The next tallest building in the world is generally understood to be the Central Park Tower in New York, completed in 2021, which held the title of the world’s tallest residential building at 435 meters. However, when people ask about the ‘next tallest,’ they are usually asking which building will surpass today’s record holders and when. As of now, no structure under construction is confirmed to exceed the current tallest, the Burj Khalifa, but several major projects are advancing. This article explains how height is measured, reviews confirmed projects and realistic timelines, and outlines what to expect before any new record is set.
How Height Is Measured and Why It Matters
Official height is defined by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). To count, a building must have at least 50% of its height as continuous occupiable floor area. spires are included, while antennas, flagpoles, and temporary construction elements are not. This consistent methodology allows reliable comparisons over time and across countries.
CTBUH Height Criteria at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum height | 420 meters (1,378 ft) for inclusion in CTBUH tall buildings list | CTBUH Guidelines |
| Occupiable floor requirement | At least 50% of height must be occupiable floor area | CTBUH Methodology |
| Spire inclusion | Permanent architectural spires count; antennas do not | CTBUH Measurement Rules |
| Topped out | Completion of structural top floor; not final completion | Industry Reporting Standard |
Confirmed Projects Most Likely to Claim the Next Record
Several towers are advancing in design and construction, but only a few have progressed to late-stage development with verified height targets. Factors such as engineering completion, financing, and local regulations determine whether announced heights are achievable.
Projects Often Cited as Future Record Holders
- Jeddah Tower (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) – intended to exceed 1,000 meters; on hold since 2018, with no confirmed restart timeline.
- Torch Tower (Tokyo, Japan) – planned height above 390 meters; masterplan approved, construction start not yet confirmed.
- Sky Mile Tower (Tokyo, Japan) – conceptual target of 1,700 meters; remains a long‑term proposal without active construction.
Current Record Holders and Recent Milestones
As of 2024, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai remains the tallest completed building at 828 meters, a record it has held since its 2010 completion. Central Park Tower became the tallest residential building in 2021, illustrating how mixed-use and residential projects can claim niche records even when they do not challenge the overall height title.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa (completed) | 828 meters | Tallest building worldwide as of 2024 |
| Central Park Tower (completed) | 435 meters | Tallest residential building as of 2024 |
| Jeddah Tower (on hold) | >1,000 meters (target) | Intended to become the next overall record holder |
| Torch Tower (planning) | >390 meters (planned) | Potential candidate for tallest in Japan upon completion |
Why So Few Projects Pursue the Absolute Tallest Title
Building a tower that significantly exceeds the Burj Khalifa involves extreme engineering, complex logistics, and substantial financial risk. Cities must balance ambition with practical concerns such as infrastructure capacity, market demand for space, and seismic or wind engineering. Many developers therefore target regional or typological records rather than the overall title.
What to Watch for Before a New Record Is Set
To identify the next tallest building with confidence, look for projects that reach major milestones: final design approval, secured financing, commencement of core construction, and CTBUH status confirmation. Announcements alone are not sufficient, as many proposed towers never move beyond renderings.
Key Milestones That Signal True Progress
- Finalized architectural and structural design approved by authorities.
- Contracts signed with main contractors and financing in place.
- Start of on-site construction, including pile driving or basement work.
- CTBUH added to the project’s official tall buildings database.
Regional Context and Market Realities
Height races often cluster in regions with strong economies, dense urban cores, and supportive regulatory environments. In Asia, tall-building pipelines remain active, while the Middle East focuses on flagship infrastructure that signals long‑term economic diversification. In each market, local stakeholders weigh cultural symbolism against functional efficiency and return on investment.
Summary: How to Interpret Claims About the Next Tallest Building
Because the phrase “next tallest building in the world” can refer either to an official record contender or a conceptual proposal, it is important to verify the project’s design stage, confirmed height, and measurable construction activity. Only projects with secured funding and continuous vertical construction are likely to move from announcement to reality. Until a new building substantially exceeds the Burj Khalifa’s verified 828 meters, it remains the current titleholder, and any successor will be identified most clearly through CTBUH status updates and transparent project reporting.