Strong wealth proposition and lifestyle provisions drive EMEA locations across the index
EMEA is home to 16 of the index's top 30 locations, spanning global financial centres, coastal markets, Alpine resorts and cultural capitals. Its strength lies in combining lifestyle, connectivity and wealth preservation.
Lifestyle is a key differentiator for EMEA markets. Alongside education, healthcare and connectivity, many destinations host events such as Formula 1 races, golf tournaments and tennis events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the Wimbledon tennis tournament, reinforcing their ability to attract visitors, investment and their appeal as lifestyle and residential hubs.
London sits in first place in the EMEA rankings and third globally, confirming its status as a city where people choose to live, work and invest. Its continued resilience attracts international capital through the depth of its professional services sector, concentration of wealth, world-leading schools and universities, cultural institutions and connectivity. London's prime residential market also continues to attract global wealth, with no single international group dominating the market, supported by its legal stability, cultural appeal and enduring reputation as a long-term store of value. Many buyers are prioritising turnkey homes, security, concierge services, wellness amenities and community-oriented health clubs.
Demand for prime residences in the UK countryside remains strong, particularly turnkey properties offering privacy, wellness, community and long-term stewardship. Succession planning remains a core consideration as families reassess how estates are owned, managed and transferred.
Lifestyle is a key differentiator, with EMEA locations delivering on education, healthcare, connectivity and sporting events.
Monaco ranked ninth overall and third in EMEA, with legacy and lifestyle factors central to its attractiveness. Monaco delivers a concentrated wealth ecosystem with international schooling, healthcare, marina infrastructure and one of the world's most established cultural and sporting calendars. The Principality is the most expensive prime residential market globally, with an average price per square foot of $6,135 (€57,569 per square metre), given persistent demand and land constraints.
The Côte d’Azur (ranked 15th in EMEA and 28th globally) offers robust lifestyle and exclusivity factors. The Riviera's buyer base has widened in recent years, no longer relying on trophy-home purchasers, but now catering to a wider base of entrepreneurs, investors, finance professionals and technology businesspeople. As such, more people live in the Riviera year-round, with Nice airport the third largest in France and the top for private aviation. High-quality turnkey homes with sea views, generous outdoor space and easy access to amenities dominate demand.
Geopolitical tensions have heightened uncertainty across the Middle East, and we are seeing the impact these challenges are having on prime residential markets globally. Despite this backdrop, Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to rank among the world's leading wealth destinations, placing eighth and tenth in our index respectively (and second and fourth in EMEA). Both cities combine favourable tax environments, business-friendly policies and significant infrastructure investment with a sophisticated luxury offering. Dubai's entrepreneurial ecosystem, global connectivity and lifestyle appeal continue to attract international talent and capital. Abu Dhabi complements this with its growing financial centre, a rising number of family offices, expanding economic opportunities and a high quality of life, reinforcing the UAE's position as a compelling destination for globally mobile wealth. Across the GCC, economic diversification and succession planning are becoming more prominent, with growing focus on family governance, next-generation involvement and the long-term deployment of capital within the region.
Paris ranks sixth in EMEA (13th overall), Amsterdam ranks eighth in EMEA (17th globally) and Berlin 11th (18th globally), delivering strong business environments, attracting global capital to their diverse markets. Geneva ranks fifth in EMEA and 11th globally. The city combines Swiss political stability, favourable wealth structures and an established private banking ecosystem.
The strong performance of Alpine destinations demonstrates that ski resorts are no longer purely second home destinations but now support year-round living. Buyers view prime mountain property as a trophy asset that provides lifestyle benefits, portfolio diversification and a vehicle for long-term wealth preservation, particularly as investment goes into summer season provisions such as music festivals, biking and hiking trails and extended hospitality offerings. Coupled with a rise in international schools and high-quality education, these destinations now support year-round residents. Both Gstaad and St Moritz rank in the top 30 globally and perform well on taxation and lifestyle metrics.
Southern Europe has seen strong performances across the board, delivering on climate, schools, healthcare, perceived safety, international connectivity and quality of life, supporting a rise in year-round rather than seasonal home use. Milan, Rome and Tuscany place seventh, ninth, and 17th in the EMEA index and 14th, 16th and 33rd globally. They have the highest wealth cluster scores driven by Italy’s flat tax policy and top-tier restaurants, retail, and cultural offerings. Madrid and Barcelona place 13th and 14th in EMEA (24th and 26th globally), excelling in lifestyle. Portuguese markets achieve high quality of life scores and strong dining and retail options, as well as relative affordability compared to other established European hubs. Buyers and renters from across Latin America are supporting demand across Spain and Portugal. Across the Iberian Peninsula, renting prime real estate provides renters the flexibility to split their time between multiple locations, which is particularly attractive for international mobility.
The defining characteristic of EMEA is the diversity of its wealth proposition. Global business centres, leading educational institutions, major sporting and cultural events, coastal retreats and mountain resorts are all within reach – both practically and physically.
