In today’s real estate world, a project’s success is no longer measured solely by numbers; rather, people and their lived experiences within a space have become the cornerstone of investment decision-making. Projects that prioritize the quality of life for their residents achieve higher returns, better occupancy rates, and sustainable market value, while traditional projects remain vulnerable to market fluctuations and increased eviction risks.
Global data indicates that the wellness real estate market—focused on human well-being—exceeded $584 billion in 2024, and is expected to exceed $1.1 trillion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 20%. According to the Global Wellness Institute, global experience has shown that buildings designed according to health and wellness standards—such as WELL and Fitwel certifications—attract long-term tenants and investors, reduce operational risks, and maintain market value over the long term.
If we focus our discussion on the Saudi real estate market, we find that its overarching theme is “rapid growth and significant changes.” The Kingdom is undergoing major transformations in the real estate market, with clear economic impacts: the volume of real estate transactions reached 1.2 trillion Saudi riyals (≈$324 billion) between July 2023 and July 2025, an increase of 17% in a single year, according to realassetinsight.com
Furthermore, the total market value exceeded 2.5 trillion riyals (≈666 billion dollars) in 2024, while sales of residential units in major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province exceeded 118 billion riyals (≈$32 billion) in 2024, a 50% increase from the previous year. According to (deloitte.com) Additionally, approximately 69% of the residential units sold fell within the mid-range price bracket of 250,000 to 1,000,000 riyals, reflecting a shift in demand toward housing that prioritizes quality of life. Forecasts indicate a compound annual growth rate of 7–8% through 2031, driven by the expansion of major cities and increasing demand for integrated housing. According to mordorintelligence.com, the projected population of Riyadh alone is expected to exceed 17 million by 2030, further increasing the need to develop projects that prioritize human well-being.
“Human-centered real estate” is "human-centered real estate" is an investment opportunity for several reasons, including the fact that it represents stable, long-term demand; furthermore, projects that place people at the heart of their design attract buyers and renters seeking a balanced living environment, ensuring high occupancy rates and investment stability. There is no doubt that human-centered real estate aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, as it seeks to raise the homeownership rate to 70%, promote sustainable communities, and build infrastructure that respects family well-being. Human-centered projects not only serve residents but also support strategic development goals and generate sustainable financial returns.
Integrating human-centered factors into building design reduces operational risks, improves resident satisfaction, and increases property value in the long term, making it a profitable and sustainable investment. Human-centered design is not limited to aesthetics; it also includes:
Natural lighting and good ventilation.
Green spaces and a healthy environment.
Ease of mobility for adults and seniors.
Integrated communities that include community, educational, and health services.
These factors transform real estate from a static financial product into an integrated living environment, making residents part of the investment’s success and positioning people as a safeguard for the return on investment.
Based on all of the above, we can affirm that human-centered real estate is not an aesthetic or recreational choice, but rather a strategic economic and investment decision. In Saudi Arabia, where population growth is rapid and Vision 2030 focuses on quality of life and social empowerment, placing people at the heart of the real estate process represents a unique opportunity to maximize returns, minimize risks, and build sustainable communities. When real estate is built for people, it is built for both sustainability and profitability.
