The State of Luxury Real Estate from Luxury Portfolio
Just released by Luxury Portfolio International®, State of Luxury Real Estate is a comprehensive report that looks at consumers in the top 1%-5% income bracket of 17 countries and represents more than 30 million households. The extensive report provides insight into how the luxury real estate ecosystem is evolving in key markets worldwide and what motivates affluent consumers in their home buying and selling decisions.
Findings include:
“It is clear that affluent residential real estate buyers see opportunities within their respective markets,” said Mickey Alam Khan, president of Luxury Portfolio International®. “We are noting a surge in buyers throughout many markets worldwide, where it continues to be a seller’s market in the luxury space vis-à-vis the previous year. We expect that trend to continue through 2021 – as well as the next couple of years -- as buyers rush into the market. The ultra-luxury buyer perspective is that the current climate is getting stronger. In many markets, we see home values going up, and there is more interest in prime property.”
“Real estate is an increasingly sensible investment at a time when financial and alternative investments appear potentially disconnected from traditional success indicators, like revenue and profit,” said Chandler Mount, CEO of Affluent Consumer Research Co., the study’s author, and research partner for Luxury Portfolio International®. “Many luxury buyers all over the world share this sentiment, and the implication is a lot of money flowing into real estate in the coming year.”
Here are a few takeaways from this insightful report.
Market Trends
Real estate is the leading investment category of the day. Luxury Buyer sentiment to real estate is a strong “Buy,” and also has the lowest inclination to “Sell.” One-quarter of Global Luxury Buyers have investment or rental property in mind for their next purchase. Overall, consumer expectation is that their own property values will continue to rise and that the pool of buyers is likely to grow faster than those willing to sell.
Affluent consumer financial confidence is high, but not without reservation. The growth in wealth has been well documented. Luxury Buyers have a strong balance sheet today and uncertainty ahead. It may be time to take some winnings off the table to mitigate unquantifiable risk.
Globally, over the next three years, we estimate 15.5 million affluent households, and 10.3 million at the luxury segment, are in the market to buy. Buyer interest outpaces sellers by 3:2, meaning opportunities abound for developments and existing homes alike. New construction in newly developed neighborhoods is the No. 1 global preference and it commands the highest price.
Consumer Trends
Three trends borne out from extended time at home: Working from home for all members of the household, a heightened need for self-reliance at home, and recognition that spontaneity brings a welcome break. Luxury homes can provide solutions for emerging needs, and those factors are in demand.
The golden passport is a powerful motivator
for Luxury Buyers in Mexico, India, China and post-Brexit United Kingdom. When pressed on it, International Luxury Buyers are more likely to cite non-financial reasons to live abroad: education and COVID-19 response are tops on the list.
Luxury Buyers are planning for extended shelter-in-place. Expectations are high that over the coming year more time will be spent at home. Perhaps taking a page from New Zealand’s policy toward “pod” or “quaranteam” living, about half of Luxury Buyers are seeking a residence with accommodations for long-term guests. Whatever their individual reason, the result is, in essence, preparation for non-household members to shelter with them.
Consumers See Real Estate as a Wise Investment
Luxury Buyers the world over have a positive view of real estate as an investment right now. Relative to other investment categories, real estate is top in overall “Buy” sentiment, topping other leading categories of stocks, ESG-oriented investments,1 private equity and gold. Real estate also has the largest positive gap between “Buy” and “Sell” sentiment, indicating solid footing for the future as well. At a time when financial investments are moving — for seemingly unknown reasons — there is comfort and confidence in owning physical property. Take for example the resurgence of Bitcoin which (as of January 10, 2021) has more than doubled its peak. If consumers are willing to take on such risky investments, it stands to reason that predictable, tangible assets would rise with it as a balance.
For the full whitepaper, visit www.luxuryportfolio.com/whitepaper