United States Defeats New Zealand, Austria, Greece and Switzerland in Leading Holiday Home Destination for HNWIs Despite Europe Dominating Global Luxury Property Markets

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

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July 6, 2026 5:48 PM |

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United States defeats New Zealand, Austria, Greece and Switzerland to emerge as the leading holiday home destination for HNWIs outside Europe, even as Europe continues dominating global luxury property markets. Here’s why wealthy buyers are choosing America.

The United States defeats New Zealand, Austria, Greece and Switzerland in becoming the leading holiday home destination for HNWIs outside Europe, despite Europe dominating global luxury property markets. According to the latest Global Citizen Solutions report, the United States secured sixth place worldwide, outperforming several established luxury destinations through its premium real estate, outstanding accessibility and world-famous lifestyle hubs.

Moreover, Aspen, Palm Beach and the Hamptons continue attracting affluent buyers seeking prestigious second homes. As luxury property preferences evolve, the United States is strengthening its position by combining investment stability, lifestyle quality and exceptional global connectivity for wealthy homeowners.

The United States is the highest-ranked destination in the Americas for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking luxury holiday homes, securing sixth place globally. While Europe dominates the rankings with seven of the top 10 markets, the US continues to attract affluent buyers through iconic destinations such as Aspen, Palm Beach and the Hamptons, supported by a mature luxury property market, world-class connectivity and long-term wealth growth.

The United States leads the Americas in the global race for luxury holiday homes

The United States has emerged as the highest-ranked destination across the Americas for holiday home acquisitions by high-net-worth individuals, according to the latest Global Citizen Solutions report, Best Places to Own a Holiday Home as a HNWI: The Lifestyle Lens. Although Europe continues to dominate the global rankings, the US has secured sixth place worldwide, highlighting its enduring appeal among affluent buyers seeking premium second homes that combine lifestyle, investment potential and accessibility.

The report places the United States behind Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Japan, but ahead of New Zealand, Austria, Greece and Switzerland. Flagship American destinations including Aspen, Palm Beach and the Hamptons continue to attract wealthy domestic and international buyers looking for exclusive properties that offer privacy, prestige, recreational opportunities and long-term capital appreciation.

Why does the United States remain the strongest market in the Americas?

The report attributes the United States’ strong performance to its exceptional combination of luxury real estate, infrastructure and global accessibility. Unlike many competing markets, the US offers an extensive portfolio of established luxury destinations catering to different lifestyles, ranging from mountain retreats and beachfront estates to elite coastal communities with year-round appeal.

Accessibility also plays a decisive role. The country benefits from one of the world’s largest aviation networks, enabling convenient travel from virtually every major global financial centre. Combined with robust legal protections, transparent property ownership systems and deep liquidity within the luxury housing market, these advantages continue to strengthen confidence among wealthy investors seeking holiday homes.

Europe continues to dominate global holiday home acquisition

Despite the United States leading the Americas, Europe overwhelmingly dominates the global rankings. Seven of the world’s top ten holiday home destinations are located across Europe, reflecting the continent’s unmatched combination of lifestyle, cultural heritage, climate, infrastructure and premium residential markets.

Spain claims the number one position, driven by the enduring popularity of Mallorca and Ibiza, followed closely by Portugal’s Algarve region. France, Italy, Austria, Greece and Switzerland also feature prominently, demonstrating Europe’s continued ability to attract affluent international buyers searching for luxury coastal retreats, alpine escapes and historic destinations with strong investment prospects.

Japan breaks Europe’s dominance in Asia

Japan is the only Asian nation to secure a place within the global top five, ranking fifth overall. Niseko, internationally recognised for its premium ski resorts and luxury hospitality sector, continues to attract high-net-worth buyers from across Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe seeking year-round lifestyle investments.

Japan’s inclusion illustrates how luxury property demand is increasingly influenced by experiential living rather than purely financial returns. Buyers are placing greater value on wellness, outdoor recreation, safety and long-term quality of life, factors that continue to elevate destinations capable of delivering exceptional lifestyle experiences.

What drives wealthy buyers to purchase second homes?

According to the report, holiday homes have evolved beyond symbols of wealth into strategic lifestyle assets. High-net-worth individuals increasingly prioritise destinations offering outstanding quality of life, favourable climates, strong infrastructure, premium hospitality and reliable property markets capable of preserving long-term wealth.

Global Citizen Solutions evaluated twenty leading markets using three weighted pillars. Lifestyle and desirability accounted for 45 per cent of the overall score, followed by prime property characteristics at 40 per cent and accessibility at 15 per cent. Additional adjustments considered geopolitical stability, recognising that wealthy investors increasingly value security and resilience alongside financial performance.

Luxury property demand continues to evolve worldwide

The report reveals that second-home ownership represents a substantial share of the global luxury property market. Around 28 per cent of luxury residential transactions worldwide now involve holiday homes, highlighting growing demand for residences that serve both personal and investment purposes.

Regional trends also demonstrate varying levels of second-home ownership. Asia records approximately 34 per cent of luxury transactions involving holiday properties, while the Caribbean follows closely with 33 per cent. Meanwhile, more than four out of five luxury estate agents surveyed reported increasing purchases by international buyers, underlining the continued globalisation of premium real estate.

The United States benefits from long-term wealth creation

One of the report’s strongest findings concerns future wealth transfer within the United States. Researchers note that the country is expected to account for approximately 52 per cent of global inherited real estate wealth over the coming decade, creating significant opportunities for continued investment in luxury residential markets.

This expanding wealth base is likely to reinforce demand across prestigious destinations such as Aspen, Palm Beach and the Hamptons. These locations continue to attract buyers seeking not only exclusive holiday retreats but also assets capable of preserving family wealth across generations.

Lifestyle is becoming more important than investment returns

The research identifies a clear shift in purchasing behaviour among affluent buyers. While investment performance remains important, many high-net-worth individuals are increasingly motivated by personal wellbeing, flexibility and lifestyle enhancement rather than purely financial considerations.

The report categorises buyers into four broad profiles: the Conspicuous Investor, the Patrimonial Buyer, the Portfolio Allocator and the Amenity Migrant. Among these, the Amenity Migrant is becoming increasingly influential, representing buyers who prioritise natural surroundings, wellness, climate and recreational opportunities when selecting a holiday home destination.

The global outlook for luxury holiday homes remains positive

Although Europe currently dominates the rankings, the United States continues to strengthen its position as the premier luxury holiday home market across the Americas. Its combination of established luxury destinations, sophisticated infrastructure, global connectivity and growing wealth ensures it remains highly competitive within an increasingly international marketplace.

As affluent buyers continue seeking destinations that combine exceptional lifestyles with resilient investment opportunities, competition among global luxury property markets is expected to intensify. Nevertheless, the latest rankings demonstrate that while Europe sets the benchmark, the United States remains the Americas’ most compelling destination for high-net-worth individuals looking to acquire prestigious holiday homes.

The United States achieved its strong global ranking because it offers a rare combination of luxury property opportunities, excellent international connectivity and established high-end destinations. Unlike many competing markets, it provides buyers with diverse lifestyle choices ranging from mountain resorts to exclusive coastal communities. The Global Citizen Solutions report also gives significant weight to lifestyle, prime property quality and accessibility, all areas where the United States performs strongly. While Europe remains the global leader overall, America’s mature real estate market, transparent ownership framework, growing intergenerational wealth and enduring international appeal continue attracting high-net-worth individuals seeking premium holiday homes.

Although Europe continues to dominate the world’s luxury holiday home market, the United States has firmly established itself as the leading destination across the Americas by defeating New Zealand, Austria, Greece and Switzerland in the latest Global Citizen Solutions rankings. The country’s sixth-place global finish demonstrates that affluent buyers continue to value iconic destinations such as Aspen, Palm Beach and the Hamptons, where luxury living, lifestyle experiences and long-term investment opportunities converge.

Furthermore, the report highlights a broader shift in high-net-worth purchasing behaviour, with lifestyle quality increasingly influencing decisions alongside financial returns. Buyers are prioritising destinations that offer exceptional infrastructure, international accessibility, safety and premium leisure experiences rather than focusing solely on property appreciation. The United States meets these expectations through its mature luxury housing market, extensive air connectivity and resilient wealth ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Spain, Portugal, France and Italy continue setting the benchmark for global holiday home ownership, reinforcing Europe’s dominance in the sector. Nevertheless, the United States remains highly competitive by offering diverse luxury environments that appeal to both domestic and international investors. As global wealth continues expanding and second-home demand evolves, the competition among leading luxury property markets is expected to intensify. However, the latest rankings confirm that while Europe leads overall, the United States continues strengthening its position as the premier holiday home destination for HNWIs in the Americas and one of the world’s most attractive luxury property markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the United States ranked sixth globally for holiday homes?

The United States offers world-renowned luxury destinations, excellent international connectivity, a mature real estate market and strong long-term wealth prospects, making it the highest-ranked country in the Americas.

Which American destinations are highlighted in the report?

The report identifies Aspen, Palm Beach and the Hamptons as the country’s flagship luxury holiday home markets.

Which country ranks first globally?

Spain ranks first overall, with Mallorca and Ibiza recognised as its flagship holiday home destinations.

Why does Europe dominate the rankings?

Europe combines luxury property markets, excellent quality of life, favourable climates, rich cultural heritage, advanced infrastructure and strong international accessibility, resulting in seven of the world’s top ten destinations.

What factors were used to rank the destinations?

The report assessed markets based on Lifestyle and Desirability (45%), Prime Property (40%) and Accessibility (15%), while also considering geopolitical risk adjustments.

Is investment still the main reason wealthy people buy holiday homes?

Not entirely. The report concludes that lifestyle, wellbeing, flexibility and long-term quality of life are becoming equally, if not more, important than purely financial returns for many high-net-worth buyers.