BARNES City Index 2026: Methodology
The BARNES City Index identifies the cities most sought after by a demanding international clientele. It supports UHNWI, VHNWI and HNWI in their acquisition decisions by offering a clear and comparative overview of the most attractive destinations worldwide. For each city, strengths are analyzed, aggregated, and translated through a shared framework to establish a clear and relevant ranking. The selected criteria cover three complementary dimensions: emotional and cultural, practical, and financial.
The 2026 edition incorporates three new destinations—Aspen, Whistler and Comporta—which perfectly illustrate the "From Resort to Residence" phenomenon. This year's ranking covers 50 global destinations, up from 48 in 2025.
BARNES City Index 2026: Top 10
- 1. Madrid — For the second consecutive year, the Spanish capital leads the ranking. Market dynamism (+23% in the Salamanca district), fiscal attractiveness, quality of life and BARNES revenue up 40%.
- 2. Milan — The flat tax (€200,000 annually for new foreign residents) and the 2026 Winter Olympics propel Milan to second place. The Quadrilatero della Moda reaches €18,000/m².
- 3. Dubai — The Emirati city confirms its position as a global residential hub, driven by advantageous taxation (0% income tax), a favourable legal framework and record international demand.
- 4. Miami — The Florida metropolis consolidates its 4th place with a permanently accelerating market and an appeal that now extends well beyond American buyers alone.
- 5. Marbella — The Costa del Sol confirms its premium positioning with prices comparable to the French Riviera and demand driven by buyers from 60 different nationalities.
- 6. Paris — The French capital is regaining momentum following the 2024 Olympic Games and political stabilisation. The 16th arrondissement records a +46% rise in transactions.
- 7. New York — Despite persistent urban challenges, Manhattan is recovering remarkable dynamism in the ultra-prime segment, with SoHo reaching $25,800/m².
- 8. Geneva — The Swiss city confirms its position as the safe-haven destination par excellence, with stable prices in the prime centre (CHF 20,000–30,000/m²).
- 9. Lisbon — Despite the revision of the NHR tax regime, the Portuguese capital maintains strong international appeal, with prices still accessible in relative terms.
- 10. Singapore — Asia's pre-eminent hub for international large fortunes retains its ranking thanks to its legal stability and competitive taxation.
Cities on the rise
Among the cities advancing most in the 2026 ranking: Marbella (entering the Top 5), Aspen and Whistler (new entries), Athens (spectacular real estate renaissance), Montreal (AI hub), Istanbul (strong growth in Middle Eastern clientele) and Budapest (emerging destination in Central Europe).
Cities in decline
The cities declining in the ranking are primarily those suffering from regulatory constraints on tourist rentals, over-taxation on property transactions or rising perceived insecurity. Hong Kong, Sydney and certain second-tier French cities illustrate this dynamic.