What if the way we buy, sell, live, and work in real estate completely transformed in the next decade? Would you be ready for it? Real estate is no longer just about buildings; it’s about how technology, people, and environments interact to create smarter, more human-centric spaces.

The road to 2030 is filled with both challenges and opportunities that will fundamentally reshape the industry.

Real estate—whether residential, commercial, or industrial—will undergo dramatic shifts in how we buy, lease, rent, and manage properties.

Technologies like proptech and fintech, as well as social, political, and economic forces, will redefine how we live and work. The infrastructure we create today will shape the next decade and beyond, and it’s time to rethink how we approach property.

In my decades of exploring the future of real estate, I’ve seen this industry evolve through every new wave of change.

Just recently, at my keynote in Canberra, we delved deeper into these long-standing issues, reinforcing the broad and exciting possibilities that lie ahead. From multigenerational homes to active, AI-powered smart cities, the opportunities are vast, and they require strategic thinking today to seize tomorrow’s potential.

A Broader Horizon of Possibilities

These are just a few of the many factors shaping the future of real estate, but the landscape is far broader. The influences range from technological innovations to political shifts, economic pressures, and environmental changes.

Understanding these influences is crucial to developing a comprehensive view of the future and making strategic decisions. Without this holistic perspective, businesses risk being left behind.

Let’s explore some of the key issues ahead.

Housing Demand and Affordability for Gen Z

By 2030, the oldest members of Generation Z will be in their mid-30s and looking to purchase homes. Despite the current challenges, there is reason for cautious optimism:

• Rising incomes: Gen Z is entering the workforce at a time when wages are higher due to baby boomers retiring and a persistent skills shortage.
• Boomer homes hitting the market: Many homes in middle suburbs will soon be available, providing millennials with upgrading opportunities and leaving urban fringe homes for Gen Z.
• Technological advances: Automation and prefabrication will help increase housing supply, easing affordability pressures.

Back in 2017, I explored the future of housing in Housing 2040: A Glimpse into the Future, predicting the very shifts we’re starting to see today. Even then, it was clear that the traditional housing market couldn’t keep pace with demand, and the need for innovation in construction methods was crucial. Now, as we move toward 2030, that need has only intensified.

(Related reading: Housing 2040: A Glimpse into the Future)

The Future of Rental Stock: Long-Term Stability

The rental market is shifting from individual landlords to institutional investors through Build-to-Rent (BTR) models. This could bring about long-term leases and stability:

• Lifelong leases, potentially giftable to children: Inspired by Singapore’s model, Australia may adopt long-term rental agreements offering greater security.

In Singapore, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) model, with a home ownership rate of around 90%, allows long-term leases to be passed down to future generations, providing stability across multiple generations.

• Lower rents through institutional investment: As institutional investors control more of the market, rents may decrease as policies to lower house prices become more politically feasible.

In Living in a Smart City (2018), I highlighted the potential for cities to evolve with technological innovation and community-centric policies. The rise of institutional investors in the rental market is a critical part of this shift, allowing cities to cater to broader socioeconomic needs while also stabilising housing options.

(Related reading: Living in a Smart City)

Active Homes and Smart Cities

In 2030, homes will be more than just living spaces—they’ll be intelligent systems integrated into the broader infrastructure of smart cities. Imagine homes that “whisper” updates about energy usage, security, and environment, making life easier for residents. These active homes, powered by AI and IoT, will seamlessly interact with their environments.

• Digital twins: Homes will have virtual counterparts, helping manage predictive maintenance and even tenancy management.
• Multigenerational living: Spaces will be designed to accommodate the evolving needs of families throughout the day, fostering human-centric, adaptable environments.

As far back as 2017 in my article Future Smart Cities, I emphasised the growing role of technology in shaping our urban environments. The integration of AI and IoT into everyday living was a key foresight then, and today it’s becoming a reality. These changes offer immense potential to transform how we experience our homes and cities.

(Related reading: Future Smart Cities)

Proptech, Fintech, and Real Estate’s New Infrastructure

Proptech and fintech are rapidly transforming the way we buy, sell, and manage real estate. By 2032, the Proptech market is expected to exceed $133 billion, with new tools revolutionising property management, tenant relations, and more.

These technologies are unlocking new avenues for financing and investing, helping predict market trends and design buildings that meet future needs.

In my article 7 Predictions for the Property Market (2019), I discussed the early signs of Proptech’s impact on the industry, predicting the very disruptions we are seeing today.

The need for technological agility has never been greater as we move into a future where these tools will redefine how we interact with real estate.

(Related reading: 7 Predictions for the Property Market)

The Future Workforce and Real Estate

As we move into the next decade, changes in how we work will directly impact real estate. Flexibility will be key as hybrid work models become the norm. This will drive demand for both residential and commercial spaces designed for multiple purposes, accommodating work, recreation, and daily life all in one place.

• Hybrid work models: Homes and offices will need to adapt to the blending of work and personal life, with flexible layouts and collaborative spaces.
• Multifunctional buildings: Commercial spaces will evolve to serve a variety of functions, extending the life and utility of buildings.

In Work 2050: Future Workforce (2018), I foresaw the importance of adaptability in the workspace. As we now see the shift toward hybrid working models, those insights continue to hold strong as businesses rethink their real estate needs.

(Related reading: Work 2050: Future Workforce)

Shaping the Future of Real Estate: Balancing Innovation with Humanity

Where we live, work, and play defines how we think, the opportunities we see, and the futures we create. Real estate isn’t just about buildings—it’s about shaping the environment that supports human potential.

While technology will play a significant role in future homes, offices, and industrial spaces, it’s essential to remember that not all environments will be driven by obvious technological change.

For many, the spaces they inhabit may remain tech-free or subtly enhanced. The beauty of the future real estate landscape is that it will offer a blend of old and new.

The majority of future housing, offices, and industrial stock will include historical and older buildings—some retrofitted, some reimagined, and others left untouched by technology. This rich diversity in our built environments allows us to cater to the varied needs of the people who live and work within them.

Real estate decisions are about more than just structures—they are about consciously creating environments that support the needs, values, and futures of the people who use them.

Whether through cutting-edge technology or preserving historical integrity, we have the opportunity to imagine and plan spaces that leave lasting legacies.

The future of real estate is not about choosing between technology and tradition—it’s about understanding and meeting human needs through thoughtful, deliberate choices.

Great real estate decisions will shape our emotional, physical, and social futures, offering environments where everyone can thrive.

Putting This Into Action: A Practical Exercise

The future of real estate is full of possibilities, but it’s not just about looking forward—it’s about acting today. Here’s a challenge you can start immediately:

1. Scan for Signals – Identify three emerging trends or technologies in real estate or your industry. What impact could they have on your business in the next five to ten years?
2. Ask Why – For each trend, ask why it matters to your clients, your market, and your operations. Don’t stop at the first answer—dig deeper.
3. Reimagine One Process – Choose one process or area of your business that could benefit from innovation or a fresh perspective. How could technology, new work models, or smarter infrastructure enhance it?
4. Take Action – Choose one small but significant action you can implement in the next 90 days. It could be as simple as exploring a new proptech tool or rethinking your property management approach.
5. Prepare for What’s Next – The real estate industry is in constant motion. Are you set up to keep pace with the changes? Create a regular practice of future-scanning and ongoing learning to ensure you’re always ready to adapt.

Shaping the Future of Real Estate Today

Real estate isn’t just a backdrop to our lives—it’s the foundation upon which we build them.

Where we choose to live, work, and play has a profound effect on how we envision the world and seize opportunities.

Our environments—whether they are steeped in tradition, rich in technology, or a blend of both—dictate the way we think, collaborate, and create.

As the world around us continues to evolve, so too must our approach to real estate. Whether we’re retrofitting historical buildings, reimagining multipurpose spaces, or developing smart cities, the decisions we make today will shape the legacies we leave behind tomorrow.

Great real estate decisions are about more than just structures; they are about fostering environments that physically and emotionally shape human futures.

By choosing to act now, with foresight and imagination, you can create spaces that inspire, empower, and allow future generations to thrive.

The future is not simply something to react to—it’s something we can actively imagine, create, and shape.

Let’s embrace the possibilities ahead and make deliberate choices that will leave a lasting legacy in the world of real estate.

Bespoke Solutions for Your Audience

I’ve been around the real estate industry for much of my career, consulting and speaking to global industry giants and smaller operators alike. I’ve presented extensively on Real Estate 2030, and my diary always has keynotes, workshops, and strategic conversations on this topic. Real estate remains vital and exciting because, at its core, shelter is a fundamental human need.

What makes this sector so ripe for change are the powerful forces influencing it: technology, societal shifts, politics, economics, environmental concerns, and legal frameworks. These converging factors mean the future of real estate is filled with opportunities to reimagine and create what’s next. It’s not about following well-worn paths, but about recognising the signals, looking deeper at what’s happening, and making purposeful, forward-thinking decisions that shape the direction we move toward.

Each keynote or workshop I deliver is fully bespoke. I work closely with clients to research, imagine, and present strategies that align with their unique needs. Whether you’re involved in residential, commercial, or industrial real estate, I’ll bring insights and ideas that help you see the possibilities and make fundamental choices that set you on the best path forward.

(Related reading: The Human-Machine Dance: Future of Work)

Bio

Morris Misel, a business futurist with over 40 years of global experience, has helped organisations across 160 industries, including real estate, navigate future possibilities.

With a human-centric approach to foresight, he specialises in identifying emerging signals and turning them into actionable strategies for his clients.

His expertise covers a wide range of topics, from Real Estate 2030 to AI Integration and Workforce Evolution.

Morris’ unique ability to blend visionary thinking with practical application makes him a sought-after keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, consultant and media commentator.

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