Wealth-X & Sotheby’s International Realty EMEA Luxury Residential Real Estate Report Q1 2015

The index takes into account the full range of luxury residential properties that are owned by the world’s wealthiest individuals. Wealth-X data shows there are 211,275 UHNW individuals globally, who collectively own nearly US$3 trillion of real estate, equal to 10 percent of their net worth.

Below are other key findings from the report:

• The EMEA region offers purchasing and investment opportunities, particularly in Madrid, Dubai and Cape Town (three EMEA cities featured in the report), where luxury properties and strong lifestyle considerations may appeal to UHNW buyers.
• London remains the top real estate hub for the EMEA region. The city’s price per square foot (US$3,103) is nearly four times that of Dubai, six and nine times more than Madrid and Cape Town respectively.
• One-third of all premium London properties for sale (homes valued above US$1 million) are worth more than US$10 million. By comparison, Dubai has only 8 percent of its luxury properties listed in the super prime range above US$10 million.
• The less expensive price per square foot for premium real estate in Cape Town generally leads to larger houses. A luxury property in the South African city has six bedrooms on average – higher than Madrid and Dubai, the two other cities profiled in the report.

“Wealth-X is pleased to partner with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand for this second luxury real estate report for 2015. Because it touches upon several key elements in an ultra affluent individual’s life, including lifestyle, investments and family, luxury residential real estate encapsulates a core part of their identity,” commented Wealth-X President David Friedman. “As their wealth continues to grow, so will their investment fueled by flight to safety from less geopolitically stable geographies.”

According to Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC, this joint report was designed to provide a deeper understanding of the UHNW consumer, specifically in the EMEA region. “The research shows that trends and the economic climate in some EMEA countries are stimulating alternative investments such as real estate in these local markets,” he said. “These opportunities are exciting and we are proud to be able to provide an in-depth look at them.”

Download the Report >