15 January 2026

Polarius Global Property Index 2026

Where High-Net-Worth Buyers Are Buying in 2026 (And Why): UAE vs Mediterranean vs UK

The UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi as Global Wealth Engines

Abu Dhabi and Dubai now sit at the centre of UAE property investment destinations. Dubai and Abu Dhabi luxury property markets have matured into institutional-grade destinations for global capital, driven by tax efficiency, political stability and world-class infrastructure.

Dubai


Dubai off-plan investment and Dubai branded residences have become some of the most powerful drivers of international demand. Buyers looking to buy property in Dubai are attracted to developments on Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and emerging ultra-prime zones that rival Monaco and London for global prestige. Dubai has become one of the most liquid luxury markets in the world.

Abu Dhabi


Abu Dhabi is increasingly favoured by family offices seeking stability and long-term income. Yas Island real estate and Saadiyat Island property dominate the premium segment, with cultural infrastructure, museums and beach-front living drawing global buyers who prioritise security and quality of life.
Investors exploring the Middle East can find detailed guidance in our global UAE buying guide.

French Riviera and Monaco: Europe’s Ultimate Wealth Store

The Mediterranean continues to function as Europe’s wealth vault. French Riviera luxury real estate, Monaco real estate and prime Riviera assets remain core holdings inside every serious global property portfolio.

Real estate in Cannes, Cap d’Antibes villas, Nice, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and Saint Tropez are not simply lifestyle purchases; they are generational stores of value. With strict planning controls and global buyer demand, Riviera property investment has proven exceptionally resilient through every market cycle.

International buyers looking to buy property in France consistently begin with our international property buying guide.

The UK: London and Manchester as Undervalued Global Cities


After years of currency and political adjustment, the UK is back on the radar of international capital. London luxury real estate, particularly prime central London property in Mayfair real estate and Knightsbridge property, now trades at a significant discount in dollar and dirham terms.

At the same time, Manchester property investment continues to attract global funds seeking strong rental demand and regeneration-driven growth. Together, these two cities form the backbone of modern UK property investment strategies for those looking to buy property in the UK.

Malta: Europe’s Residency and Tax Gateway


Malta property investment has become one of the most strategic components of cross-border portfolios. Buyers are drawn by the Malta residency programme, EU residency through property and a growing market for Malta luxury apartments in areas such as Sliema, St Julian’s and Valletta. Malta plays a crucial role for international families seeking stability, mobility and tax efficiency inside Europe.

Italy: Heritage, Lifestyle and Capital Protection


Tuscany property and Le Marche real estate have quietly become some of Europe’s most compelling lifestyle investments. Buyers looking to buy property in Italy are drawn to Italian countryside villas that combine heritage, rental appeal and long-term capital preservation. For many families, Italy forms the emotional and cultural anchor of their Italy lifestyle investment strategy.

Ibiza, Mykonos and the Global Lifestyle Circuit


These destinations operate as the heartbeat of the ultra-luxury seasonal rental world rather than traditional sales markets. High-net-worth clients use Ibiza villas and Mykonos villas as private summer residences for entertainment, family retreats and global social calendars, often alongside their homes on the French Riviera and in Monaco.

Rather than transactional purchases, Polarius curates access to a discreet portfolio of luxury villas in Ibiza and Mykonos ultra-prime villas for short- and medium-term stays, allowing clients to integrate these islands into a broader Mediterranean lifestyle strategy. This is where global wealth lives during the season — flexible, private and experience-driven.

Bali and Indonesia: Asia’s New Lifestyle Capital


Demand for Bali’s luxury villas, Bali property investment and rising demand to buy property in Bali have transformed Indonesia real estate into one of the world’s most dynamic lifestyle markets. Digital entrepreneurs, family offices and global nomads increasingly include Bali alongside Ibiza and Mykonos in their international portfolios.

How Global Buyers Structure Wealth in 2026


Modern investors no longer choose between one country and another. They combine Dubai luxury real estate for growth, French Riviera luxury real estate for wealth preservation and London luxury real estate for stability. This diversified approach defines the smartest cross-border property investment strategies of the decade.

Why Polarius Leads the Global Shift


Polarius operates as an international real estate advisor, specialist buying agent and global property consultancy, connecting clients to multi-country real estate opportunities across the UAE, France, Monaco, the UK, Malta, Italy, Ibiza, Mykonos and Bali.

The Outlook for Luxury Real Estate


In the luxury property market 2026, the winners will be those who think globally, diversify intelligently and prioritise both return and lifestyle. From Dubai to Monaco, from London to Bali, capital is moving across borders — and Polarius sits at the centre of that movement.

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