By Ben Bryk with Vero Premier Properties a signature division of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
In a volatile world, affluent buyers are no longer chasing the dream of the trendiest locations or the fastest appreciation. Instead, they're rewarding places and properties that hold their value over time – and nowhere embodies this shift better than Vero Beach, Florida.
This insight is at the heart of the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program’s newly published The Report 2026.
After reviewing data from The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, Altrata, McKinsey & Company, and luxury marketplace James Edition, it's evident that resiliency has become the new benchmark of luxury. In Vero Beach, resiliency means markets and properties that preserve value through economic ups and downs, maintain liquidity, and attract steady demand. Think stable pricing in barrier island estates, consistent interest from Northeast migrants, and long-term performance in waterfront gems – all hallmarks of this coastal haven.
Five trends explain why resiliency is dominating – and how Vero Beach is leading the charge.
Luxury Sales and Prices Are Outperforming the Broader Market
Despite higher borrowing costs, geopolitical risks, and economic uncertainty, the luxury segment remains rock-solid. In 2025, U.S. luxury home sales grew 2.9% – nearly double the broader market's 1.7%, according to NAR. Prices rose about 3% for single-family homes and 4% for attached properties.
In Vero Beach, this resilience shines through. The local luxury market ($1M+) showed stable pricing with modest 1-2% appreciation, median barrier island single-family homes around $1.3M-$1.5M, and surging closings in late 2025. Cash buyers dominate at over 60% in the ultra-luxury tier, insulating the area from rate fluctuations. As noted in the report, the luxury market isn't mirroring broader housing constraints – and Vero's tight inventory and high demand for designer-ready waterfront properties prove it. We expect this stability to propel Vero forward in 2026.
Real Estate Wealth Continues to Rise Even Through Volatility
Looking longer-term with Altrata's data, global real estate investments surged nearly 30% since 2020, hitting record highs. VHNW real estate wealth climbed from $5.64 trillion to $6.55 trillion, and UHNW from $2.61 trillion to $3.04 trillion. Property's role in wealth preservation is undeniable.
Vero Beach exemplifies this, with sustained migration from the Northeast fueling resilient growth. As Maeen Shaban from Altrata explains, property offers stability, diversification, and hedges against inflation – perfect for Vero's oceanfront estates and gated communities like Sea Oaks or Orchid Island, where values hold strong amid broader volatility.
Affluent Buyers Are Adopting a Legacy Mindset
High-net-worth buyers are shifting to a "legacy mindset," viewing real estate as a cornerstone for identity, stability, and generational wealth. This "nest investing" prioritizes capital protection and long-term enjoyment. Altrata data shows home-related spending rising 4.8% globally and 6.0% in the U.S. for those with $5M+ net worth – outpacing personal goods by 18.5% among UHNW households.
In Vero Beach, this translates to demand for multigenerational waterfront homes with privacy features, aligning with broader trends like flexible spaces for aging parents and kids. As Colleen Baum from McKinsey notes, spending on the home is one of the most stable categories. With a massive $38.3 trillion wealth transfer looming, Vero's serene, uncrowded beaches and no-state-income-tax appeal make it ideal for legacy building.
In the U.S., Wealth Growth and Housing Investment Remain Tightly Linked
U.S. affluent households saw total wealth rise 58.2% since 2020, matched by a 59.9% increase in real estate investment – far outpacing global figures (30.7% wealth growth vs. 16.3% in property). Real estate is a key engine of American wealth.
Vero Beach mirrors this perfectly: Its luxury segment benefits from strong fundamentals, limited new supply, and diversified buyers, supporting modest appreciation without the volatility seen elsewhere. As Shaban says, real estate stabilizes portfolios – and Vero's resilient market, with high cash transactions and surging demand, underscores its role in U.S. wealth creation.
New Resilience Markets Are Emerging
While legacy spots like New York hold appeal, new destinations like Vero Beach are rising as "resilient wealth havens." Vero joins markets like Atlanta and San Diego with consistent strength: 1-2% price growth, positive sales momentum, and high cash buyer concentrations reducing volatility. Globally, the UAE and Italy attract migrating millionaires, but Vero's blend of coastal serenity, innovation, and supply constraints positions it as a top U.S. contender.
A New Definition of Luxury?
Nearly 80% of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialists describe their markets as "resilient" – a testament to client priorities for value preservation and quality of life. In Vero Beach, this is the reality: A market poised for opportunity in 2026, with balanced growth and unmatched lifestyle perks.
Dive into The Report 2026 for more, and check back as we unpack trends shaping Vero Beach luxury real estate this year
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