The Wealth Report 2026: How the Global Prime Real Estate Market Is Changing

According to Knight Frank: 

– there are currently around 713,600 ultra-high-net-worth individuals worldwide with assets of $30 million or more  
– since 2021, their number has increased by 32%  
– on average, 89 new ultra-high-net-worth individuals emerge globally every day  
– over the next five years, the global UHNWI segment could grow by another 28%  
– 22% of wealthy investors plan to purchase prime residential real estate this year  
– prices for prime real estate in major global locations increased by an average of 3,2% during 2025  
– the Middle East became the fastest-growing region in terms of price dynamics, with growth reaching 9,4%  

Analysts also specifically highlight the role of the United States – the country accounted for 41% of all new ultra-high-net-worth individuals over the past year.

Knight Frank notes a shift in buyer behavior. Today, wealthy investors are choosing not only prestigious real estate, but also quality of life. 

Increased demand is being seen for: 

– branded residences  
– wellness real estate  
– resort developments  
– serviced apartments  
– properties located near nature and infrastructure suitable for long-term living  

Against this backdrop, interest in Asian and Middle Eastern markets is growing, particularly where resort and serviced real estate sectors are developing rapidly. 

The Wealth Report 2026 shows that global capital is becoming increasingly mobile. Wealthy buyers are more frequently diversifying assets across multiple countries, while interest in real estate remains strong even amid global uncertainty. 

For the international market, this means continued growth in demand for high-quality projects in strong locations – primarily in regions with developed infrastructure, a high quality of life, and stable tourist flows. 

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