On average, we as people spend 85% of our lives indoors; the buildings we live in, work in, exercise in, wait in, relax in. And so it’s not unreasonable to think that those buildings should have a neutral, if not positive affect on us; physiologically and mentally. Unfortunately, the opposite is true and has been widely documented and researched.

Noise pollution is linked to an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular issues lighting conditions impact circadian rhythms, sleep quality and cognitive function, and temperature extremes effect focus and productivity. All of which can be aided by well-designed buildings and services.

Is it a trend or here to stay?

Longevity is one of the standout trends in the Global Wellness Summit's 2026 report. It is described as the science of extending healthspan, not just lifespan – and it's no longer limited to the life-sciences and well-tech sectors.

This isn't a niche. The data on how built environments affect health outcomes is robust and ever-evolving. And importantly, there is a significant and growing population of people with both the means and the motivation to choose where they live based on these factors.

It might be deemed a trend at the moment, but we believe it’s here for the long-haul, especially when well executed.

What does it mean for developers, operators
and brands?

The question is: are you designing for the standard of living, or the quality of living? The longevity-informed brief goes further than wellness amenity. 
It asks: what is the chronic, daily effect of living in this building? On sleep. On cognitive function. On social connection. On stress levels.

Those outcomes are designable. And increasingly, they're what a significant segment of the market will pay for.

What does it look like?

Well, that differs per project, but broadly speaking it’s a building delivers optimum air quality levels, acoustic comfort, light calibration, social infrastructure and proximity to nature, to name a few. The more important note is that technology is used but not depended on. Hitting every marker for optimal longevity is not always possible, the same is true of health; however the pursuit of better is setting brands and operators apart.



Some brands and operators will shape the change and some will be forced to make the change eventually. The early adopters will have narrative and purpose as a brand and community lever. The dawdlers are faced with increased statutory regulations as spatial and experiential codes inevitably evolve.

The world beyond real estate

Society's generally accepted approach to health and wellbeing is shifting from curing ailments to preventing ailments. This aligns with the significant increase in the global wellness industry seen over the last seven years:

• In 2024 the global wellness industry reached $6.8trillion

• In context, the pharmaceutical industry sat at $1.8trillion and global sports industry sat at $2.7trillion

• Of the 11 sectors within the wellness economy, wellness real estate had the highest rate of growth in a one year and five year period. Superseding Wellness Tourism and Mental Wellness sectors to top position.

Final Thoughts

A longevity-driven approach to real estate is holistic and complex. It requires stewardship, governance, creativity and trust. It also requires longevity of capital and partnerships. 

Brands have a unique advantage to become owners and stewards of proprietary datasets that prove their chosen approaches. It’s where the legacy brands could dominate and also where the new brands can establish their legacy and impact.

This is where we thrive. In the blended, the holistic and the complex. We connect dots, find solutions and drive value for all stakeholders. If you’re interested in taking a similar approach, do get in touch, we’d love to support.