In Q2 2024, sales of ultra-luxury homes, priced at $10 million and above, soared dramatically, with Palm Beach experiencing a remarkable 44% surge in transactions. This insight comes from the latest update by real estate firm Knight Frank. Here’s an overview of the current trends and market highlights:
Global Luxury Real Estate Trends
- Super-Prime Home Sales: In the second quarter, 463 ultra-luxury homes, each valued at $10 million or more, were sold worldwide.
- Year-to-Date Sales: Total sales of $10 million+ properties have reached $33.4 billion year-to-date, a significant increase from $20.1 billion in 2019.
- Dubai Market Boom: Dubai has emerged as a standout market, with sales of $10 million+ homes soaring from 23 in 2019 to 436 over the past 12 months.
- Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals: The global population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals has grown by 19% over the last five years.
U.S. Luxury Real Estate Highlights
- Growth in UHNW Individuals: In the U.S., the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals increased by 8% in 2023.
- New York Market: New York City saw 72 sales of homes priced over $10 million in Q2, marking its highest count in two years. Miami followed with 55 transactions, and Palm Beach recorded 36.
- Los Angeles Market: Los Angeles experienced a 29% year-over-year decline in sales, totaling 42 transactions. This decrease is attributed to the new “mansion tax,” which imposes a 5.5% charge on properties selling for over $10 million, effective April 1, 2023.
Market Outlook
This report underscores that while certain segments of the luxury market may be cooling, the ultra-high-net-worth segment remains robust. The significant activity in $10 million+ home sales reflects continued high demand among affluent buyers. Brokers specializing in luxury real estate should take note of these trends, as the current climate presents substantial opportunities.
Although many of these high-net-worth buyers are not reliant on financing, global trends in falling interest rates could further energize the market in the months ahead. The recent signing of 29 contracts for $4 million+ properties in Manhattan signals a potentially strong finish to the year. Furthermore, transaction volumes are expected to rise even further through 2025.