Younger generations who inherit trillions of dollars in real estate are reshaping the market as they prioritize lifestyle and financial stability. Coldwell Banker Global Luxury’s 2026 Trends Report outlines the key factors shaping the transition.
As a large-scale wealth transfer begins to unfold, Gen
These generations are reshaping the luxury market through their lifestyles, investment choices, and desire for unique, high-performance homes, according to the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury 2026 Trends Report released Friday.
Michael Altnew | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
“The next generation is inheriting historic wealth and approaching luxury with intention,” Michael Altnew, vice president of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Programs, said in a press statement. “They are choosing homes that reflect their identity, support their daily lifestyle and protect their long-term economic value.
“For many people, real estate is a strategic part of their estate planning and a sanctuary for their well-being.”
The report is based on three years of luxury home sales data, data from global property research firms, and a survey of more than 100 Coldwell Banker global luxury real estate professionals.
Luxury buyers continue to expand their real estate portfolios, even though rising interest rates and other affordability challenges have driven many homebuyers out of the market over the past year, according to the 2026 Trends Report. Over the past six years, the wealth of the world’s wealthy has increased by nearly 40%, with real estate accounting for 29.4%, the report said.
Luxury home buyers continue to view real estate as a stable financial investment and are drawn to properties that emphasize value and experience. These and other factors will shape the luxury goods market as we head into 2026. Below, take a look at some of the key emerging trends for the new year featured in the report.
market resilience
The 2026 Trends Report shows the ultra-high net worth continues to invest in luxury real estate despite recent market headwinds. Approximately 80% of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury agents surveyed said their market remains “resilient,” with median prices rising steadily and inventory rotating regularly.
Altnoy said in the report that nationally, prices for single-family luxury homes rose 3% in 2025, with sales increasing 4%, reflecting stable demand and “confidence” in the market.
“Luxury buyers remain active, prices are holding steady, and demand is concentrated in markets that offer lifestyle depth and long-term stability. That’s why these markets continue to perform well.”
Increasing wealth in the United States
With America’s Gen
The report found that millennials are on track to inherit the most wealth through real estate over the long term.
Movement toward “stay-at-home investment”
For luxury buyers, real estate is increasingly seen as both a lifestyle and a property investment, and buyers are making very value-based decisions, the report notes. This mindset has led to increased discretionary spending on upgrading primary homes and acquiring second homes.
Among individuals with a net worth of $30 million or more, spending on housing will soon exceed spending on personal luxury items by 18.5 percent. Younger heirs are also saving more of their portfolios for real estate than older generations.
Luxury market growing in the South and Midwest
The migration of high-net-worth individuals has breathed new life into the luxury market in the South and Midwest, with wealthy individuals drawn to stability, lifestyle amenities, and long-term real estate value.
Atlanta, San Diego, Nashville, Dallas, Salt Lake City, and Minneapolis have all experienced steady price increases over the past five years due to strong local economies and abundant lifestyle amenities.
“Wealthy buyers have more geographic flexibility than ever before,” Altnoy said in the report. “As wealth becomes more mobile, buyers are choosing different cities, and this shift is occurring in the global hotspots for luxury goods.”
Put aside “quiet luxury”
Jade Mills | Coldwell Banker
According to a 2026 trend report, the days of understated, “quiet” luxury may be coming to an end. Luxury buyers are increasingly seeking larger homes with “character” that embrace mixed-use living.
According to the company’s research, nearly 64% of single-family home inquiries by luxury buyers were for homes with five or more bedrooms.
“Special characteristics are important to today’s ultra-luxury buyers,” Jade Mills, president of Jade Mills Estates and international ambassador for the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Program, said in the firm’s report. “They want homes that have presence and lasting value, whether it’s square footage, privacy, lasting views or architectural quality. To truly stand out, a home must have a story.”
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