The 2026 Sotheby's International Realty Luxury Outlook is here, with specific projects for how premium markets will perform in the year ahead. The strongest projections build on last year's trends of luxury outperforming the general market, in both volume and value growth. While market performance is hyper-specific to location, there are universal indicators that affluent buyers and sellers are poised for increased market activity in 2026. Location and scarcity remain the key drivers appreciation, but current trends affecting high net worth purchases include multigenerational preferences that allow for families to establish space for extended family, either as a primary residence or for periodic visits. Markets with exceptional growth potential include New York, Aspen, Abu Dhabi, and others where a concentration of affluent buyers is building organic appeal for even more home seekers. We've seen that trend in Sarasota, as our luxury becomes increasingly luxurious and more and more luxury buyers are attracted to not only the specific, ultra-luxury inventory, but to the shared lifestyle of affluence with access to cultural amenities.
Market Memo
