12 Real Estate Documentaries You Need to Watch

Today, we’re giving you an inside look at the world of real estate with 12 documentaries. Each real estate documentary offers insight into different facets of the industry, from affordable housing to luxury developments.

1. “Citizen Jane: Battle for the City” (2016)

This documentary explores the battles that activist Jane Jacobs waged against powerful developers in 1960s New York City as she fought to preserve and prioritize neighborhood diversity and character over large-scale redevelopment projects.

Directed by Matt Tyrnauer, the film features archival footage and interviews with urban theorists and activists, including Jacobs’ own words from her writing and speeches.

2. “The Queen of Versailles” (2012)

This film follows wealthy couple Jackie and David Siegel as they attempt to build the largest single-family home in America. Inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France, this mansion would cover 90,000 square feet. But when the economic recession hits, the Siegels’ extravagant plans are put on hold, and their empire starts to crumble.

Lauren Greenfield directed this documentary, offering viewers a glimpse into America’s obsession with wealth and excess, as well as the fragility of the real estate market.

3. “13th” (2016)

While not solely focused on real estate, Ava DuVernay’s documentary highlights the disproportionate impact of mass incarceration on African American communities, delving into the economic and housing implications, as well.

Featuring interviews with politicians, activists, and scholars, “13th” explores how the 13th Amendment—which abolished slavery except as punishment for a crime—has played a role in the United States’ prison-industrial complex and the gentrification of neighborhoods.

4. “The Pruitt-Igoe Myth” (2011)

This film documents St. Louis’s infamous Pruitt-Igoe housing development, which was built as a solution to urban blight but quickly became synonymous with failure and crime.

Directed by Chad Friedrichs, the documentary features interviews with former residents and city officials, as well as archival footage, to examine how flawed urban planning and government policies contributed to the decline of Pruitt-Igoe and other similar developments.

5. “Concrete, Steel & Paint” (2009)

This film follows a group of imprisoned artists in Philadelphia who transform abandoned lots and vacant buildings into vibrant, community-focused public art spaces.

Directed by Tony Heriza and Cindy Burstein, the documentary highlights the potential for creativity and activism to revitalize neglected urban areas while also examining gentrification and displacement in cities across America.

This documentary focuses more so on the aesthetics of real estate, showing viewers the potential for art and community engagement to revitalize urban spaces.

6. “The Island President” (2012)

In this documentary, director Jon Shenk follows the story of Mohamed Nasheed, the president of the Maldives—an island nation in the Indian Ocean facing existential threats from rising sea levels caused by climate change.

Nasheed works to raise global awareness of the Maldives’ predicament and push for reduction in carbon emissions, while also seeking to develop alternative energy sources and create plans for potential relocation. The film offers a glimpse into the very real consequences that climate change can have on housing and development.

7. “Sprawling From Grace” (2009)

This film, directed by David M. Edwards, explores the “consequences of suburbanization” and the effects of suburban sprawl on American society and communities. It also delves into issues such as economic inequality, environmental degradation, and a loss of community connectedness.

With more than a quarter-billion vehicles on the road, can we sustain our car-centric way of life? How do suburban developments impact the housing market and urban areas? “Sprawling From Grace” offers a critical examination of these questions and more.

8. “The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The American Dream” (2004)

Gregory Greene directed this documentary, which takes a dire look at the potential consequences of peak oil, as well as dwindling resources for suburbs and suburban lifestyles. It features interviews with urban planners, sociologists, and economists, delving into issues such as energy dependence, resource depletion, and sustainability.

This film offers a sobering look at the potential impact on real estate in a post-peak oil world.

9. “WeWork: Or the Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn” (2021)

This documentary, directed by Jed Rothstein, explores the rise and fall of WeWork, once a highly-valued startup that promised to revolutionize the world of co-working spaces. 

Featuring insider accounts and interviews with former employees and industry experts, the film delves into issues such as corporate greed, cult-like company culture, and the dangers of blind faith in disruptive technology. It offers a cautionary tale for both startups and the real estate industry.

10. “Class Action Park” (2020)

Directed by Chris Charles Scott and Seth Porges, this HBO Max documentary delves into the history of a notoriously dangerous amusement park in Vernon, New Jersey.

Featuring interviews with former employees and park-goers, as well as archival footage, the film examines issues such as negligent safety standards and legal accountability in the real estate and leisure industries.

It also explores the fine line between danger and thrill in amusement parks, offering a cautionary tale for both developers and consumers.

11. “There’s No Place Like This Place, Anyplace” (2020)

From director Lulu Wei comes a documentary about the former department store, Honest Ed’s. Located in Toronto’s Mirvish Village, the discount retailer was a beloved fixture in the community for nearly six decades.

Created by Ed Mirvish, Honest Ed’s was a symbol of immigrant success and a unique shopping experience but faced increasing pressure to sell as the neighborhood gentrified. Through interviews with employees, Mirvish family members, and local residents, the film examines issues of urban development, gentrification, and community preservation.

12. “Concrete Love: The Architecture of the Böhm Family” (2015)

This documentary, directed by Maurizius Staerkle-Drux, explores the works of three generations of the Böhm family, a renowned architectural dynasty in Germany. 

The film follows the family after the passing of Elisabeth Böhm, the beloved wife and mother of the family. It delves into their creative process and approach to sustainable architecture, as well as the challenges they faced.

Conclusion

These real estate documentaries offer insight into a range of issues and perspectives, from suburban sprawl to corporate greed to community preservation. Whether you are interested in urban planning, sustainability, or the business side of real estate, there is something for everyone on this list. Happy streaming!

The information in this blog post is for reference only and not legal advice. As such, you should not decide whether to contact a lawyer based on the information in this blog post. Moreover, there is no lawyer-client relationship resulting from this blog post, nor should any such relationship be implied. If you need legal counsel, please consult a lawyer licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.