The Impact of Market Dynamics and Geopolitical Uncertainty on Property Return: A Comparative Analysis of BRICS Countries

Rising geopolitical tensions and fluctuating financial market conditions have increased volatility and negatively impacted property returns across BRICS countries, yet this critical area remains underexplored despite its significant implications for policy reform and investor participation. To this extent, the objective of the study is to examine the effect of geopolitical uncertainty on BRICS property market returns under changing market conditions. Using a Markov regime-switching model for the period February 2011 to June 2025, the findings reveal regime-specific effects. That being said, Brazil’s property market returns are affected positively (negatively) by South Africa’s (China’s) geopolitical uncertainty, whereas India’s and South Africa’s property market returns are affected negatively and positively by Russia’s geopolitical uncertainty, respectively. These findings were further evident in the bear market condition, as Russia’s geopolitical uncertainty has a significant negative effect on Brazil’s property market returns. Similarly, BRICS countries’ returns are dominated by bear market conditions, revealing negative returns, suggesting the BRICS property market returns are less resilient to periods of uncertainty. The findings underscore the need for new policy reforms to regulate BRICS members’ participation and minimize spillover effects, while investors should closely monitor geopolitical uncertainty within BRICS countries to manage return prospects effectively.