Blog | One Homes

Climate Change Could Cost Real Estate $0.5T: Will Your Investment Weather the Storm?

Written by Saliha Aziz | Sep 15, 2025 12:57:20 PM

The warning signs are clear. Climate change has moved from a future concern to a present challenge for global real estate. Yet within this challenge lies opportunity. By building higher, smarter, and safer, developers can create the resilient cities of tomorrow.

At One Homes, every development begins with a meticulous, 84-point land check, and factors like the changing climate are accounted for early on. However, while our investors have always enjoyed this security, many are only now starting to demand it, and rightly so.

A joint study by GIC and S&P Global warns that climate change could cost global real estate more than $500 billion by 2050. Even within the next decade, projected losses may exceed $110 billion.

These figures are more than statistics. They represent the real possibility of cities flooded, neighbourhoods abandoned, and assets losing value faster than investors can adjust

 

Why Traditional Growth Models Fail

Cities that expand horizontally consume wetlands, drainage channels, and green belts. These natural protections are vital during floods, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall. In Pakistan, more than two million people were displaced as flooding overwhelmed communities and destroyed infrastructure. Such events ripple through economies, undermining the confidence of investors allocating capital to urban markets.

The cost of inaction is clear. Without adaptation, property values will continue to decline, insurance premiums will rise, and financing will grow more restrictive. For those looking to buy property, resilience is now essential.

 

The Investor’s New Lens

Investors are increasingly evaluating climate exposure before making decisions. An asset delivering strong yields today can quickly turn into a liability if it lies in a high-risk zone. According to the Forbes report, climate risks could wipe out 26% of the total value in the S&P Global REIT Index. That is a significant signal for anyone planning to invest in growth markets.

At the same time, adaptation measures show clear benefits. Every dollar invested in floodproofing can save $3.55 in avoided costs, while green roofs and cooling systems can deliver $7.45 in savings per dollar. 

 

Building Smarter Through Vertical Living

Forward-looking developers are responding with solutions designed for resilience. Vertical living safeguards land, reduces emissions, and creates smarter, climate-ready homes. For buyers exploring real estate for sale, this shift signals a new baseline: property that blends lifestyle with long-term security.
One Homes is at the forefront of this evolution. Its developments in Lahore and Islamabad are built with energy-smart features, advanced safety systems, and integrated utilities. By aligning with international best practices, the company ensures that investors secure properties capable of withstanding tomorrow’s challenges.

 

Lifestyle and Security Together

Global investors are no longer seeking property for yield alone. They want assurance that their capital is protected. Developments that combine resilience with lifestyle benefits are becoming the preferred choice across emerging and mature markets.

This is especially true for the diaspora. For those searching for housing, the value lies in more than four walls. It is about a connection to heritage, the certainty of modern safety standards, and the promise of returns that are protected against climate shocks.

 

The Smarter Path to Value

For many, the difference between a bad and a thriving investment lies in how the property was designed. Climate-smart construction not only prevents losses but also creates long-term capital appreciation, higher rental potential, and stronger demand.

Adaptation is already proving itself as a financial strategy. In global markets, sustainable buildings are commanding premium rents and valuations. For buyers interested in a secure home sale, this trend is a sign of where the market is moving.

One Homes is committed to this path. Through climate-smart design and international best practices, it is creating properties that safeguard investors while enriching communities. For those looking to invest in Pakistan’s future, One Homes represents certainty in an uncertain world.