Circular Economy, Real Estate, SDG 11, Systematic Literature Review & Urban Sustainability,

This research paper examines how circular economy (CE) principles influence urban sustainability in the real estate sector of Dhaka, Bangladesh, especially in relation to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11). Given the rapid urbanisation challenges in cities such as Dhaka, Bangladesh, understanding CE's potential to foster inclusive, safe, and resilient urban environments is crucial yet insufficiently explored.

Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we systematically searched the databases for peer-reviewed articles and grey literature published from January 2018 to October 2025. From 230 initial records, 81 studies were selected through rigorous screening and quality appraisal using the CASP and MMAT frameworks. This paper examines the economic alignment between Circular Economy (CE) strategies and the objectives of SDG 11. It explores economic barriers, financial enablers, and investment challenges, while proposing a comprehensive multi-theoretical framework and a conceptual model to understand the economic dimensions of CE transitions. CE practices significantly contribute to achieving SDG 11 by reducing waste and improving resource efficiency. However, notable research gaps exist regarding the economic aspects of CE in real estate, business-led transitions, informal sector inclusion, and social inclusion in rapidly urbanising areas. 

This paper presents a multi-theoretical framework integrating Circular Economy Theory, Social Transition Theory, Institutional Theory, and Community Governance Theory to examine the adoption of CE practices in the real estate sectors of developing countries such as Bangladesh. It enhances theoretical understanding by uniting various perspectives on CE transitions relevant to the Global South. Additionally, it outlines practical strategies for policymakers, developers, and urban planners to effectively implement CE practices aligned with SDG 11 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The review also identifies critical gaps in institutional frameworks and policy coherence that impede CE progress in rapidly urbanising cities, laying the groundwork for future empirical research on business-led CE initiatives.

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