China claims 5 spots in world’s top 10 real estate brands despite 29% brand value decline: report

China – China continues to dominate the global real estate brand landscape, accounting for five of the world’s 10 most valuable real estate brands despite a 29% drop in the combined value of its property brands, according to the latest report from Brand Finance.

The Brand Finance Real Estate 25 2026 report found that China remains the world’s largest real estate brand market, with the combined value of its ranked brands reaching US$27.6b. 

However, prolonged weakness in the country’s property sector—including softer home sales, falling property prices, and ongoing liquidity pressures—has weighed on overall brand performance.

Leading the global rankings is Poly Development, which became the world’s most valuable real estate brand for the first time despite a 12% decline in brand value to US$5.9b. 

Brand Finance attributed the company’s rise to its state-backed positioning, relatively resilient market performance, and stronger perceptions of financial stability.

Meanwhile, China Resources Land retained its position as the world’s second most valuable real estate brand, with a brand value of US$5.1b, supported by recurring income from its commercial property portfolio despite softer development sentiment.

Other Chinese developers in the global top 10 include Vanke, China Overseas Land & Investment, and Greenland, although all recorded declines in brand value amid continued market challenges.

According to Scott Chen, Managing Director for China at Brand Finance, the findings reflect a structural shift within the country’s property sector, where stakeholder confidence has become increasingly tied to financial resilience and operational stability.

“China remains the world’s largest real estate brand market, but the sector is undergoing a profound structural adjustment,” Chen said. “Developers perceived as financially resilient, operationally stable, and capable of delivering long-term value are proving better positioned to maintain stakeholder confidence.”

The report also highlighted Country Garden as the world’s strongest real estate brand, achieving a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 89 out of 100 and an AAA rating despite a 68% decline in brand value. 

Brand Finance noted that the developer continues to benefit from strong legacy awareness in China’s residential market, even as perceptions of trust and financial stability remain under pressure following its debt restructuring.

Brand Finance added that state-backed developers have generally strengthened their relative standing as investors and homebuyers increasingly favour companies perceived to offer greater stability and government support, while privately owned developers continue to face heightened scrutiny.

Despite ongoing market headwinds, the consultancy said Chinese developers remain central to the global real estate industry, with the sector’s long-term recovery expected to depend on rebuilding buyer confidence, improving market fundamentals, and restoring stakeholder trust.