The 2026 Global Property Handbook identifies the ten structural trends shaping international prime real estate.
By BARNES International
01 – The search for meaning redefines the very idea of luxury. Beyond real estate, the quest for meaning is reflected globally in consumption habits and the way wealth is passed on.
02 – The rise of "Year-Round Living" destinations. The BARNES City Index 2026 highlights the emergence of destinations reshaping luxury real estate: resorts are evolving into true residential hubs. Remote work, connectivity, security, and cultural offerings are turning these locations into the new capitals of global lifestyle.
03 – The world is home to an increasing number of UHNWI. Over the past 20 years, the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals has grown seven times faster than the global adult population.
04 – Wealth is concentrated in major global metropolises. New York and Hong Kong lead the ranking of cities with the highest number of UHNWI. This concentration is also spreading more broadly, extending to countries with relatively fewer large fortunes, such as Australia.
05 – The United States: a nursery of billionaires. The United States host the highest number of billionaires, accounting for one-third of the global billionaire population—more than three times as many as China, which ranks second.
06 – In 2026, the world is moving towards recovery. Business and consumer confidence are expected to improve in 2026, supported by expanding fiscal stimulus in major advanced economies and a gradual easing of tariff effects introduced by Donald Trump.
07 – Madrid retains the top spot in the BARNES City Index. The Spanish capital remains number one in the global City Index. The luxury sector is thriving: BARNES Madrid saw its revenue grow by 40% in 2025, alongside a notable rise in transactions.
08 – New York and Paris remain just outside the Top 5 globally. Historic safe havens such as Paris and New York (along with London, ranked #1 in the Destinations to Watch) have faced challenges in recent years due to urban developments and contested policy decisions. This explains their positions in the BARNES City Index for 2025 and 2026, while they continue to attract medium- and long-term investors.
09 – Porto Cervo shines at the top of the seaside destinations Top 5. Every July and August, Porto Cervo becomes one of the most exclusive destinations in the world. International entrepreneurs, heads of state, and high-profile personalities gather there in an environment defined by absolute privacy and security.
10 – The Swiss Alps reach new heights. Crans-Montana, Gstaad, Verbier, Zermatt and Andermatt rank among the most iconic resort villages in the Swiss Alps. Since 2022–2023, they have strengthened their positioning as year-round destinations, attracting an increasingly broad international family clientele.
