Timeless Investments

Resilient Markets with Global Appeal

Timeless real estate markets in Europe and the United States are sought-after by global investors due to their long-term performance spanning both periods of economic growth and times of crisis. These markets are sensitive to short-term price fluctuations but they historically post gains over time. Paris, home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre-Dame, has enjoyed increased global attention since it hosted the 2024 Olympic Games. American, Chinese and Middle Eastern buyers are showing great interest in the prestigious 8th arrondissement, especially the exclusive “Golden Triangle” area. Prices here range from €20,000 to €25,000 per square meter, with top addresses like Avenue Montaigne, one of the most luxurious shopping streets in Paris, commanding the highest prices.

In Venice, proximity to the famous Grand Canal and the magnificent historic buildings is the main factor determining real estate prices. High-quality apartments overlooking the famous Rialto Bridge can achieve prices of around €12,000 to €20,000 per square meter. The City of Canals attracts wealthy buyers who appreciate its cultural heritage and exclusive location. In March 2024, Nicolas Berggruen announced the opening of a permanent contemporary art space at Palazzo Diedo, and Gstaad-based Patricia Low Contemporary also opened a new gallery in Venice.

Zurich, St. Moritz, Gstaad and Zug are all reliable Swiss markets – thanks to the international crowd they attract.

Switzerland and Aspen: High-Altitude Investments

Switzerland has always been a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty. Real estate in desirable locations such as Zurich and Lake Zurich is considered crisis-proof with square metre prices exceeding CHF 30,000 per square metre. According to Mercer’s Quality of Living City Ranking 2024, Zurich offers the highest quality of life for expats. Equally reliable markets are St. Moritz, Gstaad and Zug. Thanks to its reputation as a world-class ski resort and the international crowd its attracts, St. Moritz boasts some of the world’s highest per-square-meter real estate prices, with chalets and villas in prime locations changing hands for between CHF 30 million and CHF 100 million.

Luxury ski resorts are also popular investment markets across the Atlantic in the U.S. With roughly 6,500 residents, Aspen in the Rocky Mountains attracts wealthy buyers all year round. Celebrities such as Cary Grant and Lucille Ball were frequent visitors in the 1950s. Today you can easily run into Bella Hadid or Kate Hudson on the slopes. Last December Amazon founder Jeff Bezos hosted a party attended by luminaries including leaders in entertainment and business. In the spring of 2024, a home here sold for approximately $100 million, setting a new record for the most expensive real estate sale in Colorado and joining fewer than 20 residences nationwide that have ever sold for such a significant sum.

Appreciation and Stability in America’s Metropolises

Miami is a blend of a blend of tropical beauty, rich cultural diversity and exciting financial opportunities. The luxury real estate market benefits from tax advantages and a strong economy. Investors, particularly from Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East value the global connectivity. According to CoreLogic’s Home Price Insights, Miami continues to lead the U.S. in home value appreciation.

Market appreciation of home values is also a hallmark of New York City’s real estate market. The E&V Mercedes Berk Team represented a client who acquired a property at 220 Central Park South for $56 million before construction. A similar unit on a lower floor recently resold for $81.5 million. The New York City market is highly regarded by investors due to its stability and history of increasing value, especially in prime Manhattan neighborhoods. According to Forbes, New York stands out as the city with the highest number of billionaires, a staggering 110. Their combined net worth comes to approximately $694 billion.

Get to know...

Thanks to its cultural heritage, stable market and favorable tax conditions, the popular holiday destination of Sardinia offers attractive opportunities for investors. Daniela Ciboddo, owner and CEO of E&V Costa Smeralda, has been in the real estate business for nearly 20 years. Having grown up in the beautiful region of Gallura, she has a deep connection to Sardinia and is inspired by its exclusivity, authenticity and unique lifestyle. She lives with her husband and two sons in Porto Cervo and also runs an ice cream factory.

The real estate market in Italy

is currently experiencing a veritable boom, thanks in part to attractive tax breaks. Prices in the historic center of Rome currently range from €4,500 to €10,000 per square meter and from €4,200 to €7,000 in the Prati and Parioli districts. The high demand, especially for renovated period properties, is poised to rise significantly. In the Holy Year 2025, between 30 and 45 million visitors and pilgrims are expected. The ongoing trend towards working from home is also benefiting suburban areas like Ostiense.

Eileen Gray's Iconic Villa

Engel & Völkers was commissioned to sell Eileen Gray’s Tempe à Pailla villa in the South of France, which was built in 1934 as a retreat for the Irish designer and subsequently became the home of the artist Graham Sutherland. Valued at €3.5 million, the 3.6- acre property boasts 400 square meters of living space and enjoys views of the Mediterranean. Modern architecture seamlessly integrated with original elements has created an exemplary monument to timeless design history.