China retains its position as the world’s largest real estate brand market despite a 29% decline in combined brand value to $27.6 billion

New Brand Finance data shows Chinese brands account for five of the world’s top 10 real estate brands despite sector challenges

• Poly Development claims the title of the most valuable real estate brand globally
• China Resources Land maintains second position globally despite market headwinds
• Country Garden tops the global real estate strength rankings

Access media downloads here

BEIJING, 30 June 2026 – China remains the world’s largest real estate brand market, although the combined value of Chinese real estate brands in the Brand Finance Real Estate 25 2026 ranking has fallen 29% to USD27.6 billion as the prolonged property downturn continues to weigh on developer performance, investor sentiment, and consumer confidence.

According to the latest Real Estate 25 2026 report, Chinese brands continue to dominate the global real estate landscape, accounting for five of the world’s 10 most valuable real estate brands. However, weaker home sales, declining property prices, and ongoing liquidity challenges in its local market have significantly impacted brand values across the sector.

Despite these pressures, Poly Development (brand value down 12% to USD5.9 billion) emerges as the most valuable real estate brand globally for the first time. While the company continues to face the same market headwinds affecting the wider industry, its state-backed positioning, comparatively resilient market performance, and stronger perceptions of stability have supported its rise to the top of the global ranking.

China Resources Land (brand value down 28% to USD5.1 billion) retains second place globally. Although softer contract sales and weaker development sentiment weighed brand performance, stable recurring income from its commercial property portfolio helped mitigate some of the pressure.

Meanwhile, Vanke (brand value down 43% to USD4.2 billion) recorded one of the steepest declines among the world’s leading real estate brands as weaker contracted sales, lower profitability, and liquidity concerns continued to affect market confidence.

China Overseas Land & Investment (brand value down 2% to USD2.5 billion) proved comparatively resilient, supported by improvements in stakeholder perceptions and stronger confidence in its long-term stability.

Greenland (brand value down 11% to USD2.1 billion) continued to face challenges as declining revenues, debt concerns, and reduced development activity weakened both financial performance and brand perceptions.

Scott Chen, Managing Director China, Brand Finance, commented:

“China remains the world’s largest real estate brand market, but the sector is undergoing a profound structural adjustment. The 2026 results demonstrate that brand strength has become increasingly important during periods of market uncertainty. Developers perceived as financially resilient, operationally stable, and capable of delivering long-term value are proving better positioned to maintain stakeholder confidence. Poly Development’s leadership and the resilience of several state-backed developers illustrate how trust and stability have become critical competitive advantages in China’s evolving real estate market.”

Despite significant financial pressure, Country Garden (brand value down 68% to USD1.3 billion) ranks as the strongest real estate brand globally, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 89/100 and an AAA brand strength rating. Its strength reflects high legacy awareness in China’s residential market, although perceptions of trust, delivery certainty, and financial stability remain under pressure following debt restructuring challenges.

Brand Finance’s market research data also reveals a widening gap between developers perceived as financially secure and those facing liquidity concerns. State-backed developers have generally strengthened their relative positions, benefiting from stronger perceptions of stability and government support, while privately owned developers continue to face greater scrutiny from investors and homebuyers.

Although market conditions remain challenging, Chinese brands continue to occupy a central position in the global real estate industry. The long-term recovery of the sector is expected to depend on improving homebuyer confidence, stabilising market fundamentals, and rebuilding trust among stakeholders.