Luxury homes in Europe: Hotspots and trends for high-end buyers

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.”

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.

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.”

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.