Our top 10 hottest housing markets around the world
Colleagues from Knight Frank’s global network share their take on the neighbourhoods set to outperform.
Via Veneto is reclaiming its status as one of Rome’s most glamorous addresses. A wave of new five-star openings has reshaped the district, anchored by the revived business hub.
Andrew Blandford-Newson, Italian Desk
Who’s buying?
- International investors
- Private equity and family offices
- Corporate tenants
What you pay
Around US$1.2 million for a fully renovated 100sqm apartment From US$19 million for a five-bedroom villa
What to expect
A cosmopolitan, hotel-led lifestyle and a front row seat to Rome’s modern revival.
Deià is one of Europe’s most famous and treasured villages. Its honey-coloured stone houses, terraced olive groves and winding lanes create a distinct sense of place.
Jack Harris, Spanish Desk
Who’s buying?
- British, US and northern European second-home owners
- Internationals wanting longer stays or relocations
What you pay
- From US$2.4 million for a two-bedroom village home
- From US$8 million for a four-bedroom villa
What to expect
Exceptional light, crystalline coves and a strong, characterful community.
Queenstown remains one of the southern hemisphere’s most established lifestyle destinations for its alpine scenery, winter snow and vibrant calendar of food, wine and outdoor pursuits.
Chris Farhi, Head of Insights, Data & Consulting, Bayleys
Who’s buying?
- Lifestyle-led individuals and families
- New Zealand-based and offshore buyers
What you pay
- From US$3 million for a modern home on a lifestyle estate
What to expect
Space, privacy and expansive views, combined with easy access to Queenstown.
Lake Como has attracted international wealth for generations. Framed by the Alps and within easy reach of Milan and Switzerland, it serves as a seasonal retreat and a popular relocation base.
Isabella Foster, Italian Desk
Who’s buying?
- International families
- Milan-based business owners
- American and northern European buyers
What you pay
- US$2 million to US$5 million for a three-bedroom apartment
- US$14 million to US$18 million for a four- or five-bedroom villa
What to expect
Discretion, a slower pace of life, and enduring appeal.
St-Martin-de-Belleville offers direct access to the world-renowned Les Trois Vallées ski area. The village combines authentic alpine living with excellent connectivity to Geneva and Lyon
Roddy Aris, Alpine Desk
Who’s buying?
- Lifestyle-led buyers drawn to a more discreet Alps experience
What you pay
- From US$1.1 million for a three-bedroom apartment
- From US$1.8 million for a four-bedroom chalet
What to expect
A refined, authentic alpine community with a strong sense of place.
Known for its elegant pre-war buildings and classic townhouses, the Upper East Side is home to The Met and MoMA, high-end boutiques and designer stores, excellent private schools and healthcare institutions.
Adam Modlin, Founder & CEO, The Modlin Group
Who’s buying?
- Domestic and international buyers
What you pay
- US$3,000 to US$7,000 per sq ft for a new condo or pre-war residence
- US$2,500 to US$3,000 per sq ft for a townhouse in need of renovation
- US$4,000 per sq ft for a turnkey residence
What to expect
World-class culture, restaurants, private members’ clubs, and boutiques on pristine tree-lined blocks.
Stretching along the western shore of Lake Zurich, the Silberküste is one of the city’s most discreet and established residential areas. It offers lakeside living with swift access to Zurich and excellent local amenities.
Alex Koch de Gooreynd, Swiss Desk
Who’s buying?
- Swiss families, senior executives and business owners
- US, UK and northern European buyers relocating as Swiss residents
What you pay
- From US$1.9 million for a two-bedroom apartment
- From US$25 million for a prime waterfront villa
What to expect
A refined, understated lifestyle centred on swimming, sailing and dining.
Chelsea’s Tudor, Georgian and Victorian architecture has evolved naturally, with former artists’ studios sitting alongside townhouses and mews. Quiet tree-lined streets and a creative spirit create a genuine sense of home.
Stuart Bailey, Head of Super Prime London Sales
Who’s buying?
- Domestic buyers
- Diverse overseas buyers
What you pay
- From US$875,000 to US$2.7 million for a two-bedroom apartment
- From US$2.7 million to US$5 million for a three-bedroom house
- From US$7.4 million to US$13.4 million for a larger family home
What to expect
Genteel bohemian energy in a traditional residential area with beautiful architecture.
Geelong’s waterfront has emerged as a sought-after neighbourhood. Investment is helping boost cultural opportunities and improving connectivity, while the city retains its relaxed coastal character.
Michelle Ciesielski, National Head of Research, McGrath
Who’s buying?
- Melbourne lifestyle movers, professionals, and retirees
- Investors seeking coastal areas
What you pay
- From US$1.5 million for a modern two-bedroom waterfront apartment
- From US$2 million for a four-bedroom detached home close to the bay
What to expect
Expansive views across Corio Bay and a vibrant, walkable foreshore.
This affluent residential neighbourhood tucked between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean offers hiking trails with sweeping coastline views and soft sandy beaches.
Nick Segal, Managing Broker, Carolwood Estates
Who’s buying?
- Homeowners rebuilding after 2025’s wildfires
- Newcomers looking to join the community
What you pay
- From US$2,000 to US$2,500 per sq ft for a property in the area
- From US$10 million to US$25 million for an estate
What to expect
Proximity to the beach, soft breezes, and magnificent ocean views.
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