The wellness economy has surged to new heights, reaching $6.3 trillion in 2023, with projections to grow to $9 trillion by 2028. As wellness becomes a global priority, more homeowners and buyers are exploring ways to integrate wellness features into their living spaces and choose communities that foster a healthier lifestyle. The Globe and Mail recently highlighted the rising demand for wellness real estate, emphasizing how developers are “incorporating amenities like air purification systems, circadian lighting, and access to green spaces” to align with wellness-conscious buyers.
Trending Insights
- Growth of the Wellness Economy: The global wellness economy has reached a peak of $6.3 trillion in 2023, up from $5.8 trillion in 2022. This represents a 9% annual growth rate and underscores wellness as a rapidly growing priority worldwide.
- Wellness Real Estate Growth: Wellness real estate, one of the fastest-growing sectors, expanded at an impressive annual rate of 18.1% from 2019 to 2023. This positions wellness-oriented properties as a significant trend, especially for buyers looking for long-term well-being investments.
- Projected Industry Expansion: The wellness market is forecast to reach $9 trillion by 2028, growing at a projected annual rate of 7.3%. This upward trajectory reflects a societal shift toward health-centric lifestyles, indicating sustained demand for wellness features in real estate.
- Sector Comparisons: Wellness now accounts for over 6% of global GDP, making it a major economic driver, much larger than the pharmaceutical industry and comparable to sectors like IT and tourism. This scale reinforces the financial viability and appeal of wellness-oriented home features and communities.
- Key Trends: Factors like aging populations, chronic diseases, and mental health challenges fuel the wellness industry’s expansion, making homes with wellness-focused features and community access to health amenities a valuable asset.
5 Practical Strategies to Enhance Wellness in Your Home and Find Supportive Communities
(1) Invest in Wellness Lighting Solutions
Lighting affects more than just ambiance—it plays a crucial role in our circadian rhythms, mood, and mental clarity.
With wellness real estate gaining traction, circadian lighting systems, like Ketra Lighting, are becoming essential. These systems mimic natural daylight patterns, supporting your body’s natural rhythms and promoting better sleep and focus. Whether you’re renovating an existing home or building a new one, wellness-focused lighting is an investment with lasting health benefits.
(2) Enhance Indoor Air Quality
Air quality is fundamental to a healthy home environment, impacting respiratory health and overall wellness.
Air purification systems with HEPA filters, humidifiers, and even air-purifying plants can significantly improve indoor air quality, reducing allergens and pollutants. Given the wellness industry’s substantial growth—now larger than the pharmaceutical sector—indoor air quality is no longer an afterthought but a priority for health-conscious homeowners. As demand for wellness real estate grows, homes with superior air quality solutions are increasingly appealing.
(3) Optimize Space for Physical Activity
Physical activity represents a $1,060 billion sector in the wellness economy, underscoring its importance in daily life.
Dedicated spaces for exercise at home are becoming a must-have feature. Consider creating multifunctional areas for yoga, Pilates, or general fitness that suit your lifestyle and needs. Even in smaller spaces, convertible furniture or modular setups can make a home conducive to physical activity. With wellness real estate booming, home gyms and exercise spaces contribute to the overall appeal and value of a wellness-centric property.
(4) Look for Wellness-Focused Communities
Wellness real estate communities are on the rise, offering residents access to amenities that support a healthier lifestyle.
When choosing a home, consider communities that offer wellness-oriented amenities, such as green spaces, walking trails, fitness centers, and access to wellness services. As The Globe and Mail noted in September 2024, investing in wellness real estate can provide “higher returns and increased property value,” making it an appealing option for health-conscious buyers and investors alike. Living in a wellness-focused community not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also aligns with broader real estate trends that prioritize well-being.
(5) Incorporate Mental Wellness Spaces
Mental wellness is valued at $233 billion within the global wellness economy and is an essential part of overall well-being.
Designate quiet areas in your home for mindfulness practices, meditation, or simply relaxation. Features such as soundproofing, comfortable seating, and natural decor elements can create an ideal environment for mental well-being. Mental wellness spaces are especially popular in wellness real estate, adding unique value to a home while enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Closing Thoughts
As the wellness economy continues to grow, wellness-centric homes and communities are becoming more than just a trend—they’re a pathway to better living. Integrating wellness features and selecting communities that prioritize health and well-being can elevate a home’s value and enhance your quality of life. Investing in wellness-focused real estate is both a personal and financial commitment to a healthier future. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current space or seek a new wellness-oriented property, these five strategies can help you achieve a home that truly supports your well-being.
