ULI examines demographic impact on real estate

Mature but still growing economies such as the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand will offer attractive real estate investment and development prospects once the recession subsides, according to a new publication from the Urban Land Institute entitled 'Global Demographics 2009: Shaping Real Estate's Future'. The report also notes that Europe is the one region of the world that will experience population declines between now and 2030, while the greatest population increases worldwide over the next 40 years will occur in China, India and the US.

The report examines the long-term land use implications posed by population growth, urbanisation, aging, and migration. This year's edition of the report, which will be published annually, discusses trends in the US and the rest of the Americas; and it places a special emphasis on Europe and Africa. Trends in Asia and Oceania are also covered. Key themes for this year include labour force, education, and productivity; personal income, purchasing power, and poverty; and retailing.

'This book reaffirms that population and demographic shifts will continue to place enormous pressure on urban areas around the globe. How cities are developed, how they welcome new residents, how they accommodate all income groups, and how they use energy and natural resources are all crucial elements of urban sustainability,' said Rachelle Levitt, executive vice president for ULI's Global Information Group and publisher of ULI's publications.