The Coldwell Banker Global Luxury 2026 Trend Report identifies a historic shift in capital as Generation X and Millennials prepare to inherit an estimated $4.6 trillion in global real estate assets over the next decade. The United States is projected to capture 52% of this transfer, equating to approximately $2.4 trillion in domestic property wealth.
This influx of capital is driving a divergence between the luxury sector and the broader housing market. While the general market faces headwinds from interest rates and affordability, the luxury segment remains resilient, with high-net-worth individuals increasing their real estate holdings by 29.4% since 2020.
photo: @Fendi Casa
Core Market Trends for 2026
The report outlines several key shifts in buyer behavior and market dynamics as younger generations assume control of inherited wealth.
“Nest Investing” Strategy Affluent households are increasingly prioritizing the home as a primary wealth anchor. Spending on primary and secondary residences is projected to outpace growth in personal luxury goods by 18.5%. Younger heirs are allocating a larger share of their portfolios to real estate compared with older generations, signaling a preference for stability and utility.
The Return of “Living Large” The era of “quiet luxury” is being replaced by a demand for larger, high-functionality estates. Approximately 63.7% of luxury single-family inquiries now specify five or more bedrooms, with the average luxury home measuring 4,250 square feet—nearly twice the size of the average new U.S. home.
Fun Note: Minimalist “quiet luxury” is officially being moved to the basement. The new cohort wants square footage that can be seen from space, or at least enough room for a home theater, a gym, and a dedicated room for their artisanal sourdough hobby.
Geographic Safe Harbors Wealth is migrating toward “hotspots” that offer stability and lifestyle depth. Markets such as Atlanta, Nashville, Dallas, Salt Lake City, and Minneapolis are emerging as new resilient hubs, mirroring the reliability traditionally associated with New York or London. Affluent buyers are using geographic flexibility to prioritize tax strategies and climate considerations.
Institutional Resiliency Despite economic shifts, 80% of luxury specialists characterize their markets as resilient. Single-family luxury prices rose 3% in 2025, supported by a 4% increase in sales volume. Real estate continues to function as a stabilizing, counter-cyclical asset, with its absolute dollar value rising consistently for five consecutive years.
Turnkey and Modernity Premiums
Demand remains concentrated in “turnkey” properties that align with modern lifestyle requirements. Listings that emphasize modern design accounted for 25% of all Coldwell Banker Global Luxury sold listings in 2025. Buyers are increasingly seeking “story-driven” homes that feature privacy, forever views, and architectural distinction.
Fun Note: The “Great Wealth Transfer” means the kids are finally moving out of the basement and into estates that have more bathrooms than they have siblings. It turns out that inheriting a fortune makes one very interested in “architectural storytelling.”
