Global inventory of high-rise buildings surpasses 2,580

The global inventory of buildings 200 meters and taller surpassed 2,580, spread across 222 cities in 52 countries, continuing a long-term upward trend in vertical urbanization, according to the Council on Vertical Urbanism’s 2026 Trends & Forecasts report.

China led the way in tall building construction, accounting for a majority of completions, with Shenzhen becoming the first city to exceed 200 completed buildings over 200 meters.

New York City and Hong Kong surpassed 100 completed buildings of 200 meters or taller, doubling the number of cities worldwide to reach this milestone, from two to four. (Dubai and Shenzhen were the first cities to cross this threshold.)

Composite and all-steel systems gained share among the world’s tallest buildings, while all-concrete structures declined at the upper end, reflecting changing engineering strategies, performance requirements, and construction economics. Average heights of annual completions continued to rise.

The world’s 100 tallest buildings were, on average, taller than ever, indicating the sustained relevance of supertall construction even as overall project volumes fluctuate.

The tall building sector remains active and expansive, but increasingly selective, the report says. Growth is marked by regional divergence, tighter financing conditions, and a more cautious development pipeline.