In the rarefied world of ultra high net worth (UHNW) individuals, real estate is more than an asset — it's a passport to global influence, privacy, and permanence. The newly released white paper from Altrata, in partnership with REALM® — Residential Real Estate 2025: Spotlight on the World’s Leading Markets for the Wealthy — elevates the conversation around luxury property into the domain of global intelligence.
Markets Redefined
While New York, Miami, and Monaco continue to dominate by footprint and density, the report also identifies lifestyle-driven markets gaining favor: Aspen, where one in four wealthy homeowners are deeply involved in philanthropic work; Lisbon, now on the radar of American UHNW buyers; and Abu Dhabi, drawing younger industrial wealth.
These aren’t just hotspots — they’re indicators of a wealth class in motion, reshaping geography with intention and influence.
Key Highlights from the Altrata x REALM 2025 White Paper
Residential Real Estate 2025: Spotlight on the World’s Leading Markets for the Wealthy
REALM as Global Thought Leader
REALM emerges as the definitive voice in luxury property advisory, with its members providing expert insights throughout the white paper. The launch of the REALM International Collective™ reflects a new standard in cross-border, client-first real estate intelligence.
UHNW Residential Footprint by the Numbers
New York leads globally with over 33,000 ultra wealthy residents or second-home owners, followed by Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Miami. Monaco has the highest UHNW density in the world, with one UHNW individual for every 22 residents.
Rise of the Strategic Secondary Home
Miami tops the global list for UHNW second-home ownership, while Aspen and Naples (FL) boast some of the highest concentrations of ultra wealthy homeowners in the U.S.
A More Mobile, Diversified Elite
UHNW individuals now own an average of three luxury properties, with 17% holding commercial interests abroad and 14% completing higher education outside their home countries — signaling unprecedented mobility.
New Markets of Influence
Emerging destinations like Lisbon, Abu Dhabi, and Aspen show growing appeal due to their lifestyle, tax, and philanthropic alignment with UHNW values.
Real Estate as a Strategic Tool
More than an asset, luxury real estate has become a vehicle for legacy planning, lifestyle design, and global resilience, especially in the face of geopolitical and economic volatility.
Client Archetype Shift
The UHNW client of today “thinks in currencies, not countries,” as REALM Founder Julie Faupel notes. They demand advisory-level guidance — not transactions — and expect fluency across tax jurisdictions, cultural nuance, and lifestyle dynamics.
Contact us to receive a copy of the Residential Real Estate 2025: Spotlight on the World’s Leading Markets for the Wealthy report.
