homeownership rates, especially among younger populations, consequently driving up the residential real estate market share.

Government policies and initiatives aimed at promoting homeownership and affordable housing are further boosting the market. Many countries have introduced tax incentives, subsidies, and financial support programs to help individuals, especially first-time homebuyers, purchase homes. These policies have made housing more accessible to a larger section of the population, driving the demand for residential real estate. For example, in India, government schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) are helping to provide affordable housing to low-income groups.

As per the residential real estate market analysis, technological advancements are also playing a significant role in transforming the market. The adoption of digital platforms, virtual property tours, and real estate apps has made it easier for buyers and sellers to transact in the market. These platforms offer transparency, convenience, and efficiency, making the process of buying or selling a home more streamlined. Additionally, technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data are being used to analyse market trends and provide personalised property recommendations, improving the overall customer experience.

One of the notable residential real estate market trends is the global shift towards sustainability. With growing concerns about climate change and environmental impact, there is a rising demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes. Developers are focusing on building properties that incorporate sustainable features such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and green building materials. These eco-friendly properties are not only reducing energy costs for homeowners but also contributing to a more sustainable real estate market.

Market Segmentation

The global residential real estate market can be divided based on type, mode of booking, and region.

Market Breakup by Type

• Apartments and Condominiums
• Landed Houses and Villas

Market Breakup by Mode of Booking

• Sales
• Rental/Lease

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Competitive Landscape

The report looks into the market shares, plant turnarounds, capacities, investments, and mergers and acquisitions, among other major developments, of the leading companies operating in the global residential real estate market. Some of the major players explored in the report are as follows:

• DLF Ltd.
• Savills Plc
• DR Horton Inc.
• Lennar Corp.
• Christie International Real Estate
• Al Habtoor Group LLC
• Engel & Volkers GmbH
• Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited
• Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
• Keller Williams Realty, Inc.
• Others