Global Real Estate Trends with Kim Geile-Gonzalez

As the Olympics draw to a close, I thought it would be fascinating to look at how homeownership — one of the most powerful symbols of stability and success — compares across countries.

Homeownership represents more than just a place to live. In many cultures, it reflects financial security, generational wealth, and personal achievement. Yet even in nations with strong ownership rates, affordability and economic conditions continue to shape the path to buying a home.

Below is a look at how six major countries compare in today’s housing market.

United States

• Median Sold Price: $423,261
• Homeownership Rate: 65.7%
• 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.34%
• Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.3

The U.S. remains one of the more affordable developed markets based on its price-to-income ratio, making ownership attainable compared to many peers — even with elevated interest rates.

Canada

• Median Sold Price: $485,596
• Homeownership Rate: 66.7%
• 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate: 5.4%
• Price-to-Income Ratio: 10.2

Canada’s ownership rate is strong, but affordability remains a serious challenge — especially in major metros like Toronto and Vancouver.

United Kingdom

• Median Sold Price: $404,679
• Homeownership Rate: 64.7%
• 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate: 5.41%
• Price-to-Income Ratio: 8.8

While ownership remains culturally important, higher price-to-income ratios continue to strain first-time buyers across the UK.

France

• Median Sold Price: $318,000
• Homeownership Rate: 61.2%
• 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate: 3.77%
• Price-to-Income Ratio: 10.3

France benefits from comparatively lower mortgage rates, but affordability ratios suggest that buyers still face meaningful income barriers.

Japan

• Median Sold Price: $192,000
• Homeownership Rate: 55%
• 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate: 1.97%
• Price-to-Income Ratio: 12.2

Japan’s incredibly low interest rates are attractive, yet affordability challenges remain due to income dynamics and urban concentration.

Brazil

• Median Sold Price: $111,000
• Homeownership Rate: 70.8%
• 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate: 11.08%
• Price-to-Income Ratio: 15.2

Brazil boasts one of the highest ownership rates among these countries, but high borrowing costs and affordability pressures create significant financial strain for buyers.

Key Takeaways

• Homeownership remains globally significant, often tied to long-term wealth building and social stability.
• Affordability varies dramatically — the U.S. currently shows one of the strongest price-to-income positions among developed nations in this comparison.
•  Interest rates don’t tell the whole story. Even countries with low mortgage rates face affordability challenges when home prices outpace incomes.
• High ownership rates don’t equal easy ownership. Economic stability, lending practices, and wage growth all matter.

Why This Matters Locally

Global trends influence capital flows, interest rate policies, and investor activity — all of which impact local markets here at home. While every country faces unique housing challenges, the desire for homeownership remains universal. It is comforting to know that the US housing market remains one of the most desirable especially in terms of affordability. 

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply understanding how today’s market positions you for long-term wealth, I’m always happy to talk strategy.

Blessings,

Kim

Data sources: Trading Economics, World Population Review, and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Statistics reflect 2025–2026 estimates.