Real estate is much more lucrative as a trade in countries that have a very population density like India,Pakistan Bangladesh Etc. As the population in these countries is growing at very fast rate the need for housing will always increase. Hence trading real estate will always be profitable in them.
In countries with low Population density like USA or Europe the real estate market always has a correction pattern in a few years depending upon various factors. Like the 2008 Banking Crash was triggered by Bubble in the Housing Market.
If you are not in the Indian Subcontinent Stock Trading in the long term without being greedy is better option in my opinion. Proven Stocks of Pharma Companies etc are a good option to invest. As pharma is one sector that never see's any recession or slowdown.