Written by Ben Bryk with Vero Premier Properties a signature division of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
Luxury real estate isn't just holding strong—it's leading the charge while the rest of the market plays catch-up. In a world of economic uncertainty, high-end properties are where real confidence and long-term conviction show up first. As massive wealth shifts hands, the ultra-affluent aren't pulling back; they're doubling down on homes that reflect their values, lifestyles, and strategic futures.
According to the fresh Coldwell Banker Global Luxury 2026 Trend Report, nearly $3.8 trillion in global wealth is transferring this decade, with Gen X and Millennials stepping up as the biggest inheritors. Real estate sits right at the center—not just as an asset, but as a core piece of financial strategy and personal identity. In the U.S. alone, $2.4 trillion in property wealth (52% of the global total) is expected to change hands over the next 10 years, fueling sustained demand at the top end.
Even as broader housing slows, luxury sales grew nearly double the pace in 2025 (up ~2.9% vs. 1.7% for traditional homes), with prices climbing steadily ~3% for single-family properties. This isn't hype—it's resilience turning into a legacy asset mindset, where buyers see homes as anchors for wealth preservation, identity, and multigenerational living.
Here are the three massive shifts redefining today's luxury market:
1. Values Over Status: Real Estate as a Lifestyle Statement
Forget flashy status symbols—the new generation of affluent buyers (especially Gen X and Millennials) prioritizes meaning over mere show. Homes aren't just investments; they're declarations of how owners want to live: wellness-focused, family-oriented, sustainable, and built for long-term joy. "Nest investing" is surging, with more discretionary spending poured into primary residences and second homes that support daily life and legacy building. Real estate has evolved from a portfolio play to a deeply personal, intentional choice.
2. Mobility as the Ultimate Hedge: Betting on Resilient Wealth Havens
Today's ultra-wealthy aren't locked into traditional hotspots. They're leveraging remote work, tax advantages, climate resilience, and economic stability to relocate strategically. Markets like Atlanta, San Diego, Nashville, Dallas, Salt Lake City (along with others like Minneapolis)—and emerging coastal gems like Vero Beach, Florida—are becoming powerhouse "resilient wealth havens." Vero Beach stands out with its uncrowded beaches, relaxed sophistication, no state income tax, and strong migration inflows from the Northeast and beyond. Barrier island single-family medians have stabilized around $1.3M–$1.5M, with oceanfront and riverfront properties often in the $1.3M–$2M+ range, showing remarkable resilience and modest appreciation potential into 2026. These areas deliver consistent performance, diversified buyer pools (including high cash transactions at 60%+ in Vero's luxury segment), favorable taxes, and lifestyle perks—often outperforming legacy cities in long-term stability.
3. Living Large Is BACK: The End of "Quiet Luxury"
The era of understated minimalism? Over. Buyers are craving space, privacy, and distinction in a big way. Inquiries for 5+ bedroom single-family homes skyrocketed to account for 63.7% of all luxury inquiries. Demand for unique estates jumped 78%, and land purchases rose 38.2%. The average luxury single-family home sold in 2025 clocked in at ~4.4 bedrooms and 4,250 square feet—nearly double the size of the typical new U.S. home. Multigenerational layouts, expansive grounds, wellness features, and room for work/entertainment/flexibility are non-negotiables. Big, bold, and functional is the new luxury flex.
The bottom line? As this historic generational handoff accelerates, luxury real estate isn't following market trends—it's setting them. Confidence at the high end remains rock-solid, with buyers treating properties as legacy anchors amid shifting wealth dynamics. In places like Vero Beach, where national trends meet local appeal—think stable pricing, surging closings (up dramatically in late 2025), and cash-heavy demand—Vero Premier Properties, a signature division of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, is perfectly positioned to guide buyers and sellers. With deep local expertise, transparency, and alignment with these national shifts, teams like Vero Premier Properties (led by pros who live the market daily) help affluent clients navigate oceanfront estates, riverfront compounds, and exclusive communities that embody intentional, expansive living.
If you're in (or eyeing) the luxury space—especially in resilient havens like Vero Beach—whether buying, selling, or investing, now's the moment to align with these powerful shifts. The future isn't quiet—it's expansive, intentional, and incredibly resilient.
What do you think—ready to go big in 2026? Drop your thoughts below
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