Wealth-X and Sotheby's International Realty Reports

The Wealth-X Luxury Real Estate Reports explores the trends of the ultra-high net worth real estate investors in the most fascinating and diverse regions of the world. These reports identify and analyze specific attitudes, behaviors and specific locations that are important to this exclusive wealth segment. The Wealth-X reports calculate that there are 211,275 individuals globally, who collectively own nearly $3 trillion USD of real estate, equal to 10 percent of their net worth. The index takes into account the full range of luxury residential properties that are owned by the world’s wealthiest individuals. Further data collected within the reports, highlight some important statistics:

  • The U.S. is the most popular country for foreign ultra wealthy individuals looking to buy secondary residences, followed by the United Kingdom.
  • London remains the top real estate hub for the European region. The city’s price per square foot ($3,103 USD) 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 $1 million USD) are worth more than $10 million USD.
  • High Wealth Chinese individuals make up the third largest share of foreign homeowners in the United States, behind only Canada and the United Kingdom.
  • Twenty nations in Europe and the Americas now offer citizenship or residency programs to individuals willing to invest in domestic residential real estate.
  • Secondary residences are typically 45% more valuable than primary residences; twice the square footage and have 10 acres of land.

The partnership with Wealth X further positions Sotheby’s International Realty as an international real estate market leader. These reports exemplify our efforts to further establish our brand as the "Voice of Luxury." Philip White, President and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC, states: "The research reveals trends that go beyond traditional motivations and help guide real estate investments that contribute to long-term wealth. It underscores the important role real estate plays in a larger strategy to build a valuable asset portfolio."

Wealth-X is the global authority on wealth intelligence, providing sales, marketing, strategy and compliance solutions to clients in the financial services, luxury, not-for-profit and education sectors. Its award-winning research and thought leadership are regularly cited by the world’s media such as CNBC, Financial Times, Thomson Reuters and BBC. Wealth-X President David Friedman commented: Wealth-X is pleased to partner with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand. This new joint study explores the trends and home-buying motivations of a distinct group of ultra wealthy individuals in the emerging markets. As their wealth grows, so will their investment fueled by various motivations, be it to diversify their portfolio or to gain citizenship or residency in a foreign country.