Luxury homes in Europe: Hotspots and trends for high-end buyers
We head to the destinations attracting luxury buyers in 2025 and discover the lifestyle features, from privacy to wellness, that define the continent’s finest homes
Wealth is increasingly on the move, and Europe is firmly in the sights of luxury buyers. From its rich cultural heritage and exceptional quality of life to the stability offered amid a volatile geopolitical backdrop, the continent holds enduring appeal. Experts from Knight Frank’s International team highlight the destinations attracting high-net-worth buyers today, each offering its own distinct interpretation of the European lifestyle. They also share the property features topping wish lists - from privacy and exclusivity to the most sought-after contemporary comforts.
7 bedroom villa for sale in Jesús, Ibiza, Illes Balears, Spain
Wellness leads the way in Ibiza
In sun-drenched Ibiza, an outdoor lifestyle is more than a perk - it’s a way of life. Wellness is high on the agenda for many international buyers, a trend amplified by the arrival of world-class hospitality brands such as Six Senses and, this summer, Soho House’s new outpost.
Jack Harris, Partner in Knight Frank’s International team, notes that for many convenience is the ultimate luxury. “Ibiza isn’t huge, so you can enjoy both the countryside and beach, and still be no more than 45 minutes from the airport. It’s a very flexible lifestyle,” he explains.
That flexibility is drawing buyers beyond the established south-west and south-east hotspots, with the authentic atmosphere of the north-east gaining attention. “Small hubs are emerging in places that were once a no-man’s land,” Harris explains. “A smart hotel opens, high-end restaurants follow, Instagram fills with images of a particular beach, and suddenly it’s desirable.”
Certain property features remain non-negotiable - such as a swimming pool and generous outdoor entertaining space - while proximity to water in a private setting is particularly desirable, albeit difficult to find. Separate guest accommodation is also in demand, giving friends and family space to relax.
One notable shift at the upper end of the market is a greater willingness to take on renovation projects. This marks a departure from the Covid-era preference for turnkey properties. “There are excellent developers and architects here, but building is challenging and not always to international standards,” Harris notes. “Now, buyers are more patient, willing to spend 12 to 18 months creating their ideal home.” These bespoke builds often blend locally sourced materials with modern design, adding sustainable touches such as heat pumps and contemporary air-conditioning systems.
An authentic, outdoors lifestyle in Provence
For buyers in central Provence, getting the property itself exactly right is often the top priority. “Location is still important, but the amenities here are more locally orientated when compared to the more international names found further east, where you have more densely populated cities,” says Harris.
That makes privacy all the more valuable, as owners are likely to spend more time at home. Life here revolves around a deep connection with nature, which can extend to properties with vineyards or olive groves. Outdoor living is key, with large covered terraces, shaded dining areas and elegant poolside spaces forming the heart of day-to-day life.
The desire for authenticity extends indoors as well. As Harris explains, “Buyers tend to focus on features that let them embrace the quintessential Provençal lifestyle, such as making the most of the incredible produce on their doorstep, often prioritising a well-stocked wine cellar over a home spa.”
7 bedroom villa for sale in Gassin, Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Connected living on the French Riviera
On the Mediterranean coast, expansive open layouts designed to capture the spectacular views are in high demand. “Being on the coast and near the water remains the pinnacle,” says Harris. “However, true water frontage in a property is rare in France, as very little of the coastline is privately owned.”
In this more built-up setting, achieving the kind of privacy found in a Provençal farmhouse can be challenging, shifting the focus toward security. “There’s greater emphasis here on gated homes or properties with dedicated security services,” Harris explains.
The region is also attracting more permanent residents, thanks in part to renowned international schools such as those in Mougins, as well as easy access to Nice International Airport. “Because of this, buyers are more conscious of proximity to amenities,” he says. “How close am I to the airport? What about local shops and restaurants? This connectivity has become far more important.” For those spending more time on the coast, spacious lateral living holds strong appeal, complemented by practical features like generous garaging and electric vehicle charging.
Even at the top end of the market, buyers are increasingly considering rental potential. “These clients lead incredibly mobile lives - they may not spend the entire summer in the South of France, instead travelling extensively. They want to understand the property’s value when they’re not using it,” Harris notes. This influences at-home amenities too, with facilities such as indoor pools, spas and saunas proving highly desirable for both home comfort and the high-end holiday rental market.
4 bedroom apartment for sale in Jardin Exotique, Monaco
A secure, family-friendly approach in Monaco
Consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world, Monaco is a top choice for those who prize security and privacy. Its compact size and exceptionally low crime rates allow even high-profile residents to live with a sense of normality - a quality reflected in the principality’s most desirable properties.
“The level of security you see in new developments such as Mareterra, the extensive land reclamation project, is remarkable,” says James Davies, Partner in Knight Frank’s International team. “It’s commanding an average of around €110,000 per square metre for resale properties, compared with around €55,000 for older stock in Monaco. Here you can have an almost James Bond-esque set-up - high security to the underground parking, your own private garage and an elevator that opens directly into your apartment.”
3 bedroom apartment for sale in Mareterra, Monaco
Davies notes a growing demand for larger family units, fuelled partly by stricter residency rules requiring adequate space for households, but also by the lifestyle Monaco offers families. The International School of Monaco, which unveiled a state-of-the-art campus last year, now has a long waiting list. Beyond education, the transformation of Larvotto Beach has created a vibrant new destination, with high-end restaurants and pop-up residencies from global names.
This emphasis on a relaxed, wellness-led lifestyle carries through to property design. “The best new developments feature exceptional gyms, spas and sports treatment facilities, while some of the most expensive units - whether villas or large apartments - offer expansive terraces with private pools of a substantial size,” says Davies. Increasingly, sustainability is a growing trend in building, driven by Prince Albert II’s strong advocacy for environmental protection through his charitable foundation. “He is really driving the agenda on sustainability, which is already evident in developments such as Mareterra,” Davies adds.
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