Sales of luxury homes in key international property hotspots soar
02-25-2014
Luxury homes sales volumes in key international property hotspots surged in 2013, while median sales prices remained relatively constant, according to a new report by Christie’s International Real Estate and Strutt & Parker.
The report focuses on three markets which are experiencing exceptional growth London, Miami and New York, and shows that the number of luxury properties sold, that is those priced over $1 million, increased dramatically, surpassing 2012 levels.
Overall median sales prices levelled out, despite asking prices for some properties reaching historic highs and buyers were a combination of local residents, overseas investors and a growing number of young millionaires.
It points out that the increased demand from wealthy potential buyers looking to invest in real estate is fuelling this renewed housing boom. Overseas buyers had a significant presence in all three luxury markets.
In London, Strutt & Parker reported that 40% of buyers were from overseas, mostly from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Russia. In Miami, 35% of luxury homes were purchased by South Americans, English, Russians and Canadians, while Chinese and Russian buyers represented 15% of the New York market.
Wealthy younger buyers in their 20s and early 30s, known as Generation Y or millennials, are also having a surprising impact on high end property across the globe, with the recent surge in the tech sector promoting the wealth of a disproportionally large number of these buyers looking to invest.
Of the three markets examined, London achieved the highest average price per square foot, which rose to $2,053 in 2013, compared with $1,023 in New York and $612 in Miami.
The report concludes that London, Miami and New York are all business and lifestyle destinations which offer exactly what luxury buyers are looking for in terms of economic stability, accessibility and cultural attractions.
London, Miami and New York have one big thing in common, they’ve got the cool factor,’ said Lulu Egerton, partner at Strutt & Parker’s Chelsea office and sole UK affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate.
‘Established business people and younger entrepreneurs from around the world are increasingly looking to invest their money in luxury property and they are naturally drawn to exciting, buzzing destinations. International high end buyers like to live where they can find the world’s best entertainment, restaurants and shopping on their doorstep,’ she explained.
She added that all three markets are on track for continued growth in 2014 as stock levels remain low and both overseas and domestic buyers, both young and mature, continue to view these cities as strong, safe markets to invest in and great places to live.