Real estate development is a crucial component of the international economy, with billions of dollars invested in the sector each year. Real estate developers shape the real estate industry, create new communities, and transform existing ones. The best real estate developers worldwide are popular for their innovative designs, sustainable practices, and exceptional quality. To learn more about the real estate development process, read The Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Development.

Keller Williams

Keller Williams is deemed the world’s best real estate developer. Moreover, it is the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count. The company began its development in 1983 by Gary Keller and Joe Williams; the brokerage started with a single office in Austin, Texas. Since then, the company has expanded its reach and franchised its business model, boasting more than 1,080 offices and over 200,000 agents worldwide.

Here are some key points to know about Keller Williams:

• The company was on Fortune’s list of America’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023.
• Keller Williams ranked in the 2021 RealTrends’ “The Thousand,” a list of America’s best real estate professionals.
• The franchise has over a third of the top-producing brokerages in the 2023 RealTrends 500, according to the annual ranking produced by RealTrends.

Keller Williams’ success can be attributed to its focus on agent training and support. In addition, Keller Williams’ technology platform, KW Command, offers agents a suite of tools to manage their business and stay connected with clients.

Wheelock and Company

Wheelock and Company is a Hong Kong-based real estate company that started in 1857. It is one of the world’s largest real estate developers, focusing on developing high-end commercial and residential properties.

Here are some critical facts about Wheelock and Company:

• Wheelock and Company hold three principal companies: The Wharf (Holdings) Limited, Wharf Real Estate Investment Company Limited, and Wheelock Properties Limited.
• The company’s total assets reached HK$234.7 billion as of June 30, 2023.
• Wheelock and Company is the largest real estate company in the world and was able to withstand the effects of COVID-19.
• The company has a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, where it has developed several high-profile projects.
• Some of Wheelock and Company’s most notable projects include The Murray, a luxury hotel in Hong Kong, and Harbour City, a large-scale shopping and entertainment complex in Kowloon.
• Wheelock and Company is renowned for developing high-quality, sustainable properties that meet modern consumers’ needs.

Mitsubishi Estate Company

Mitsubishi Estate Company, Limited (MEC) is one of Japan’s most prominent developers. The company began its journey in 1937 in Tokyo, Japan. MEC is involved in property management, leasing, sales, and development. As of 2023, Mitsubishi Estate has the most valuable portfolio in the Japanese real estate industry, with a total value of approximately 7.4 trillion yen.

MEC has a strong presence in commercial and residential real estate markets. The company has developed numerous high-rise office buildings, shopping centers, and residential complexes throughout Japan. MEC is also involved in international real estate development, with projects in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Some key facts about Mitsubishi Estate Company:

• Started in 1937
• Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan
• Involved in property management, leasing, sales, and development
• Most valuable portfolio in the Japanese real estate industry
• Strong presence in both the commercial and residential real estate markets
• International real estate development projects in the United States, Europe, and Asia

Mitsubishi Estate Company is a significant Japanese real estate industry player with a strong presence in international markets. With a focus on property management, leasing, sales, and development, MEC is well-positioned to continue its success in the coming years.

Simon Property Group, Inc.

This company was founded by brothers Melvin Simon and Herbert Simon in 1960 and is in Indianapolis, Indiana. Simon Property Group has a market value of $36,585 million as of March 31, 2023.

Key Facts

Here are some critical facts about Simon Property Group:

• Simon Property Group is an S&P 500 company.
• The company has over 393 retail real estate units comprising 264 million square feet in Europe, North America, and Asia.
• Simon Property Group is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most valued companies.
• The company is popular for its high-end shopping centres and malls, including The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Nevada, Las Vegas, and The Galleria in Houston, Texas.

Recent Developments

Here are some recent developments related to Simon Property Group:

• In 2022, Simon Property Group announced plans to acquire rival real estate company Taubman Centers for $3.6 billion.
• In 2023, Simon Property Group was named the world’s most admired real estate company for the second year in a row by Fortune magazine.
• Simon Property Group has expanded its presence in Asia and recently opened a new shopping center in Seoul, South Korea.
• The company has also been investing in technology to enhance the shopping experience for customers, including the implementation of augmented reality and VR in its developments.

American Tower Corporation

American Tower Corporation specializes in owning, operating, and developing wireless and broadcast communications real estate. The company began in 1995 and became one of the largest global REITs.

Key Facts

• The company owns and operates over 221,000 cell towers around the world.
• American Tower Corporation has a market capitalization of more than $100 billion.
• The company is in Boston, Massachusetts.

Awards and Recognition

• American Tower Corporation was

  373 on the Fortune 500 list in 2023.

• The company was also ranked

  5 in global competitiveness by Fortune.

• In 2022, American Tower Corporation was

  390 on the Forbes International list of the world’s real estate companies.

Projects

• American Tower Corporation has a presence in over 20 countries around the world.
• The company has been involved in several high-profile projects, including constructing a 100-meter tower in the heart of Mumbai, India.
• American Tower Corporation is also involved in various community initiatives, including donating to disaster relief efforts and supporting local charities.

American Tower Corporation is a global leader in the real estate industry, with a strong focus on wireless and broadcast communications real estate. With a presence in over 20 countries and a market capitalization of more than $100 billion.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings

Hilton Worldwide Holdings is a Virginia-based hospitality company that owns, leases, manages, develops, and franchises hotels and resorts. It is the largest hotel company in the world by room count, with over 6,000 properties in 119 countries and territories. The company has a market value of $37,535 million as of 2023.

Here are some critical facts about Hilton Worldwide Holdings:

• Hilton Worldwide Holdings was the top company in the 2023 World’s Best Workplaces by Fortune.
• The company was also on Forbes’ list of The World’s Largest Public Real Estate Companies in 2021.
• In 2023, according to Fortune, Hilton Worldwide Holdings was the 38th on the 500 list of the most significant American corporations by total revenue.
• Hilton Worldwide Holdings has a hold rating due to its solid growth and premium valuation.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings has a diverse portfolio of brands, including Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, and Hampton by Hilton. The company strongly focuses on sustainability and aims to cut its environmental footprint by half by 2030.

DAMAC Properties

DAMAC Properties has developed the Middle East’s luxury real estate industry since 1982. The company is part of DAMAC Group, which has a reputation for launching high-end properties in the region and beyond.

Here are some key points to know about DAMAC Properties:

• The company has expanded to launch projects in countries such as Jordan and Lebanon and on the European continent.
• DAMAC Properties is known for its high-end constructions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
• The company’s communities offer luxury homes for sale, such as DAMAC Lagoons Dubailand in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
• The company has created some of Dubai’s most breathtaking new projects, from stunning high-rise towers to opulent villas.

United Development Company

United Development Company (UDC) is a multi-disciplined real estate company that started in 2007 in the United States. Its origin dates back to 1996, with the first investments made by the Netherlands-based United Investment Company. UDC has become a leading real estate developer focusing on luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality properties.

UDC’s portfolio includes several high-profile developments, such as The Pearl-Qatar, an artificial island spanning over 4 million square meters and featuring luxury residential properties, hotels, retail outlets, and entertainment facilities. The company also developed Gewan Island, a similar project in northern Qatar, and Medina Centrale, a mixed-use development within The Pearl-Qatar.

Here are some critical facts about UDC:

• Founded in 2007, with origins dating back to 1996
• Based in the United States
• Focus on luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality properties
• Developed The Pearl-Qatar, Gewan Island, and Medina Centrale
• Also involved in property management, facilities management, and investment management

UDC has received several awards and recognitions for its projects, including the Best Mixed-Use Development Award at the Arabian Property Awards, the Best Real Estate Developer Award at the Cityscape Qatar Awards, and the Best Real Estate Development Company Award at the Gulf Real Estate Awards. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, UDC commits to continuing its growth and success in the real estate industry.

Al dar Properties

Aldar Properties is a reputable real estate developer, investor, and manager in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The company has established itself as one of the largest and most innovative developers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Notable Projects

Aldar Properties has been behind some of the most iconic projects in the UAE, such as Yas Island, Ferrari World, and Reem Island. The company’s coin-shaped building in Abu Dhabi has also become a landmark of the city’s skyline. In addition to these projects, Aldar Properties has expanded its geographic reach by acquiring London-based developer London Square.

Financial Performance

Aldar Properties has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance, with assets valued at $10.9 billion and a market value of $7.5 billion as of 2021. The company’s total capital deployment into recurring income assets reached $2.02 billion in 2022.

Awards and Recognition

Aldar Properties has received numerous awards and recognition for its outstanding contributions to the real estate industry. Forbes named The company one of the Top 100 Companies in the Middle East in 2021 and 2023. It also became the Best Real Estate Developer in the UAE at the Arabian Business Real Estate Awards in 2021.

Key Strengths

• A solid and diverse portfolio of recurring income assets.
• Innovative and iconic projects that have become landmarks in the UAE.
• Geographic expansion through strategic acquisitions, such as London Square.
• Recognition and awards for outstanding contributions to the real estate industry.

Equity Residential

Equity Residential (EQR) is a public and real estate investment company that invests in residential properties across the United States. EQR owns or has investments in over 300 properties of more than 79,000 apartment units in various cities, including San Francisco, New York, Washington D.C., Denver, and Atlanta. The company’s mission is to create communities where people thrive, and it achieves this through its commitment to providing high-quality rental apartment properties.

Key Strengths

• EQR is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EQR).
• EQR’s portfolio consists of communities developed to meet the needs of residents, from professionals to families and retirees.
• The company’s commitment to sustainability is evidenced by its LEED-certified properties and its focus on reducing its carbon footprint.
• The company provides affordable and attractive housing options to affluent long-term renters.
• Equity Residential’s portfolio comprises 305 properties with 80,683 apartment units in dynamic cities across the United States.
• The company’s financial performance is solid and consistent, with positive earnings per share, net income, and growth in recent years.
• Equity Residential commits to maintaining an inclusive workplace where employees can thrive and grow.

Portfolio and Markets

Equity Residential owns and invests in over 305 properties of 80,683 apartment units in dynamic cities across the United States, including Boston, Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Southern California, Denver, Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, and Washington, DC. The company focuses on urban locations that offer residents access to various amenities, including transportation, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Top Real Estate Developers in Arab Regions:

• Top Real Estate Companies in Kuwait
• Top Real Estate Companies in Bahrain
• Top Real Estate Companies in Saudi Arabia
• Top Real Estate Companies in Egypt

Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria define the best real estate developers globally?

The best real estate developers globally must be able to deliver quality projects that meet the needs of their clients. They should have experience in the construction, designing, and managing real estate projects. The best developers also have extensive knowledge of the real estate market and can adapt to changing market conditions.

Which companies are the top commercial real estate developers?

Many companies are the top commercial real estate developers. Some of the most well-known companies include Brookfield Asset Management, Blackstone Group, Hines, and Prologis. These companies have a global presence due to their expertise in developing high-quality commercial real estate projects.

Can you list the top real estate brokerages known for their global presence?

Some top real estate brokerages known for their global presence include CBRE, JLL, Colliers International, and Cushman & Wakefield. These companies have a strong presence in multiple markets for their expertise in offering real estate services, including leasing, sales, and property management.

What makes a real estate company famous on an international level?

A real estate company can become famous internationally by delivering high-quality projects that meet the needs of their clients. They must also have a strong brand and reputation built through effective marketing and communication strategies. Companies that can establish a global presence and maintain a strong reputation over time are more likely to become famous on an international level.

Which real estate developers are leading the market in 2023?

As of 2023, some real estate developers leading the market include Brookfield Asset Management, Blackstone Group, Hines, and Prologis. They also take advantage of emerging trends in the market, such as the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly buildings.

Who is the largest real estate developer in the world?

Top 10 Real Estate Firms in the World in 2021 by Revenue.

Greenland Holdings Corp Ltd. ... .

Country Garden Holdings Co Ltd. ... .

Poly Development Holding Group Co Ltd. ... .

Longfor Group Holdings Ltd. ... .

China Evergrande Group. ... .

CBRE Group Inc. Construction. ... .

China Resources Land Ltd. Hong Kong. ... .

China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd. Hong Kong..

What company owns the most real estate in the world?

There was change in the top 10 this year, with only the top two biggest owners of real estate – China's Evergrande Real Estate ($273.8bn) and Canada's Brookfield Asset Management ($256.3bn) – retaining their positions.

Who is the number one real estate brokerage in the world?

About Keller Williams Austin, Texas-based Keller Williams, the world's largest real estate franchise by agent count, has more than 1,100 offices and 191,000 agents.

What is the fastest growing real estate brokerage in the world?

eXp Realty is the fastest-growing real estate brokerage in the world.