# Global real estate market trends and shifts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-real-estate-market-trends-and-shifts > Updated: 2026-08-26T07:59:54.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2. Global real estate markets are experiencing diverse and localized shifts in value, availability, and investment trends. In Japan, demographic decline has led to the ‘akiya’ phenomenon, where approximately nine million homes sit vacant, with some rural properties selling for as little as one yen. In the Balkans, affordability is a critical issue; in Bosnia and Herzegovina, high apartment prices mean a single worker might need over 12 years of total income to afford a 65 m² home. Montenegro has seen property prices nearly double since 2020, while Croatia faces a divide between luxury developments in Zagreb and controversial price-per-square-meter rates in Split. In the United Arab Emirates, a boom in branded residences is reshaping urban skylines, with buyers paying an average premium of 64 percent for properties associated with global hospitality or fashion brands. Meanwhile, Ireland shows positive capital appreciation, though momentum is waning as debates intensify over rent control policies and landlord taxation transparency. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-26: Real estate markets see branded residence boom in UAE and shifting trends in Ireland Real estate markets show diverging trends: the UAE is seeing a surge in high-premium branded residences, while Ireland faces waning capital appreciation momentum and debates over rent control. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-estate-markets-see-branded-residence-boom-in-uae-and-shifting-trends-in-ireland ### 2026-08-25: Global real estate trends show extreme price shifts and housing vacancies Global real estate trends show stark contrasts: Japan faces a crisis of nine million vacant 'akiya' homes, while markets in the Balkans and Croatia struggle with soaring prices and luxury-focused development. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-faces-crisis-of-nine-million-empty-houses --- Cite as: Global real estate market trends and shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-real-estate-market-trends-and-shifts