As a society we are becoming increasingly health-conscious, with wellness and healthy living now a top priority for many in everyday life. It’s no surprise, then, that this focus carries through to buying a home – the place where we spend a significant amount of our time.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness real estate market is the fastest-growing sector in the wellness economy, rising from $225 billion in 2019 to $584 billion in 2025, and is forecast to reach $1.1 trillion by 2029.

Wellness is no longer seen as a ‘nice to have’ in residential developments; it is becoming a fundamental factor in the buying decision, particularly for luxury property. Importantly, expectations are also evolving beyond what are now considered standard amenity offerings.

Embedding wellness in residential design

Fitness facilities have long been a staple of residential schemes and are now considered a baseline expectation for developments in city centres. More recently, wellness offerings have expanded to include spas, leisure facilities, and sports amenities such as multi-use courts for tennis, padel, or basketball, all of which are more common now, especially at the top end of the market. We have seen a shift from solo fitness to social fitness promoting both physical and mental wellbeing.

Increasingly, however, developers are turning their attention to mental wellbeing and the role the home environment plays in supporting a calmer, healthier lifestyle.

The next phase of wellness-led living

The focus on wellness is set to intensify as demand for health-driven living grows, with buyers seeking homes that actively support longevity, comfort, and overall wellbeing.

Globally, a growing number of wellness-led developments are influencing residential design trends in London and across the UK. For example, Portonovi in Montenegro offers a luxury spa treatment based on the renowned Chenot Method®, designed to slow aging and detoxify.

In London, The HiLight’s rooftop wellness pods create an immersive experience that incorporates the senses of temperature, light, sound, scent and touch, while also offering a social setting. Chelsea Barracks has partnered with Effect Doctors, a concierge medical service; residents can get everything from IV drips to urgent medical care via the residents’ services app.

At The Whiteley, residents share amenities with Six Senses, which includes a Biohack Recovery Lounge, designed as a reset shortcut for performance and recovery, offering personalised blends using Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy, sound loungers, compression boots, lymphatic suits, electro muscle stimulation, vibration platforms, and inversion tables. The scheme also offers an integrated Wellness Centre offering private consultations and advanced functional screenings, including biomarker analysis and lifestyle evaluation, forming the foundation for sleep regulation, metabolic health, cognitive performance, and stress management.

What does this mean for developers?

For developers looking to create wellness-led environments, the focus needs to be on long-term value and to fit into daily lifestyles. The most effective wellness features are those that support everyday habits and behaviours, rather than stand-alone facilities that may not be used as frequently and lead to increasingly high service charges.

Cost and space constraints remain the key challenges, particularly within dense urban environments. As a result, developers will need to think creatively about how to incorporate people-focused spaces that promote calm and wellbeing, even where access to outdoor space and greenery may be limited.

While London developments often include strong amenities, there is a growing wellness focus across the UK, where schemes are prioritising spaces that help residents align with their wellbeing goals.

A long-term value driver

As buyer expectations continue to evolve, wellness-led residential development is moving from trend to necessity. From physical health and mental wellbeing to community connection and longevity, today’s buyers are increasingly seeking homes that support a healthier way of living.

For developers, the opportunity lies in embedding wellness into the foundation of a scheme, rather than approaching it as an add-on. Those who take a considered approach to wellbeing will not only meet growing demand but improve the value of their developments in an increasingly competitive market.