South Korea is the latest country to join the race to firmly establish itself as one of the most promising markets for predicted explosive real estate growth during 2026. It now joins the ranks of rapidly growing destinations of Vietnam, Greece, the UAE, Cyprus, Malta, and Turkey.
South Korea is currently witnessing a surge in property demand. This is driven by factors such as urbanization and robust economic growth. Additionally, the government has backed initiatives aimed at stimulating investment in the real estate sector. With both Seoul and Busan as its dynamic cities, South Korea’s real estate market now offers lucrative opportunities for both investors and homeowners. The nation’s strategic Asian location is attracting growing interest from international buyers. This positions South Korea as a key player in the global real estate landscape for the year ahead.
During 2026, the real estate market offers some of the highest returns in emerging growth hotspots. Prices in conventional mature markets such as the U.S. and Western Europe are reflecting moderate increases. However, dynamic markets in Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey, the UAE, and Vietnam are churning double-digit returns. So investing in developing economies often tends to generate 8%–15% annual growth. Compared to the mere 3% to 4% growth possible in mature markets, investing in developing economies typically yields higher returns. As such, the report now highlights key destinations where a potential investor can acquire high-yield assets.
The appeal of investing in fast-growing markets lies in the fact that property values are still relatively affordable, even as they reflect rapid growth. Market parameters tend to be already established in mature markets. Developing countries are still moving through a significant and rapid transformation. Population growth, expanding infrastructure, and increasing housing demands tend to lead to high returns for potential investors. These factors are expected to create a solid foundation for stronger overall investment growth.
Greek real estate has consistently reflected strong growth recently. Last year, during 2025, property prices increased by 8% – 9%. Urban areas experienced a 6% increase in the first quarter alone.
