Real Estate Industry Statistics 2025

Real estate touches every part of our lives—from our homes to retail spaces where we shop, work, and unwind.

It’s not just about properties; it’s a dynamic industry that drives economies, shapes neighborhoods, and creates investment opportunities.

Whether you're an industry professional, a savvy investor, or simply someone interested in market trends, staying informed can give you a real advantage.

In this blog, we bring you the latest and most reliable real estate statistics for 2025. These insights aren’t just numbers; they’re valuable tools to help you make better decisions.

Real Estate Industry Overview

The U.S. real estate market continues to expand, driven by demographic shifts, economic growth, and increasing demand for housing and commercial properties. The industry plays a vital role in economic stability, providing employment, investment opportunities, and wealth accumulation for millions.

Below are key real estate market statistics that highlight the industry's size, trends, key players, challenges, and future outlook:

• The global real estate market cap is projected to reach $654.40 trillion by 2025, with a compound annual real estate growth rate of 2.69% from 2025 to 2029, resulting in a market volume of $727.80 trillion by 2029. (Source)
• As of the latest data, there are approximately 1.6 million real estate agents in the United States. (Source)
• The homeownership rate in the United States remains stable at 65%, reflecting sustained demand for residential properties. (Source)
• Approximately 51% of home buyers begin their property search online, while 29% utilize real estate agents. (Source)
• REITs have become a popular investment vehicle, offering individuals the opportunity to invest in real estate markets without direct property ownership. (Source)
• There is a noticeable shift toward suburban and secondary cities in the U.S. real estate market, influenced by the increasing prevalence of remote work. (Source)

Top Real Estate Industry Statistics & Trends 2025

In this section, we’ll explore key real estate market trends, including rental demand, property values, and the growing role of technology.

We’ll also cover investment patterns, marketing strategies, and employment statistics shaping the industry in 2025.

Current real estate market trends

In 2024, U.S. existing-home sales fell to 4.06 million, marking the lowest level since 1995. High mortgage rates, averaging between 6% and 8%, and elevated home prices were significant factors in this decline. Despite these challenges, the national median existing-home price increased by 6% from December 2023, reaching $404,400 in December 2024.

1) Global rental demand has increased due to a 6.5 million housing shortage (Source)

A shortage of 6.5 million housing units worldwide is making renting more popular than buying. This shows that the rental housing market will be a big opportunity in 2025.

2) Offices that focus on health and comfort are becoming super popular in 2025 (Source)

New office buildings with wellness perks are the go-to choice in 2025. People are ditching the older buildings for spaces that focus on comfort and health.

3) Energy Retrofits Could Save Up to $118 Per Square Meter (Source)

Making buildings energy-efficient can lead to savings of $17 per square meter, and energy-heavy spaces like data centers could reach $118 per square meter. In the larger context of the housing market, these savings could significantly impact overall affordability and sustainability.

4) Digital innovation generates 2.3 million real estate leads in the U.S (Source)

Technological advancements are transforming residential real estate, with platforms like Command generating 2.3 million leads at an average cost of $1.91 per lead, revolutionizing property transactions and marketing.

5) 57% of U.S. Homeowners Now Use Smart Home Devices (Source)

The adoption of smart home devices like smart thermostats, lighting controls, and security systems is growing quickly among U.S. homeowners.

These devices, which can be managed remotely via smartphones, enhance convenience and energy efficiency.

As of now, over 57% of U.S. homeowners are using at least one smart appliance, reflecting the rising trend toward tech-driven living.

6) IT market in real estate to grow from $10.54 billion to $17.22 billion by 2029 (Source)

The IT market within the real estate industry is projected to grow significantly, expanding from $10.54 billion in 2024 to $17.22 billion by 2029, marking an impressive CAGR of 10.32%.

This growth highlights the increasing role of technology in real estate operations and innovations.

7) COVID-19 drives migration: Big cities to suburbs trend continues into 2025 (Source)

Due to COVID-19, people are leaving major metro areas like San Francisco, Washington, and New York for suburban living.

This shift is expected to continue throughout 2025.

Real estate market statistics

Among the various segments, Residential Real Estate is poised to dominate with a projected market volume of $110.80 trillion by 2025. This growth is driven by increasing demand for housing and a strong economy.

1) U.S. real estate market to hit $136.60 trillion by 2025 (Source)

The U.S. real estate market is set to grow significantly, reaching a remarkable value of $136.60 trillion by 2025.

2) U.S. real estate market to grow 3.31% annually, reaching $155.60 trillion by 2029 (Source)

The U.S. real estate market is expected to grow at a steady annual rate of 3.31%, hitting a total value of $155.60 trillion by 2029.

3) 66% of real estate markets are in a "buy" phase in 2025 (Source)

About two-thirds of global real estate markets are in a 'buy' phase, the highest we’ve seen since 2016.

With interest rates dropping and more money flowing in, 2025 is shaping up to be a great time to invest.

4) Sunbelt cities lead the real estate market (Source)

Places like Dallas, Miami, and Tampa are booming! More than half of the top real estate markets in the U.S. are now in the Sunbelt region.

5) Zillow tops real estate websites with 60 million visits in 2022 (Source)

In 2022, Zillow led the U.S. real estate website rankings with an impressive 60 million visits. Realtor.com secured second place with 40 million visits, followed by Trulia with 21 million visits.

These platforms dominated the online real estate market.

6) 651,000 unsold homes in the U.S.: A mixed picture for housing market’s inventory (Source)

There are around 651,000 single-family homes unsold in the U.S., showing a small drop in available houses.

While demand isn’t strong across the country, areas like the Sun Belt are seeing some growth in housing market supply, offering more affordable options for purchasers in these regions

7) Over 360,000 Real Estate Brokerage Firms in the U.S (Source)

The U.S. is home to more than 360,000 real estate brokerage firms, showcasing the vast size and competitiveness of the real estate market.

From large, nationally recognized firms to smaller local agencies, the industry offers a wide variety of services for buyers, sellers, and investors.

1) Real estate marketing statistics

In May 2024, homes spent an average of 44 days on the market, one day more than the previous year but eight days shorter than before the COVID-19 pandemic. High-quality photos were considered crucial by 94% of buyers' agents, emphasizing the importance of effective marketing. Additionally, 51% of buyers found the home they purchased through the internet, highlighting the significance of online presence.

1. 70% of real estate agents rely on content marketing for client engagement (Source)

Around 70% of real estate agents actively use content marketing to expand their reach and engage with potential clients.

This statistic emphasizes the growing reliance on content-driven strategies.

2. 78% of real estate searches start online, with Google handling 75% of traffic and 13 billion queries (Source)

Most people begin their home search online, with 78% using search engines, and Google leading the way with 75% of the traffic.

In fact, Google handles an incredible 13 billion real estate searches, making it the top platform for clients and agents.

Many start their property search 6 to 12 months before buying, proving that search engines are a vital tool in the real estate journey.

3. Email marketing has a 1.4% conversion rate in real estate (Source)

Email marketing has a 1.4% conversion rate in real estate.

It’s a useful tool for staying connected with potential clients and helping agents build trust and relationships for future sales.

4. 75.4% of homebuyers call after clicking an ad (Source)

About 72% of people use their phones or tablets to look for homes. Real estate marketers make it easier for prospective clients to call them by adding call buttons to their ads.

This is why 75.4% of prospective clients call directly after clicking on an ad.

5. Real estate PPC costs $0.50 to $4.00 per click (Source)

In the competitive real estate market, advertisers often pay between $0.50 and $4.00 per click for PPC ads.

Many marketers are willing to pay closer to the higher end of this range to stay ahead of the competition and secure prime ad space.

2) Commercial real estate

The U.S. commercial real estate market is projected to grow by 3.31% annually from 2025 to 2029, reaching a market volume of $155.60 trillion by 2029. This growth is driven by increasing demand for flexible office spaces and a strong economy. In 2022, the value of commercial construction reached $115 billion, indicating a steady increase in development.

1. U.S. commercial real estate market to hit $25.79tn by 2025 (Source)

The U.S. commercial real estate market is expected to grow significantly, reaching an impressive value of $25.79 trillion by 2025.

2. 73% drop in new office spaces in the U.S. by 2025 (Source)

The U.S. is facing a major shortage in office spaces, with new completions expected to fall by 73%.

Industrial assets will drop by 56%, and Europe anticipates a 30% decline, creating fierce competition for high-quality spaces worldwide.

3. 57% of companies are planning to expand office space by 2030 (Source)

As companies encourage more in-office work, 57% plan to expand their office space needs by 2030.

Hybrid work models are also boosting demand for modern spaces.

4. $1.2 trillion is needed to update aging office buildings (Source)

Older office buildings are at risk of becoming useless without upgrades.

The U.S. leads with 44% of global obsolescence, making retrofitting a $1.2 trillion need worldwide.

5. 5.9 Million Commercial Buildings Cover 97 Billion Square Feet in the U.S. (2018) (Source)

According to preliminary data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, there were 5.9 million commercial buildings in the United States as of 2018.

These buildings accounted for a staggering 97 billion square feet of floor space, highlighting the massive scale of the commercial real estate sector.

6. Demand for flexible office spaces surges in U.S. commercial real estate  (Source)

The U.S. commercial real estate market is seeing a sharp rise in demand for flexible office spaces, driven by the growth of remote work and businesses seeking more adaptable solutions.

3) Residential real estate

The U.S. residential real estate market is expected to reach a value of $110.80 trillion by 2025, with a steady annual growth rate of 3.55% from 2025 to 2029. In 2024, the median home sale price rose by 4.9% to a record $350,000. Despite high prices, the market remained tight due to scarce inventory and high mortgage rates.

1. Residential real estate market to hit $363.99 billion in 2025 (Source)

The real estate housing market, valued at $290.72 billion in 2024, is forecasted to grow to $363.99 billion by 2025, with an impressive annual growth rate of 25.20% through 2034.

2. Millennials drive demand as 70% of U.S. homeowners are aged 45-65  (Source)

The U.S. real estate housing market experiences growth fueled by millennials entering their home-buying years, while individuals aged 45-65 account for over 70% of homeownership, based on 2021 data.

3. Homes sell in 30 to 90 days on average (Source)

On average, it takes 30 to 90 days to sell a home. However, the timeline can change depending on local market conditions and the type of property being sold.

4. Property Values Surge by Over 20% in Key States  (Source)

Residential property values in states like Arizona, Utah, and Florida increased by more than 20%, reflecting a vibrant housing market in these areas.

Coastal markets like San Francisco continue to command premium prices exceeding $1,000,000 for single-family homes, driven by tech industry demand and limited inventory.

5. 125.7 Million Occupied Housing Units in the U.S. (2022) (Source)

As reported by the 2022 American Community Survey, there are about 125.7 million occupied housing units across the United States, showcasing the vast scale of residential living.

6. New home inventory grows as existing home sales decline since 2013 (Source)

Since 2013, the number of existing home sales in the U.S. has been on the decline, while the availability of newly built homes has been rising.

By January 2023, there were 980,000 existing homes and 439,000 new homes listed for sale, showcasing this evolving market trend.

7. 44% of existing home sales occur in the south (Source)

8. U.S. median home prices are expected to rise 4% in 2025 (Source)

The median sales price for homes in the U.S. is projected to rise 4% in 2025, continuing the steady increase seen over the past few years.

4) Real estate agent statistics

As of May 2023, the median annual wage for real estate sales agents in the U.S. was $54,300. Employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is projected to grow 2% from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 46,000 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

1. 10 years median experience for realtors, 5 years at current firm

Most realtors bring a median of 10 years of experience to the table, with an average of 5 years spent at their current firm. This reflects stability and accumulated expertise.

2. 65% of realtors are sales agents, 22% brokers, and 17% broker associates (Source)

Most realtors are sales agents (65%), with brokers making up 22%, and broker associates accounting for 17%.

3. Most realtors work 35 hours per week on average (Source)

Realtors typically dedicate about 35 hours each week to their profession, balancing client needs, property visits, and administrative tasks.

4. 90% of Sellers Use Real Estate Agents for Home Sales (Source)

A significant 90% of home sellers relied on the expertise of a real estate agent to sell their property, showing the value of professional guidance in navigating the housing market.

5. Entry-level real estate agents to earn $90,357 total compensation in 2025 (Source)

Entry-level real estate agents in 2025 are projected to earn a total compensation of around $90,357, which includes a base salary of $56,236 and additional income from commissions and bonuses, highlighting strong earning potential for newcomers in the field.

6. Real estate agents are projected to earn $100,290 annually by 2025 (Source)

By 2025, the average annual salary for real estate agents is expected to reach approximately $100,290.

This growth showcases the competitive earning potential, driven by market demand and expanding opportunities.

7. 72% of Sellers Would Use the Same Agent Again (Source)

According to recent surveys, 72% of home sellers say they would definitely work with the same real estate agent again, highlighting the importance of trust and satisfaction in real estate transactions.

8. 13% of real estate agents identify as LGBT (Source)

In the real estate industry, 13% of agents identify as LGBT, highlighting the growing diversity within the profession. This representation reflects the industry's inclusive environment and evolving demographics.

9. San Diego leads demand for real estate agents (Source)

San Diego, CA, stands out as the city where real estate agents are most in demand, driven by its thriving housing market and competitive property landscape.

10. 65% of realtors are women, median age is 55 years (Source)

Most realtors are women (65%) with a median age of 55, and the typical profile includes being a college-educated homeowner.

5) Home buyer statistics

In 2024, 40% of first-time homebuyers in the UK received financial help from their families, a decrease from 45% in 2023. The average amount gifted also fell from £56,800 to £52,700. In the U.S., 65% of families own their own home, reflecting a stable homeownership rate

1. Home sales in the U.S. are forecasted to hit 4 million in 2025 (Source)

About 4 million homes are expected to be sold in the U.S. in 2025, representing a 2% to 9% increase from 2024, signaling a recovery after years of declining sales.

2. Mortgage rates stay high in 2025, around 7% (Source)

As of early 2025, mortgage rates for a 30-year loan are about 7.08%. Even though the Federal Reserve has lowered other rates, these haven’t come down much.

Experts think mortgage rates will stay above 6% for most of the year, making home loans more expensive than before.

3. Home sellers stay 10 years, buyers' average age drops in 2023 (Source)

In 2023, most home sellers lived in their houses for about 10 years before selling. The average home size was 1,860 square feet. First-time buyers were typically 35 years old this year, down slightly from 36 last year.

For repeat buyers, the average age fell to 58, compared to 59 the year before.

4. 80% of Americans over 65 own homes; under 35 ownership rises to 39% in 2022 (Source)

By 2022, 80% of Americans aged 65 and older were homeowners, showcasing a strong trend in senior homeownership.

Meanwhile, the homeownership rate for individuals under 35 saw growth, reaching 39%, reflecting increased interest among younger buyers.

5. How buyers found their homes: 51% used the internet (Source)

6. Homeowner vacancy rate hits record low in 2023 after peaking at 3% in 2008 (Source)

The homeowner vacancy rate indicates the empty houses available for sale. So, this rate reached its lowest in 2023 and reached its highest level in 2008 with nearly 3% of vacant homes.

7. Southern U.S. rental vacancy rate reached 7.8% in Q2 2023 (Source)

In the second quarter of 2023, the southern United States had the highest rental vacancy rate at 7.8%.

The Midwest followed, with lower rates reported in the Northeast and West regions.

8. Entry-level home affordability hits 40-year low in 2024 (Source)

Entry-level home affordability reached its lowest level in four decades in 2024, with first-time buyers making up less than 25% of purchases—the lowest rate since 1981.

6) Real estate investment trends

Data centers have emerged as a top investment prospect in 2024, praised for their high return on investment. Demand for new data center development is expected to attract more institutional investment as investors reallocate capital from the office sector to real estate alternatives. This trend reflects the growing importance of technology infrastructure in the real estate market.

1. Global real estate investment set to reach $952 billion by 2025 (Source)

Global real estate investment is projected to grow by 27%, reaching $952 billion in 2025, after a challenging downturn.

This recovery is driven by rate cuts, resilient markets, and institutional investors re-entering the field.

2. Europe leads real estate recovery after investment decline in 2023 (Source)

Europe's commercial real estate sector is bouncing back, supported by interest rate cuts and pricing adjustments.

After a significant drop in 2023, the region is now attracting more investors, meeting their expectations.

3. North America is forecast to see a 38% rise in Real Estate investment by 2025 (Source)

With the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates, North America is expected to lead global real estate growth, with investments reaching $575 billion in 2025—a 38% increase from the previous year.

4. $53 billion invested by foreign buyers in US real estate (Source)

Foreign buyers invested $53 billion in US real estate from 2022 to 2023, accounting for 1.8% of home sales.

Despite a 9.6% drop in total investment, foreign demand continues to influence the housing market.

 5. Foreign buyers drive up US rental prices and housing prices (Source)

Foreign buyers are contributing to rising rental prices in U.S. markets like Seattle, where high demand is outpacing supply

This “demand shock” is linked to strong economies and job opportunities in these regions.

6. China leads foreign investment with $13.6 billion in purchases (Source)

China topped foreign investment in US real estate, contributing $13.6 billion in 2022-2023.

Along with Canada, Mexico, and others, these countries accounted for 44% of the total investment.

7. 53% suggest buying hotel properties in West Palm Beach; 86% recommend holding in Fort Lauderdale (Source)

In 2024, 53% of real estate experts recommended buying hotel properties in West Palm Beach, highlighting it as a growth opportunity.

Meanwhile, 86% suggest holding onto hotel properties in Fort Lauderdale, signaling strong market confidence.

Conversely, 33% of sell recommendations for hotel properties came from New York and nearby boroughs, reflecting a more cautious outlook there.

8. $500 billion in loans maturing globally in 2025 (Source)

In 2025, approximately $500 billion in loans are set to mature worldwide. This significant milestone is expected to impact liquidity and affect pricing dynamics across global markets.

9. Florida tops the list for foreign real estate buyers (Source)

Florida attracted 23% of foreign property buyers in 2022-2023, followed by California and Texas. Warm weather, coastal locations, and economic opportunities make these states top choices.

7) Real estate employment statistics

The U.S. labor market added 272,000 new jobs in May 2024, surpassing the average monthly gain of 232,000 over the past year. However, the unemployment rate rose to 4% after staying below that threshold for 27 months. This indicates a mixed outlook for real estate employment, with job growth accompanied by a slight increase in unemployment.

1. Realtor job growth is projected at 5% by 2028 (Source)

The demand for realtors is expected to grow by 5% from 2018 to 2028, with 30,100 new jobs projected in the U.S.

This steady growth highlights real estate's resilience as a career path.

2. Over 159,000 realtors are currently employed in the U.S. (Source)

With over 159,221 realtors employed across the U.S., the real estate sector continues to offer ample opportunities for both entry-level and experienced professionals.

3. Realtor salaries have grown 11% over the last five years (Source)

Realtor salaries in the U.S. have increased by 11% in the past five years, reflecting the growing complexity and demand in the real estate market.

The average salary now stands at $38,290.

 4. 17% drop in hotel occupancy and 16.5% office vacancies in the US post-pandemic (Source)

In 2021, hotel stays were 17% lower than in 2019, and 16.5% of office spaces were vacant. The rise in work-from-home trends has played a major role, but recovery is on the horizon.

5. 7,482 active realtor job openings across the U.S. (Source)

With 7,482 job openings, the U.S. real estate market is actively hiring, offering diverse opportunities for realtors across the country.

8) Real estate income statistics

The median gross income of REALTORS® increased to $56,400 in 2023 from $54,300 in 2021. This reflects a positive trend in earnings for real estate professionals. However, income can vary widely based on factors such as experience, location, and the state of the housing market.

1. Real estate agent salaries range from $49,987 to $123,283 based on specialization and location (Source)

Real estate agent salaries vary widely, with reports showing a range from $49,987 to $123,283.

This income fluctuation depends on factors like location, specialization, brokerage splits, and market conditions, highlighting the diverse earning potential.

2. Top states for real estate agent incomes: Washington leads with $100,261 annually (Source)

States like Washington, New York, and Virginia offer some of the highest average salaries for real estate agents. Washington tops the list at $100,261 annually, followed by New York at $93,100 and Virginia at $92,296.

States like California and Massachusetts also report competitive earnings in the mid-$80,000 range, showcasing strong earning potential in these markets.

3. Median gross income for realtors dropped to $55,800 in 2023 (Source)

In 2023, the median gross income for REALTORS® was $55,800, down slightly from $56,400 in 2022.

This minor decrease reflects market fluctuations, but the figure is expected to stabilize as the real estate sector adjusts.

The Bottom Line

The real estate market is changing fast with new technology and shifting buyer needs. From virtual tours to online property listings, staying updated on the latest trends is key to success.

This article shares important real estate stats, covering how people buy, sell, and invest in real estate, along with market trends and the growing role of technology

These insights will help you stay informed and make smart choices!