From Wellness Trend to Trillion-Dollar Market: Real Estate Industry Evolves

 

The global wellness real estate market, valued at US$ 486.7 billion in 2024, is undergoing a significant transformation. Driven by a worldwide shift toward holistic well-being and the integration of preventive healthcare principles into urban design, the market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 14.8% from 2025 to 2035, reaching US$ 2,180.2 billion by the end of the forecast period.

 

The Rise of Health-Centric Living Environments

Consumers today are redefining what it means to be “healthy.” No longer limited to just physical fitness or the absence of disease, health now includes mental, emotional, environmental, and social well-being. This evolution in mindset has fueled demand for properties that do more than just provide shelter—they must support healthier and more balanced lifestyles.

This paradigm shift is especially evident among millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize access to green spaces, clean air and water systems, natural lighting, and wellness-focused amenities such as fitness centers, meditation areas, and biophilic designs. Wellness real estate offers a built environment tailored to promote these lifestyle choices.

 

Market Drivers and Growth Catalysts

1. Growing Focus on Health-Conscious Living

An increasing awareness of how built environments affect long-term health is a key market driver. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness real estate surged from US$ 225 billion in 2019 to US$ 438 billion in 2023, showing an annual growth rate of 18.1%. This trajectory continues, with projections estimating the market will reach US$ 913 billion by 2028.

Health-conscious buyers now expect homes to be equipped with air purification systems, natural ventilation, circadian lighting, and noise-reducing designs. Mental well-being has also become a top priority, especially in the post-pandemic era, leading to the inclusion of features like community gardens, hydroponic food systems, and quiet zones for reflection and relaxation.

2. Integration of Preventive Healthcare and Urban Planning

Urban planning is increasingly aligning with public health initiatives. The "15-minute city" concept—where residents can access all essential services within a short walk or bike ride—is being adopted in urban centers such as Paris and Copenhagen. This model promotes physical activity, social cohesion, and reduced pollution, all of which are critical for disease prevention and long-term health.

Incorporating these ideas into real estate developments makes properties not only more desirable but also compliant with environmental and health standards being introduced globally.

 

Regional Outlook: North America Leads the Charge

North America dominated the wellness real estate market in 2024, thanks to a large upper-middle-class population and growing awareness about environmental and personal health risks. Markets in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Vancouver are seeing a spike in wellness-certified buildings, with developers integrating features that go beyond luxury—focusing on wellness infrastructure as a primary value proposition.

In the U.S., leading developers like Delos Living LLC and Tishman Speyer are transforming traditional real estate into wellness hubs. Residential and commercial buildings alike are designed with natural light access, green rooftops, wellness programming, and smart technologies that monitor air quality and other health metrics.

Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is emerging as a fast-growing region, propelled by urbanization, economic growth, and rising health awareness in countries such as India, China, and Japan. Notably, cities like Mangaluru in India are witnessing demand for luxury residences equipped with saunas, gyms, and nature-inspired interiors.

 

Real Estate Innovation: Notable Developments

Developers and companies are aggressively innovating to stay ahead of consumer demand and regulatory requirements.

• In 2025, Vanke partnered with Chinese municipalities to revamp older neighborhoods into mixed-use wellness districts, aligning with urban revitalization strategies.
• Emaar Properties PJSC launched The Heights Country Club & Wellness in 2024, a new luxury community in Dubai integrating green spaces, outdoor fitness, and well-being amenities.
• The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) unveiled its ‘Works with WELL’ product licensing program in late 2023, enabling manufacturers to certify that their products support wellness design principles.

These efforts are not isolated; they represent a broader industry-wide trend of merging sustainability, design innovation, and wellness science into real estate.

 

Market Segmentation Highlights

• By Property Type: The market is segmented into residential (luxury and affordable wellness housing) and commercial (wellness workspaces, hotels, resorts, and mixed-use developments).
• By Location: Urban centers dominate, but suburban and rural wellness communities are gaining popularity, particularly post-COVID as people seek low-density, nature-rich environments.
• By Wellness Features: Real estate offerings now include features targeting physical, emotional, nutritional, spiritual, and environmental wellness.
• By Category: Both new developments and renovations of existing properties are growing, with wellness retrofitting becoming a viable path to modernization.

 

Competitive Landscape

Prominent players shaping the global wellness real estate market include:

• Delos Living LLC
• The Related Companies, L.P.
• Sekisui House, Ltd.
• Gensler
• Tishman Speyer
• MAG Lifestyle Development
• The WELL Building Institute
• Lendlease Corporation
• China Vanke Co., Ltd.
• Emaar Properties PJSC

These companies are investing in smart technologies, eco-friendly construction, and sustainable urban infrastructure. Strategic collaborations with public health agencies, technology firms, and wellness organizations are becoming more common, allowing developers to offer more than just real estate—they deliver lifestyle ecosystems.

 

Future Outlook

With rising concerns about chronic diseases, mental health crises, and climate-related health risks, wellness real estate is poised to become a cornerstone of urban development. Governments, consumers, and corporations are recognizing the economic and societal value of designing spaces that promote well-being.

As the industry continues to evolve, future developments are likely to integrate AI-driven health analytics, telemedicine hubs, and carbon-neutral construction, further merging tech, health, and sustainability in the built environment.

 

Conclusion

The wellness real estate market is not just a trend—it’s a transformation. With projected growth reaching over US$ 2 trillion by 2035, the sector is redefining the intersection of real estate, public health, and technology. Developers who prioritize well-being-driven design will not only gain a competitive advantage but will also contribute to healthier, more resilient communities worldwide.