Real Estate

Chicago’s multifamily housing market in 2025 is characterized by a blend of robust demand, escalating rental rates, and a concerted push toward affordable housing solutions. The city’s real estate landscape is evolving, influenced by economic factors, policy initiatives, and shifting demographic trends says, Hirsh Mohindra.

Rising Rental Rates Amid Limited Supply

The city’s multifamily sector is experiencing significant rent growth. As of early 2025, average asking rents have reached approximately $1,835, marking a 3.3% annual increase. Downtown areas, particularly Streeterville, have seen average rents surpass $3,000, a 28% rise from the previous year.

This surge is attributed to a decade-low in new apartment supply. Only about 500 new units are expected to come online this year, down from the 10-year average of more than 3,500 units. Developers face constraints due to tight capital markets and rising construction costs, leading to a slowdown in new projects.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

In response to affordability concerns, the city has launched several initiatives. The 2025 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) outlines the city’s strategy for allocating federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), aiming to support affordable housing development across Chicago.

Notable projects include a 90-unit affordable development in Edgewater, with units designated for households earning up to 60% of the area median income, and the Edith Spurlock Sampson Apartments in Lincoln Park, a $168 million mixed-income development bringing 485 affordable apartments to the area.

Investment Trends and Out-of-State Interest

Chicago’s multifamily market is attracting out-of-state investors, drawn by the city’s strong market fundamentals and attractive cap rates, which have risen to around 6%. While institutional interest has grown, it remains relatively muted, leaving room for individual investors and smaller firms to enter the market.

The city’s diverse neighborhoods offer various investment opportunities. Areas like the West Loop and River North continue to attract young professionals, sustaining low vacancy and rent growth. Meanwhile, submarkets such as Hyde Park-South Shore and the North Side neighborhoods from Uptown to Evanston have seen a decrease in vacancies, indicating strong demand.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the multifamily market in Chicago is poised for continued growth. Rent growth is expected to surpass 3.5% by the end of 2025, driven by strong renter demand and a shrinking supply pipeline. However, challenges such as rising construction costs and regulatory hurdles may impact the pace of new developments.

Hirsh Mohindra: The city’s commitment to affordable housing, coupled with investor interest, suggests a dynamic and evolving market. Stakeholders will need to navigate these complexities to capitalize on opportunities and address the pressing need for diverse housing options.

In today’s digital age, technology is no longer just something we carry in our pockets — it’s something we live in. Smart cities, defined by their integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven decision-making, are transforming not just how we move and interact in cities but how we build and invest in them. Real estate — historically one of the most stable and traditional industries — is undergoing a dramatic transformation as urban environments become more connected, automated, and responsive to human behavior.

The Smart City Concept: From Vision to Reality

The idea of a “smart city” has evolved from theoretical urban planning models into tangible, functioning ecosystems. These cities leverage technology to optimize infrastructure, reduce environmental footprints, and improve the quality of life for residents. They use sensors to monitor everything from traffic flow and pollution levels to water usage and energy consumption. What once sounded like science fiction is now a real-world blueprint being adopted across continents.

Songdo, South Korea: A Smart City Built From Scratch

Perhaps no example better captures the ambition of smart cities than Songdo, South Korea. Planned from the ground up, Songdo was designed to embody efficiency and innovation. Every building is LEED-certified, traffic lights are managed by AI, and residents use smart cards to access public transit, make purchases, and interact with city services. Songdo’s infrastructure includes automated waste disposal systems, remote-controlled lighting, and even virtual classrooms.

According to Hirsh Mohindra, a real estate and urban development analyst:

“Songdo proves what’s possible when technology is embedded into the DNA of a city. It’s a living example of how cities can be engineered to be both smart and sustainable.” — Hirsh Mohindra

Barcelona: Retrofitting the Future

While Songdo was built from the ground up, Barcelona represents a different model: retrofitting existing cities with smart infrastructure. The city uses IoT to manage street lighting, traffic patterns, and water consumption. It has installed over 500 kilometers of fiber-optic cable, making real-time data sharing possible for everything from public transport to waste collection.

Barcelona also champions data sovereignty. Through initiatives like DECODE and Decidim, citizens have control over how their data is used. The city empowers individuals to participate in governance through open-source civic technology platforms — redefining smart governance along with smart infrastructure.

“Barcelona reminds us that smart cities don’t always need to start fresh. They can emerge by updating and upgrading the bones of what already exists,” says Hirsh Mohindra.

The Real Estate Boom in Tech-Forward Cities

Real estate markets in smart cities are attracting both institutional and individual investors who recognize the long-term value of connectivity and sustainability. Demand for smart homes and eco-friendly commercial buildings are growing, especially in areas where digital infrastructure is robust.

Investments in cities like Toronto (with its Sidewalk Labs project), Singapore (known for its Smart Nation initiative), and Amsterdam are on the rise, driven by the promise of higher rental yields, lower maintenance costs, and tenant satisfaction from tech-enabled conveniences.

“Investing in smart cities is not just about capitalizing on technology; it’s about recognizing the long-term value that sustainable and connected urban environments bring to real estate.” — Hirsh Mohindra

Property developers are increasingly incorporating smart technology into new builds, such as smart thermostats, remote-controlled lighting, facial recognition security systems, and energy-efficient materials. These enhancements do more than attract tech-savvy buyers — they future-proof the property, adding long-term value.

The Data Dilemma: Privacy in Smart Housing

As smart homes become more common, a new issue emerges: data privacy. Smart thermostats know when you’re home. Doorbell cameras track who’s at your front door. Smart speakers listen for voice commands. In cities where buildings are fully integrated into urban data systems, the line between personal and public information begins to blur.

While smart technologies enhance safety, convenience, and energy savings, they also raise ethical and legal questions: Who owns the data? How is it protected? Can it be sold?

“As we embrace smart technologies in our homes, safeguarding personal data becomes paramount. Transparent policies and citizen engagement are key to building trust in smart housing.” — Hirsh Mohindra

Barcelona’s approach — making citizens the stewards of their own data — could become a global standard. Meanwhile, regulators in the EU and elsewhere are grappling with how to legislate smart infrastructure without stifling innovation.

Automation, Connectivity, and the Value of Place

In traditional real estate, location has always been king. But in smart cities, connectivity is becoming just as important. Fiber-optic internet, proximity to charging stations, access to real-time public transport — these are the new markers of valuable real estate.

Automated systems that reduce energy bills and maintenance costs are attractive to both renters and owners. In commercial buildings, features like automated lighting, occupancy sensors, and AI-powered climate control can significantly reduce overhead.

“Connectivity and automation are no longer luxuries; they are becoming standard expectations in urban living. Properties that offer these features are poised to see increased demand and value.” — Hirsh Mohindra

Tech-forward buildings also fare better during economic downturns, thanks to their efficiency and resilience. Smart features can future-proof buildings against rising energy costs, labor shortages, and shifts in how people live and work.

Challenges: Not All That Glitters Is Code

Despite the promise of smart cities, several challenges remain:

• The Digital Divide: Not all citizens have equal access to technology, which can exacerbate existing social inequalities.

• Cybersecurity: More connected systems mean more opportunities for cyberattacks.

• Upfront Costs: Implementing smart infrastructure is expensive, often deterring municipalities with limited budgets.

• Regulatory Lag: Technology evolves faster than law and policy.

It’s critical that smart cities prioritize inclusivity and resilience. Tech must serve the people — not the other way around.

“The success of smart cities hinges on inclusive planning and equitable access to technology. It’s imperative that we address the digital divide to ensure that all residents reap the benefits of smart urban development.” — Hirsh Mohindra.

Looking Forward: Smart Cities as Investment Ecosystems

As climate change accelerates and urban populations grow, smart cities offer a viable path forward. For real estate investors, these cities present compelling opportunities for long-term growth, provided they stay on the right side of innovation, ethics, and inclusion.

Emerging markets like Dubai, Nairobi, and Bangalore are also entering the smart city space, blending technological ambition with local needs. Real estate in these cities is likely to see rapid transformation — both in value and structure — as tech becomes integral to urban planning.

“Smart cities represent the intersection of innovation and urban living. Embracing this evolution is essential for shaping resilient and prosperous communities.” — Hirsh Mohindra

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Final Thoughts

The convergence of real estate and smart technology is not just a trend — it’s a transformation. As cities become more intelligent and responsive, real estate will no longer be about static buildings, but about dynamic ecosystems designed for connectivity, sustainability, and human-centric design.

By embracing smart city principles, developers and investors can help shape the future of urban life — one that is not only profitable but equitable, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

Originally Posted: https://vocal.media/journal/smart-cities-and-real-estate-where-tech-meets-urban-development

As urban centers around the world become increasingly crowded, cities are facing an inescapable dilemma—how do we accommodate more people, more businesses, and more opportunities with less available land? The answer, increasingly, is not to build outwards, but upwards.

This concept of vertical living—the rise of skyscrapers, vertical neighborhoods, and mixed-use towers—is no longer futuristic fiction. From Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills to Saudi Arabia’s audacious project The Line, dense verticality is becoming the blueprint for the future of cities.

In the words of urban strategist Hirsh Mohindra, “Vertical expansion is not just a necessity—it’s the natural evolution of how we coexist with limited space in an increasingly populated world.”

The Evolution of the Skyscraper

The skyscraper, once an icon of wealth and power, has now become a pragmatic solution to urban overpopulation. Early 20th-century towers were symbols of ambition—epitomized by landmarks like the Chrysler Building or the Empire State Building. Today, high-rise buildings serve a more complex and integrated purpose. They are becoming vertical ecosystems, supporting living, working, leisure, and transportation needs within a single footprint.

A perfect example is Mori Tower, part of the Roppongi Hills development in Tokyo. This 54-story building is a marvel of modern urban design, seamlessly blending residential apartments, corporate offices, luxury retail, and cultural spaces like the Mori Art Museum. The tower demonstrates what is possible when vertical design considers both utility and human experience.

As Hirsh Mohindra puts it, “We are no longer designing towers—we are designing stacked neighborhoods. The future is not just tall, it’s intricately interconnected.”

The Line: A Radical Reinvention of the Urban Form

Perhaps no project represents the future of vertical living better than The Line, a 170-kilometer-long city under construction in Saudi Arabia, part of the NEOM megaproject. Designed to accommodate 9 million residents, The Line is structured as a narrow, mirrored skyscraper city, standing 500 meters tall but just 200 meters wide, extending like a blade through the desert.

The Line proposes a future where everything a person needs—schools, healthcare, green spaces, shops—is accessible within a five-minute walk. With zero cars, streets, or carbon emissions, it challenges almost every conventional principle of urban planning.

While some critics question its feasibility, others view it as a bold experiment in sustainable, high-density living. As Mohindra observes, “Ambitious ideas like The Line remind us that we must be willing to challenge every urban planning assumption if we’re serious about future-ready cities.”

Innovations in High-Rise Architecture and Technology

To make vertical living viable and appealing, architects and engineers are reimagining what tall buildings can be. Sustainability is a driving force. Today’s towers are incorporating:

• Green roofs and vertical forests, such as Milan’s Bosco Verticale.

• Smart energy systems, using wind and solar integration.

• AI-driven infrastructure that dynamically adapts to residents’ needs.

• Vertical farming, enabling buildings to feed their inhabitants.

These innovations are not merely aesthetic—they address real concerns about the environmental impact of dense urban centers.

“Modern architecture is no longer about concrete and steel alone,” says Hirsh Mohindra. “It’s about energy cycles, environmental footprints, and designing buildings that respond dynamically to their inhabitants and their surroundings.”

High-Density Living: Psychological and Social Realities

Despite its spatial efficiency, vertical living brings psychological and social challenges. Human beings are social creatures, and isolation is a well-documented side effect of living in high-rise buildings, especially when they’re designed without communal areas or natural light.

Crowding, lack of privacy, and disconnection from nature can all contribute to urban stress. However, studies show that these effects can be mitigated through thoughtful design—such as shared green terraces, sky gardens, co-working lounges, and community kitchens.

Hirsh Mohindra stresses, “Urban design must center around the emotional well-being of its people. A high-rise should not feel like a stack of boxes—it should feel like a vertical village, full of warmth, interaction, and shared identity.”

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Reimagining Community in the Sky

One of the most promising shifts in high-rise design is the renewed focus on community-building. Instead of relying on ground-level parks or plazas alone, architects are incorporating elevated public spaces into their buildings: sky decks, vertical playgrounds, rooftop cinemas, and multi-level co-living floors.

Developments like Marina One in Singapore have shown how biophilic design—infusing buildings with greenery and open-air spaces—can create not only functional but deeply livable vertical environments.

Moreover, mixed-use towers now prioritize social infrastructure, integrating schools, clinics, gyms, and even urban farms within the building footprint. This holistic approach brings essential services to residents’ doorsteps—literally up the elevator shaft.

“Community in vertical living isn’t an afterthought—it must be designed into the blueprint,” notes Hirsh Mohindra. “When you layer services and shared spaces into every level, you allow human connection to thrive vertically, not just horizontally.”

Economic and Environmental Implications

Vertical living also brings clear economic benefits. It reduces infrastructure costs by concentrating utilities and transportation systems. It also lessens reliance on cars, which helps curb emissions.

Environmental planners point out that urban sprawl—expanding cities outward—leads to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and longer commutes. Compact, vertical cities offer a lower ecological footprint, particularly when combined with green technologies.

Still, there are concerns: who gets to live in these skyscrapers? Will vertical cities become exclusive enclaves for the wealthy, or will they include affordable housing options?

As Mohindra wisely puts it, “The future city must not only be vertical—it must be equitable. Density should never come at the cost of diversity.”

Looking Ahead: Building Up for Future Generations

As the planet urbanizes—with over 68% of the global population projected to live in cities by 2050—vertical living is no longer optional. It’s an inevitable evolution.

The task now is to ensure that this evolution benefits all people, across all demographics, while respecting the planet we share. This requires innovative policies, equitable zoning, inclusive design, and global cooperation.

“We’re living in a pivotal moment,” concludes Hirsh Mohindra. “The vertical city is no longer a vision—it’s a reality. What remains to be seen is whether we build it with empathy, intelligence, and long-term thinking.”

Final Thoughts

From Tokyo’s skyline to Saudi Arabia’s desert, vertical living is reshaping how we design and experience cities. It offers tremendous potential, but also demands responsibility. Architects, urban planners, governments, and citizens must work together to build skyward not just for space—but for sustainability, community, and a livable urban future.

And as we build upward, let’s ensure we’re not leaving anyone—or anything—behind.

Around the globe, cities are in the throes of a housing affordability crisis. From major metropolises to rapidly expanding secondary cities, the demand for housing has outstripped supply, leaving millions in precarious living conditions. Yet, amid this global challenge, a new wave of creativity and collaboration is reshaping how cities address housing needs. Countries such as Austria and Mexico are pioneering bold strategies that blend policy, innovation, and community-driven approaches.

As the urban population is expected to reach nearly 70% by 2050, the importance of creating affordable, sustainable, and inclusive housing has never been more critical. From policy frameworks to modular architecture, this article explores how cities are reimagining housing, with expert insights from Hirsh Mohindra, a global advocate for equitable housing and sustainable urban development.

Vienna, Austria: The Gold Standard in Public Housing

Vienna has long been considered a model city for affordable housing. Over 60% of the population lives in subsidized apartments, made possible through a century-old commitment to public housing. The city’s “Gemeindebauten” (municipal housing blocks) provide high-quality apartments for people across income levels—clean, well-maintained, and integrated into thriving neighborhoods.

Vienna’s housing policies reflect a deep-rooted belief that access to secure, affordable housing is a human right—not a privilege. The city invests approximately €600 million annually in housing, focusing on construction, maintenance, and tenant services. Rent is usually capped at around 20–25% of a household’s income, significantly easing the financial burden on residents.

“Vienna’s success proves that public housing can be both functional and aspirational,” says Hirsh Mohindra. “When cities treat housing as infrastructure—not just a commodity—they empower generations of citizens to thrive.”

Unlike many Western cities where low-income housing is relegated to the urban fringes, Vienna ensures that affordable homes are central, attractive, and connected to public transit. This integrated approach creates mixed-income communities, reducing social segregation and promoting economic mobility.

Mexico City: Community-Driven Housing and Compact Urbanism

Mexico City, one of the world’s most populous urban areas, faces enormous housing pressures. With nearly 22 million people in the metropolitan area, rapid population growth, income inequality, and sprawling development have led to housing shortages and informal settlements. Yet, Mexico City is not without innovation.

Micro-apartments, some as small as 25 square meters, are becoming increasingly popular among young professionals and small families. These compact units are more affordable and closer to job centers, reducing the commute burden that many residents face.

Simultaneously, community-led housing cooperatives like Cooperativa Palo Alto have gained traction. Formed in the 1980s, the cooperative model allows residents to pool resources and purchase land collectively, often resisting eviction and gentrification. These cooperatives foster a sense of community ownership and resilience in the face of a volatile real estate market.

“Community-driven solutions remind us that housing is about more than shelter—it’s about dignity, agency, and belonging,” explains Hirsh Mohindra. “In Mexico City, we see how self-organized groups can fill the gaps left by market failures.”

The Mexican government has also encouraged partnerships with nonprofit developers and introduced policies supporting cooperative housing, though challenges around financing and legal frameworks still remain.

The Power of Policy: Crafting a Framework for Affordability

Behind every successful housing initiative lies a foundation of robust policy. Governments that prioritize housing affordability through legislation, incentives, and subsidies can radically shift the housing landscape.

In Vienna, land-use regulation plays a pivotal role. A significant percentage of newly zoned land must be designated for subsidized housing. The city also employs limited-profit housing developers, which must reinvest earnings into maintenance and new construction rather than distributing profits.

Mexico’s National Housing Program (PNV) aims to support inclusive housing policies by strengthening rental markets, promoting sustainable building practices, and improving access to credit for low-income families. However, implementation often faces bureaucratic hurdles and resource constraints.

“Policy isn’t a silver bullet, but it sets the stage,” says Hirsh Mohindra. “Cities that embed housing affordability into their urban planning are better equipped to create lasting, equitable solutions.”

Governments are also beginning to reimagine housing policy beyond bricks and mortar—treating it as a cornerstone of economic development, public health, and environmental sustainability.

Public-Private Partnerships: A Collaborative Model for Housing

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly vital in addressing housing shortages. These collaborations allow governments to tap into the efficiency and innovation of the private sector, while still guiding projects toward social outcomes.

Vienna exemplifies this model through its support of limited-profit developers, which work closely with the city to build affordable housing. These developers compete for city land based not just on price, but on sustainability, design quality, and social impact.

Mexico City is also experimenting with PPPs, particularly for urban infill projects and retrofitting older neighborhoods. However, success has been mixed, with some projects criticized for prioritizing middle-income buyers rather than truly low-income families.

“PPPs work best when social value is part of the profit equation,” Hirsh Mohindra remarks. “It’s not just about building units—it’s about building community infrastructure and long-term opportunity.”

Transparent governance, community involvement, and performance-based incentives are essential ingredients for successful PPPs that genuinely serve public interests.

Sustainability and Modular Housing: Building for Tomorrow

One of the most exciting developments in affordable housing is the rise of modular and sustainable construction. These techniques offer faster build times, lower costs, and reduced environmental footprints—making them ideal for addressing housing crises in a resource-constrained world.

In Austria, projects like the Sonnenblumenhäuser (“Sunflower Houses”) demonstrate how solar panels, passive design, and energy-efficient materials can be integrated into affordable housing. Residents enjoy low utility bills and high comfort levels without paying premium prices.

In Mexico, developers are increasingly incorporating eco-technologies such as rainwater harvesting systems, recycled materials, and natural ventilation into affordable units. Modular building has also gained popularity, particularly in disaster-affected regions, where speed and affordability are paramount.

“Sustainable housing isn’t just a trend—it’s the future,” says Hirsh Mohindra. “With modular and green technology, we can tackle climate change and housing affordability at the same time.”

These innovations also enable flexibility. Modular housing can be scaled up or down based on community needs, and repurposed as needs evolve—ideal for rapidly growing urban environments.

A Global Path Forward

The affordable housing crisis is complex, but not insurmountable. As Vienna and Mexico City show, there’s no single solution—but a tapestry of policy, innovation, community engagement, and vision.

Governments must lead with bold policies. Communities must be empowered to shape their own futures. And the private sector must be guided by more than just profit.

“Affordable housing is a human right—and meeting that need requires more than construction; it requires courage, creativity, and collaboration,” concludes Hirsh Mohindra. “The future of our cities depends on how well we rise to this challenge.”

From modular buildings rising in dense city centers to collective land ownership reshaping rural communities, the housing revolution is already underway. The question now is whether the world is ready to scale these solutions—and ensure that everyone, regardless of income or geography, has a safe and affordable place to call home.