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Family Environment

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The wellbeing of loved ones is a priority. Destinations can differentiate themselves by providing top-tier services.

When it comes to family relocation decisions, quality of life must meet the same high standards found across other facets of their lives. That means access to top-tier international schools with short or no waiting lists, a welcoming property market for foreign buyers with desirable homes, and a tax regime that is reasonable for both personal income and capital gains.

Top destinations for the family environment in the HNWI Hotspot Index include Dubai, Monaco, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi and Singapore. Each of these locations offers the tax environments, education environment for children and property markets needed to appeal.

Incentives

Governments globally continue to compete for HNWIs, offering diverse and attractive incentives, including tax exemptions on foreign income and golden visa schemes that provide residency or citizenship in exchange for investment.

However, the nature of these offerings is shifting. Several governments have reduced tax breaks due to fiscal pressures, while others are refocusing migration strategies to prioritise wealth generation and contributions to the local economy. In many cases, real estate investment requirements have been replaced with contributions to local funds or cultural initiatives.

While some may choose to fully relocate when incentives diminish, others are more likely to establish additional residences rather than sever ties with locations where they have built networks and influence.

New York City, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Monaco and Singapore continue to attract significant interest. Yet other destinations are emerging as serious contenders. Italy, for instance, is gaining traction by combining lifestyle appeal with favourable tax structures. Individuals who have not been tax residents in Italy for nine of the past 10 years can opt for a flat annual tax of €200,000 on global income. This has fuelled demand in cities such as Milan, and in prime second-home destinations such as Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, where international buyers account for four out of five prime residential transactions.

The United Arab Emirates’ golden visa offers a 10-year residency in a low tax, expat-friendly environment in return for an investment of two million United Arab Emirates dirham (US$ 550,000). The location’s appeal is amplified for those bringing businesses with them, thanks to a diversifying economy and increasing flows of corporate and sovereign wealth investment.

Education

International schools are a key element in location decisions, as they often offer IB (International Baccalaureate), British A-Levels or American AP courses, which are widely accepted by leading universities. These schools also offer consistent curricula, often in English, essential for mobile families looking to minimise academic disruption.

Dubai is home to the most international schools of any destination in our index by some distance with 168 (at the time of writing), followed by Madrid, Hong Kong, Mumbai and Abu Dhabi with over 70 schools each. As a testament to the appeal of Dubai, many international schools are reporting longer waiting lists as new families move to the city.

Outside of international schools, many families may opt for top private schools in different locations. Eton and Harrow in the United Kingdom are significant draws, as are Choate Rosemary Hall and Sidwell Friends in the United States, and Institut Le Rosey and Institut aufdem Rosenberg in Switzerland.

In addition to leading international schools, renowned universities have significant locational pull. London, Seoul, Beijing, Paris and Hong Kong have high concentrations of top-ranked universities, which drives their appeal with wealthy families.


Evolving property preferences

Owners are holding onto their assets longer, with an emphasis on lifestyle rather than quick returns. Over the past five years, the trend for prime residential property has shifted towards longevity and usability.

Location remains critical. In resort and coastal areas, proximity to the water is a major draw, while privacy and space are also key. However, property quality is just as important as the surrounding environment – if not more so. Turnkey remains the gold standard, with fully equipped, high-quality and ready-to-enjoy properties topping the appeal list.

Larger properties are in high demand as buyers look for more space, with the average second home now expected to be two to three times the preferred size of just a few years ago. However, in land-constrained destinations such as Singapore and Monaco, there are limits as to how much larger homes can get, keeping prices high for the largest properties. From London to the Algarve and Madrid, developers are responding with expansive basements and roof terraces to maximise usable space.

In second home destinations, ultra-luxury villa rentals have rapidly grown in popularity. Owners are making their assets work for them, renting them out when not in use to help cover costs. Properties with the highest standards of design and amenity naturally have the highest demand.

Historic properties, while often more complex to maintain, still hold immense appeal. In markets such as Lake Como and parts of the French Riviera, buyers will spend years searching for the right villa. The scale and history of 18th and 19th-century homes make them true trophy assets for buyers looking to extend their property portfolios, even when they present modernisation challenges.

Ultimately, buying prime residential real estate is about more than owning a home. It is a base that supports a lifestyle, reflects values, and offers comfort alongside long-term value.