The Future of Luxury Living

A Changing Global Landscape

One of the key themes of Liam's presentation was the continued growth of the global luxury residential market, driven by increasing wealth and changing lifestyles.

According to Knight Frank's research, the global population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, defined as those with assets exceeding US$30 million, is forecast to grow from approximately 713,600 in 2026 to 948,200 by 2031.

Alongside this growth, the branded residences sector continues to expand. Knight Frank forecasts that the number of branded residential developments worldwide will reach approximately 1,800 by 2031, compared with 1,088 in 2025.

With markets such as Dubai, Miami and London playing significant roles, the findings highlighted both the international scale of the opportunity and the increasing competition to create distinctive residential experiences.

Beyond the Residence: What Defines Luxury Today?

Perhaps one of the most interesting discussions centred on how expectations of luxury living are changing.

As the market grows, the conversation is moving beyond location, architecture and amenities alone. Private members' clubs, wellness facilities, dining experiences and a greater focus on lifestyle are becoming increasingly important considerations within luxury residential developments.

The challenge for developers is no longer simply what to offer, but how to create something genuinely distinctive in a market where exceptional facilities are increasingly commonplace.

For those of us working across luxury design and residential development, this raises an important question: how do we create places that not only meet expectations today, but remain relevant and meaningful for years to come?

It's a question that resonates with us at AGC, where thoughtful design, collaboration and an understanding of how people want to live are central to our approach.