USA Real Estate Market Outlook to 2028

USA Real Estate Market Overview

The USA real estate market is valued at USD 131 trillion, based on a comprehensive analysis of residential, commercial, and industrial properties across the nation. This market is driven by several factors, including strong economic performance, a rising population, and a favorable mortgage interest rate environment. A significant portion of demand is coming from residential housing due to increased homeownership rates and the expansion of suburban and exurban areas. These drivers, coupled with robust investment in commercial real estate, sustain market growth.

Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco dominate the market due to their large populations, thriving economies, and global financial importance. These cities attract high levels of foreign investment and are home to many Fortune 500 companies, further cementing their dominance in the real estate market. The urban infrastructure and economic activity make these cities prime locations for both commercial and residential properties.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) raised loan limits in 2024, with the conforming loan limit for single-family homes increasing to $726,200. This policy adjustment helps buyers in high-cost areas like Washington, D.C., and San Francisco secure financing for properties that exceed previous loan limits. Additionally, FHA mortgage insurance programs continue to support first-time homebuyers, with 1.1 million homes insured under FHA programs in 2024, further increasing homeownership opportunities in regions with historically low homeownership rates.

USA Real Estate Market Segmentation

By Property Type: The USA real estate market is segmented by property type into residential, commercial, and industrial properties. In recent years, the residential segment has maintained a dominant the market, driven by the increased demand for housing across both urban and suburban areas. This is particularly notable in states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona, where new housing developments are on the rise due to population growth and favorable tax policies. Furthermore, low mortgage rates have spurred home buying, further strengthening the residential sector's market share.

By Transaction Type: The USA Real Estate Market is segmented by transaction type into sales, leasing, and investment sales. Sales dominate the market, as homeownership continues to be a critical financial goal for many Americans, particularly in suburban areas. The increase in real estate investment trust (REIT) activity, particularly in the multifamily residential and industrial sectors, has also driven this segment's growth. However, leasing remains a critical component in urban markets, especially for office and retail spaces, where businesses prefer long-term lease agreements over property purchases.

USA Real Estate Market Competitive Landscape

The USA real estate market is characterized by the presence of major national players, as well as regional firms with deep roots in specific markets. The consolidation of real estate firms in key metropolitan areas indicates a trend toward larger companies controlling significant portions of the market, especially in commercial and industrial real estate sectors. Key players like CBRE and JLL have made considerable investments in technology and sustainability, keeping them at the forefront of the competitive landscape.

Company Name

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Market Focus

Revenue (USD bn)

Employees

Properties Managed

Geographic Reach

Notable Projects

Market Cap (USD bn)

CBRE Group Inc.

1906

Los Angeles, CA

Jones Lang La Salle (JLL)

1783

Chicago, IL

Cushman & Wakefield

1917

Chicago, IL

Redfin Corporation

2004

Seattle, WA

Zillow Group

2006

Seattle, WA

USA Real Estate Industry Analysis

Market Growth Drivers

Population Growth and Urbanization: The U.S. population in 2024 is estimated at 334 million, with key urban areas such as New York and Los Angeles experiencing population densities of over 10,000 individuals per square mile. This urban concentration is driving housing demand in metro regions. Furthermore, internal migration patterns show an influx into Sun Belt cities like Austin and Phoenix, which grew by approximately 30,000 new residents each between 2022 and 2023, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. With continuous urbanization, this dynamic fosters long-term housing market growth by increasing demand for both residential and commercial real estate.

Economic Expansion: The U.S. economy showed resilience in 2024, with a GDP of $25.9 trillion, according to the IMF. Unemployment has stabilized at 3.8% in mid-2024, leading to increased household incomes, now averaging $79,900 per year. This rising income bolsters homebuying potential, especially in suburban and rural areas. With the economy expanding and unemployment low, housing demand is rising, particularly for new constructions and higher-end residential units in areas with strong job markets, such as the tech-heavy West Coast cities and the Midwests industrial hubs.

Low-Interest Rate Environment: In 2024, the Federal Funds Rate remains low at 3.25%, keeping mortgage rates around 6.7% for a 30-year fixed mortgage. This creates favorable conditions for homebuyers, particularly first-time buyers and those seeking to refinance existing loans. Lower borrowing costs are stimulating the real estate market by increasing affordability for potential homeowners. Federal Reserve policies are expected to maintain these relatively low rates, encouraging continued investment in residential and commercial properties, especially in regions like Texas and Florida where real estate markets are thriving.

Market Restraints

Supply Chain Disruptions (Construction Costs, Labor Shortage): In 2024, U.S. construction costs surged, with materials such as lumber averaging $620 per thousand board feet, exacerbating housing shortages. Labor shortages in the construction sector, with 315,000 unfilled positions as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, further strain the supply chain. These disruptions are delaying new housing projects and pushing up prices for both materials and labor, limiting the ability of developers to meet growing housing demands, particularly in high-demand urban centers like Dallas and Atlanta.

Regulatory Hurdles (Zoning Restrictions, Permitting Delays): Zoning restrictions and permitting delays are major impediments in real estate development across the U.S. In cities like Seattle, the average time to secure building permits has increased to 14 months in 2024, limiting the pace of new developments. Zoning laws that restrict high-density construction further compound the issue, particularly in regions with stringent regulations like San Francisco and Washington D.C. These regulatory hurdles are constraining the housing supply at a time when demand is surging, pushing up prices and limiting affordable housing development.

USA Real Estate Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the USA real estate market is expected to exhibit significant growth, driven by sustained demand for residential properties, continued economic expansion, and increased foreign investment. Additionally, the adoption of smart home technologies, growth in the Prop Tech sector, and investments in sustainable infrastructure will likely drive future developments in both commercial and residential real estate. These trends will be supported by a stable interest rate environment and growing interest in suburban and exurban property markets, especially as remote work continues to reshape housing demand patterns.

Market Opportunities

Growth in Prop Tech Solutions: The U.S. real estate market is witnessing rapid adoption of Prop Tech, with the number of smart homes expected to surpass 80 million by 2025, according to government projections. Digital brokerage platforms, which accounted for over $16 billion in transactions in 2023, are transforming home buying and selling processes. Increased reliance on technology is making real estate transactions more efficient, particularly in densely populated markets such as New York and Los Angeles. As Prop Tech continues to evolve, it opens new opportunities for improving efficiency in property management and real estate investments.

Investment in Sustainable and Green Buildings: In 2024, over 12,500 buildings across the U.S. have achieved LEED certification, reflecting a significant trend towards sustainable development. Government programs like the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act are incentivizing developers to invest in green building technologies. Energy-efficient buildings in cities like Boston and San Francisco are seeing higher occupancy rates and rental premiums compared to traditional buildings. This growing trend toward sustainable real estate is fostering investment in energy-efficient housing and commercial properties, offering long-term cost savings and environmental benefits.
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