The race for luxury holiday homes is becoming more competitive as wealthy buyers look beyond pure returns and focus on lifestyle, access and long-term security. A new global ranking shows the United States has emerged as the top destination in the Americas for high-net-worth individuals seeking second homes, even while Europe continues to dominate the world market.
According to the latest Global Citizen Solutions report on the best places for HNWIs to own a holiday home, the United States ranked sixth globally. That places it behind Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Japan, but ahead of New Zealand, Austria, Greece and Switzerland. The result underlines how the American market remains highly attractive for affluent buyers looking for prestigious residences in destinations such as Aspen, Palm Beach and the Hamptons.
Luxury Holiday Homes Ranking: Why the US Stands Out
The report makes clear that the United States remains the strongest market in the Americas for luxury holiday homes. Its appeal is built on a rare mix of premium real estate, excellent infrastructure and strong international connectivity.
Unlike smaller second-home markets that are focused on one seasonal offering, the US provides a broad spread of elite destinations, including:
- Aspen for mountain living, skiing and year-round outdoor recreation
- Palm Beach for oceanfront luxury, privacy and warm-weather prestige
- The Hamptons for exclusive coastal living near one of the world’s leading financial centres
For global buyers, accessibility matters. The United States benefits from one of the most extensive aviation networks in the world, making travel easier from major wealth hubs across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Add transparent ownership structures, legal protections and a highly liquid luxury housing market, and it is easy to see why US second homes continue to perform strongly.
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Europe Still Dominates the Global Luxury Holiday Homes Market
While the United States leads the Americas, Europe remains the centre of gravity for luxury holiday homes worldwide. Seven of the top 10 destinations in the ranking are European, showing the continent’s unmatched strength in culture, lifestyle, infrastructure and premium residential appeal.
The top global markets were listed as:
- Spain – led by Mallorca and Ibiza
- Portugal – driven by the Algarve
- France – especially the Côte d’Azur and St-Tropez
- Italy – with Lake Como and Costa Smeralda
- Japan – via Niseko
- United States – Aspen, Palm Beach and the Hamptons
- New Zealand – Queenstown
- Austria – Kitzbühel and Lech
- Greece – Mykonos
- Switzerland – Verbier and St Moritz
Spain’s first-place finish reflects continued demand for Mediterranean island living, while Portugal remains a favourite for buyers wanting climate, ease of access and relative value in a luxury setting. France and Italy continue to benefit from their iconic reputations and global desirability.
Why Europe Keeps Winning
Europe’s dominance in luxury holiday homes is not just about scenery. Buyers are drawn by a combination of factors:
- Established prime property markets
- Strong tourism and hospitality ecosystems
- Cultural heritage and lifestyle prestige
- Reliable transport links
- A broad mix of seaside, countryside and alpine options
This blend helps Europe remain the benchmark for affluent international property buyers.
What Wealthy Buyers Want From Luxury Holiday Homes
The report suggests that luxury holiday homes are no longer seen only as status symbols. Increasingly, they are lifestyle assets that support personal wellbeing, family use and long-term wealth preservation.
Global Citizen Solutions assessed 20 markets using three weighted pillars:
- Lifestyle and desirability – 45%
- Prime property characteristics – 40%
- Accessibility – 15%
Geopolitical stability was also considered, reflecting how the wealthy are thinking more carefully about resilience and security. In other words, affluent buyers want homes in places where they can enjoy quality of life while also protecting capital.
Around 28% of luxury residential transactions globally now involve holiday homes, showing how important this segment has become. In Asia, that share rises to about 34%, while the Caribbean accounts for roughly 33%. International demand is also rising, with more than four in five luxury agents reporting increased cross-border buying activity.
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Japan, Lifestyle Trends and the Rise of the Amenity Buyer
Japan’s fifth-place finish, powered by Niseko, shows that luxury holiday homes are increasingly tied to experience-led living. Buyers are looking for more than property appreciation. They want wellness, outdoor access, safety and flexibility.
The report identifies several buyer profiles, but one stands out: the “Amenity Migrant.” This type of purchaser values:
- Natural surroundings
- Healthy lifestyles
- Climate and seasonal appeal
- Recreation and leisure opportunities
- Long-term liveability for families
This trend helps explain why destinations with a clear lifestyle identity are performing so well. It also supports the strength of the United States, where mountain retreats, beach estates and elite suburban enclaves can all meet those expectations.
Why the US Outlook Remains Strong
One of the most notable findings in the report is the United States’ expected share of future inherited real estate wealth. Researchers say the country could account for around 52% of global inherited real estate wealth over the next decade. That is a powerful indicator for future demand in luxury holiday homes.
This wealth transfer is likely to support continued investment in top-tier US destinations. For buyers in Aspen, Palm Beach and the Hamptons, the attraction is not only leisure and prestige but also the ability to hold assets across generations.
The American market also benefits from scale. It can serve domestic ultra-wealthy buyers and overseas investors at the same time, giving it greater resilience than smaller luxury destinations that depend more heavily on international demand alone.
Conclusion
Europe may still set the global standard for luxury holiday homes, but the United States has firmly established itself as the leading market in the Americas. Its sixth-place global ranking reflects a compelling mix of elite destinations, strong legal and market structures, international accessibility and enduring lifestyle appeal.
For HNWIs, the future of luxury holiday homes is about far more than owning a glamorous address. The real draw is the combination of personal enjoyment, stability, mobility and long-term wealth preservation. As buyer priorities continue to shift toward lifestyle-led investing, the US looks well positioned to remain a major force in the global second-home market.
FAQs
Which country ranks highest in the Americas for luxury holiday homes?
The United States ranks highest in the Americas and sixth globally in the latest report.
Which regions make the US attractive to HNWI buyers?
Aspen, Palm Beach and the Hamptons are among the leading US destinations for affluent second-home buyers.
Why does Europe dominate luxury holiday homes?
Europe offers a strong mix of lifestyle appeal, heritage, climate, transport access and mature prime property markets.
What matters most to wealthy holiday-home buyers today?
Lifestyle quality, accessibility, security, prime property characteristics and long-term wealth preservation are now key decision factors.
