A guide to buying property in Monaco
Small in size but mighty in stature, Monaco’s Mediterranean lifestyle, world-class calendar of events and alluring property options make it a magnet for the wealthy
Small in size but mighty in stature, Monaco’s Mediterranean lifestyle, world-class calendar of events and alluring property options make it a magnet for the wealthy
The Monaco Yacht Show is one of the most spectacular events in the principality’s star-filled cultural and sporting social calendar, an annual four days towards the end of September considered unmissable for anyone involved in the super-yacht world. This year, the 35th anniversary, will include some 560 exhibitors across design, engineering, technology and sustainable services, 120 super yachts and 60 luxury tenders, making Port Hercules home to Europe’s biggest in-water display of large yachts.
“Along with Formula 1 Grand Prix and the international tennis competition, the Yacht Show is one of the most prestigious events in Monaco, an extraordinary few days in the principality and great fun,” says James Davies, partner in the International Residential team. “It’s packed with glamour but also incredibly well attended with a huge number of yacht principals, Family Offices and super yacht sales and charter companies coming to network.”
The Yacht Show is a prime example of how Monaco punches far above its weight in international global events, arts and conferences. “Monaco might be compact, but it performs like a major global city in its ability to host events and welcome the world,” Davies says.
Monaco’s elegant, timeless glamour is captured perfectly in its yacht-filled harbours and in celebrated landmarks such as Casino Square and the American Bar at Hôtel de Paris. The lifestyle is undoubtedly affluent with seven Michelin-starred restaurants in an area of less than one square mile yet behind the longstanding glitz, Monaco has a thoroughly up to date side too says Davies.
“Monaco is an alluring holiday destination but look beyond the designer boutiques and supercars and you see it’s a place where people live and enjoy a wonderful lifestyle,” he says. “That includes meeting up after school on Larvotto Beach, playing tennis on the clay courts at Monte Carlo’s Country Club and dining at local restaurants. There’s a wonderfully easy-going side to Monaco life that often gets overlooked."
As the temperature rises, La Note Bleue is the place to be, a sun-drenched ‘feet-in-the-sand’ beach club and restaurant on Larvotto Beach where a lengthy lunch with friends is a weekend ritual for many. Sébastien Le Graverend of Balkin Estates | Knight Frank Monaco cites Larvotto as a favoured district with investors.
“It recently benefitted from an elegant facelift with the redevelopment of Larvotto Beach, which is now endowed with a sweeping seafront promenade flanked by gourmet restaurants and boutiques,” he says. “Also coveted is La Condamine, one of the principality's oldest districts and home to the Port Hercules, the port of choice for the world’s most luxurious superyachts. This elegant district showcases a desirable mix if elegant Belle Époque and modern-day buildings, such as Le Stella.”
Close to Larvotto are the new gardens and promenade provided by Mareterra, a transformational land reclamation project ten years in the making with exciting waterfront residential options. Mareterra has created an entirely new neighbourhood in the principality, one that has further amplified the quality of life for residents.
“Mareterra continues to be in high demand though there is very limited stock, both for rental and for sale,” says Davies. “This summer, another sale there achieved over €100,000 per square metre.”
Monaco continues to prove magnetic as a destination for global wealth, recording €5.9 billion in residential sales according to IMSEE, Monaco’s Statistics Office. As reported in The Wealth Report 2026, Knight Frank’s Prime International Residential Index (PIRI 100), which tracks the performance of 100 locations worldwide, showed that US$1 million typically buys 16 metres of luxury accommodation in Monaco – less than that budget would achieve in London, Geneva and New York. IMSEE figures demonstrated the new heights achieved by prime prices last year: new-build homes averaged US$47.9 million, more than five times the US$8.9 million achieved by existing properties in the same period.
The growing number of younger buyers with families coming to Monaco – now an average age of 40 to 45 says Davies – is reflected in the expansion of Monaco’s International School where a new campus opened in 2024. The school caters for 820 students aged 3-18. The thriving numbers at the Junior Academy at Monaco’s Yacht Club also reflected Monaco’s family-friendly appeal.
Monaco’s outdoor lifestyle provided by the southern European climate is another pull factor for those relocating, and so too is the principality's geographical position. The golden beaches of the Côte d’Azur and Italian region of Liguria are on the doorstep and there’s Alpine skiing within two hours.
“Life in Monaco is pleasant all year round thanks to the Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and temperate summers,” says Le Graverend. “This is combined with its advantageous fiscal system, peace of mind from a security aspect and above all, a rich social and cultural environment with a calendar of world-class events.”
Monaco’s distinct neighbourhoods stretch from Jardin Exotique in the west to Saint-Roman in the east. Larvotto is a favourite with many families, close to the beach and with easy access to the international school. Three bedroom homes there are eagerly snapped up for sale and rent. Choosing the right neighbourhood for your lifestyle can take time, which is why Davies recommends new arrivals consider renting for a year or two before buying.
“I advise my clients to take their time when working out where to live,” he says. “Property in the principality is still some of the most expensive in the world. Over the past 12 months there have been five properties on Mareterra change hands priced between €51.5 million and €110 million. So it is sensible to ensure that when you do invest, you choose an area that will suit you and your family. For those who prefer a quieter location yet still on the waterfront, Fontvieille in the west is a good place to consider. It’s leafy and green with its own small port and little construction nearby. Others might like the hustle and bustle of being at the heart of the Formula One track around La Condamine or very centrally near Casino Square.”
Look too at Monaco-Ville, known informally as Le Rocher - the Rock. This is the site of the Royal Palace, the historic centre of the principality with narrow winding streets. Its relative distance from the water means it can be overlooked but its calm atmosphere and wonderful views, either southwest or looking across to Mareterra and beyond to Italy, make it a popular choice. “It has lovely townhouses and apartments and good opportunities to find better value,” says Davies. “I have a couple currently looking who specifically want to be in Monaco-Ville.”
Le Graverend notes that across the principality, demand for premium property remains strong. “In an increasingly volatile world, Monaco offers a safe haven for investors and those who wish to reside in one of the world’s most luxurious destinations,” he says. “It continues to attract buyers from all over the world, and the numbers of those looking to invest here continues to increase.”
To discuss your property needs with a member of our Private Office team, contact privateoffice@knightfrank.com
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