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Real Estate - Iceland

Iceland
  • The Real Estate market market in Iceland is expected to reach a value of US$141.20bn in 2024.
  • The market is dominated by Residential Real Estate, which is projected to have a market volume of US$112.30bn in the same year.
  • It is anticipated that the market will experience an annual growth rate of 6.68% from 2024 to 2029, resulting in a market volume of US$195.00bn by 2029.
  • In comparison to other countries, United States is predicted to generate the highest value in the Real Estate market market, with US$132.0tn in 2024.
  • The real estate market in Iceland is experiencing a surge in demand due to the country's breathtaking natural landscapes and growing tourism industry.

Definition:

The real estate market refers to the transaction of properties, including residential properties (such as houses and apartments) and commercial properties, such as office buildings and industrial properties. Apart from property sales, this market includes leases and the value of real estate.

Structure:

The real estate market comprises residential and commercial real estate. The residential real estate market covers real estate transactions and leases, and residential real estate leases are divided into apartment and house leases.

Additional information:

The market contains the following KPIs: real estate value aggregated for all countries and regions, average real estate value, real estate transaction revenue, number of real estate sold, number of leased and owned real estate, average room per resident, and dwelling type shares. The dwelling type shares comprise the share of the population that lives in houses and apartments. These shares are displayed for real estate owners and real estate renters as well.

In-Scope

  • Residential real estate (houses and apartments)
  • Commercial real estate (office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, industrial properties)

Out-Of-Scope

  • Real estate agencies
  • Construction companies
  • Accommodation services, such as Airbnb
  • Commercial real estate leases and transactions
  • Publicly owned buildings used by the local government
  • Buildings used for public health care services
Commercial Real Estate: market data & analysis  - Cover

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Commercial Real Estate: market data & analysis

Study Details

    Value

    Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update: Jul 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update: Jul 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Notes: Please note that this chart only covers the residential real estate market. Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update: Jul 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Value Split

    Most recent update: Jul 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Volume

    Notes: Please note that this chart only covers the residential real estate market.

    Most recent update: Jul 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Analyst Opinion

    The Real Estate market in Iceland has been experiencing significant growth and development in recent years.

    Customer preferences:
    Customers in Iceland are increasingly looking for modern and energy-efficient properties. With the rising awareness of environmental issues and the desire to reduce energy consumption, there is a growing demand for properties that are built with sustainable materials and equipped with energy-saving features. Additionally, customers are also seeking properties that offer a high level of comfort and convenience, such as those with smart home technology and modern amenities.

    Trends in the market:
    One of the key trends in the Icelandic Real Estate market is the increasing popularity of urban living. As more people are moving to urban areas in search of better job opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle, the demand for properties in cities like Reykjavik has been on the rise. This trend is driven by the availability of amenities such as restaurants, shopping centers, and cultural attractions in urban areas. Another trend in the market is the growing interest in vacation homes. Iceland's unique natural landscapes, including its geothermal hot springs, glaciers, and volcanoes, have made it a popular tourist destination. As a result, there is a demand for vacation homes in scenic locations that offer a peaceful retreat and easy access to outdoor activities.

    Local special circumstances:
    Iceland's geographical location and climate present some unique challenges and opportunities in the Real Estate market. The country's volcanic activity and seismic activity mean that properties must be built to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters. This has led to the development of innovative construction techniques and materials that ensure the safety and durability of buildings. Additionally, Iceland's strict regulations on foreign ownership of properties have had an impact on the Real Estate market. Non-residents can only purchase properties in designated areas, and there are restrictions on the types of properties that can be purchased. This has limited the supply of properties available to foreign buyers and has contributed to the increasing prices in the market.

    Underlying macroeconomic factors:
    Several macroeconomic factors have contributed to the growth of the Real Estate market in Iceland. The country has experienced strong economic growth in recent years, driven by sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, and technology. This has led to an increase in disposable income and a higher level of consumer confidence, which has translated into increased demand for properties. Low interest rates have also played a role in driving the Real Estate market. The Central Bank of Iceland has maintained historically low interest rates to stimulate economic growth and investment. This has made borrowing more affordable for homebuyers and has encouraged investment in the Real Estate sector. In conclusion, the Real Estate market in Iceland is developing in response to customer preferences for modern and energy-efficient properties, as well as the growing interest in urban living and vacation homes. The country's unique geographical location and strict regulations on foreign ownership have also shaped the market. Strong economic growth and low interest rates have further fueled the demand for properties in Iceland.

    Transaction Value

    Notes: Please note that this chart only covers residential real estate sales. Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update: Jul 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Methodology

    Data coverage:

    Figures are based on value of residential and commercial real estate, average real estate value, residential estate transactions and leases.

    Modeling approach / Market size:

    Market sizes are determined by a combined Top-Down and Bottom-Up approach, based on a specific rationale for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use data from international organizations and industry associations. Next we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations such as GDP, price level index, household wealth, household size, number of renter and owner households, housing consumer spending per capita. This data helps us to estimate the market size for each country individually.

    Forecasts:

    In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the particular market. For example, exponential trend smoothing. The main drivers are GDP per capita, population, number of renter and owner households, price level index, housing consumer spending per capita.

    Additional Notes:

    The market is updated twice per year in case market dynamics change. The impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level.

    Financial

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    Key Market Indicators

    Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

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