Luxury real estate is in constant motion, following the evolution of society and the choices of a discerning clientele in search of serenity and ever-greater excellence. Whether capitals, beautiful holiday resorts or exclusive addresses, here is our selection of destinations to discover today in order to invest or live there tomorrow.
01. London, United Kingdom
2022 was considered London's year of return to normality. And 2023 followed the same logic, with a market marking a clear slowdown in demand. London nevertheless remained a safe bet for wealthy individuals in the face of global political and economic uncertainties. High-end prices remain below their 2014 peak when inflation is taken into account, which leaves many possibilities for buyers.
02. Rome, Italy
Equal parts ancient and modern, cosmopolitan and vibrant, the Italian capital is the third most visited city in Europe. 2025 will mark the Jubilee of Pope Francis. Urban renovation works begun in 2024 will contribute to improvements in services, mobility and the beauty of the city. Luxury property prices are still relatively accessible compared to other European metropolises.
03. Milan, Italy
Milan perfectly embodies the renaissance of Italy alongside Spain in Europe. The Lombard capital combines economic dynamism, industrial and financial engine role, incomparable art de vivre and hosting of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The flat tax of EUR 100,000 per year for new foreign residents continues to attract UHNWI from around the world.
04. Istanbul, Turkey
Steeped in 2,600 years of history and successively baptised Byzantine then Constantinople, Istanbul is a city with unique worldwide characteristics. Split into two by the Bosporus Strait, the "Second Rome" is the only metropolis in the world to be located on two continents. With 15 million inhabitants, Istanbul concentrates the bulk of Turkey's commercial, financial and industrial activities.
05. Barcelona, Spain
The Catalan capital has an unalterable appeal for students, tourists and international investors. Its climate, laid-back lifestyle, festive character, architecture and property prices make it a safe bet. The city hosts a large French community and continues to attract start-ups and entrepreneurs.
06. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the most remarkable emerging destination in Central Europe. Its architectural beauty, thermal heritage, booming gastronomic and cultural scene and still very affordable prices make it a unique investment opportunity. Budapest moves from 29th to 14th in the BARNES City Index 2024, one of the year's most impressive progressions.
07. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Following Dubai's lead, Abu Dhabi makes a spectacular rise from 45th to 13th in the BARNES City Index 2024. The UAE capital stands out for its ambitious architectural projects, its cultural policy (Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim), impeccable security and zero taxation for individuals.
08. Brussels, Belgium
Capital of the European Union and seat of many international institutions, Brussels offers a stable and liquid luxury property market. Investors have full confidence in Brussels, which offers luxury real estate at particularly reasonable prices for a European capital.
09. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva embodies the safe-haven par excellence: political stability, strong currency, attractive cantonal taxation, concentration of private banks and international organisations, and incomparable quality of life. The Geneva hyper-prime market remains one of the world's most resilient during turbulent periods.
10. Lisbon & Porto, Portugal
Portugal's popularity with expatriates has soared since the country launched its golden visa programme in 2012. Despite the revision of this scheme, Lisbon and Porto maintain strong international appeal, with still relatively affordable prices. Lisbon has moved from 20th to 8th place in the BARNES City Index 2024.
11. Athens & its islands, Greece
Athens is experiencing a spectacular property renaissance since 2020. The Greek capital combines still competitive prices, exceptional Mediterranean quality of life, incomparable cultural heritage and a booming gastronomic and cultural scene. It has maintained its 33rd position in the BARNES City Index.
12. Monaco
Monaco is far and away the preferred destination of the world's wealthiest families, with prices reaching record heights as a consequence. The Principality combines advantageous taxation, impeccable security, exceptional quality of life and incomparable prestige. Monaco rises from 19th to 12th in the BARNES City Index 2024.
13. Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada
Montreal has become an international hub for artificial intelligence technologies. Its French community, North American quality of life and relatively affordable prices compared to other major metropolises make it a destination on the rise. However, Montreal drops from 13th to 34th place in the BARNES City Index, signalling a period of transition.
14. Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux is among the most sought-after French cities for both domestic and international buyers. Its exceptional architectural heritage (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site), renowned gastronomic and wine scene and quality of life make it an unmissable prestige destination. With apartments at prices 50-70% lower than Paris.
15. Lyon, France
Lapped by the waters of the Rhone and Saone, Lyon has exhibited diversity and dynamism for decades. Two hours from Paris by TGV, less than two hours from the Alpine ski resorts and Geneva, and less than three hours from the Mediterranean beaches, Lyon enjoys a privileged position. Third city in France for quality of life.
16. Deauville, France
Deauville's origins can be traced to a real estate bet in 1860. A century and a half later, Deauville still combines high-end property in an authentic way. A kind of 21st Parisian arrondissement that lives all year round and welcomes increasing numbers of buyers wishing to settle there as a semi-primary residence.
17. Arcachon Bay — Arcachon, Pyla-sur-Mer, Cap Ferret
From the tip of Cap Ferret to the Dune du Pilat, the Arcachon Bay offers magnificent natural sites that make it a region to be savoured all year round. As the territory is geographically limited, the Arcachon Bay property market is traditionally characterised by demand far exceeding supply.
18. Basque Coast — Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz & Hossegor
Perfectly situated between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, Biarritz benefits from both a prestigious seafront and an authentic hinterland. Saint-Jean-de-Luz charms with its imposing townhouses on the beach and its magnificent Neo-Basque villas. Hossegor exudes its bourgeois charm between sandy beaches, salt lake and forest.
19. Provence — Aix, Alpilles & Luberon, Marseille, Cassis
Provence offers a diversity of exceptional micro-property markets. Aix-en-Provence stands out for its dynamism and incomparable quality of life. The Alpilles and Luberon attract an international clientele in search of authenticity and preserved nature. Marseille, Cassis and Sanary offer a Mediterranean alternative at more accessible prices.
20. Ile de Re, France
The Ile de Re enjoys a reputation for excellence in luxury property. Its traditional white stone villas, flower-lined lanes and preserved beaches make it a unique destination on the Atlantic coast. The scarcity of supply structurally supports prices. The island welcomes an increasing number of permanent residents who work remotely throughout the year.