We have looked at a range of factors including demographics, migration, employment, affordability, homeownership, local legislation, housing delivery and university rankings and student numbers, weighting each factor according to its importance.

Student housing investability index

Australia ranks top as a market forecast to see strong growth in its student age population. Its institutions have a strong international standing and it is a top destination for foreign students. Canada, a market with similar characteristics, ranks second – it also has the longest post-study visa length out of the markets considered. Austria scores well for its low tuition fees and very low provision of student accommodation, posing particular opportunity for developers.

Multifamily investability index

As a mature and liquid multifamily market, the US ranks top, and scores well on employment and household income prospects. The UAE, which has a very high propensity to rent, does well as a migration hotspot with a large share of high-income households. The Netherlands, meanwhile, is a market where affordability in the for-sale market is squeezed and scores highly for forecast growth in employment.

Senior housing investability index

China ranks first for senior housing market prospects, helped by its huge and fast-growing 70–79-year-old population – although there are cultural barriers to overcome. The United States, an established and liquid senior housing investment market, scores well across the board but Japan scores highly as an ageing and wealthy nation.

_{Read the articles within Report: Global Living below.}