The Take

In-Depth Analysis of Luxury Lifestyle News

Trump, Clinton Will Both Bring Uncertainty to Real Estate Industry

With the Republican and Democratic national conventions happening this week and next, U.S. politics is taking center stage. Players in the global, high-end real estate world are carefully considering Read more

In Luxury Real Estate, It’s Mostly A Buyer’s Market Now

It’s essential for real estate agents to understand the current marketplace so they can get the best deal for their clients. And after years of watching the market favor sellers, many agents say they’ Read more

Governments Using Levers to Cool or Restart Foreign Buyers’ Market

As of Tuesday, foreign home buyers in metro Vancouver will have to pay a new 15% property transfer tax on all residential purchases. The measure is meant to slow foreign speculation and curb the marke Read more

Rock Bottom Not in Our Future This Market Cycle, Experts Say

Looking at the current market cycle, pretty much everyone agrees we’re in a cooling period. In luxury real estate, that’s meant that overpriced properties have faced a sometimes significant correction Read more

Starchitects: An Amenity for Luxury Developments That May Also Add Real Value

In the Manhattan luxury market, there’s one amenity that seems ever-present in new condo developments: a well-known architect—a.k.a. starchitect—behind the design. In fact, starchitect-designed buildi Read more

When It Comes to Super Expensive Homes, Buyers Decide Prices

Last week, a buyer closed on the storied Playboy Mansion for a record-breaking $100 million. Based on the property’s size, it went for just under $5,000 per square foot—reputable by any luxury standar Read more

Supertall Luxury Residences: A Growing Trend (And Value Add)

Earlier this summer, the latest in a series of supertall, super slender buildings started rising from the ground on Midtown Manhattan’s Billionaire’s Row. Located at 111 W. 57th St., this ultra-luxury Read more

Does ‘Million Dollar Listing’ End Up Selling Million Dollar Listings?

Backstabbing. Deal-making. Over-the-top emotions. It’s the stuff that makes reality TV so much fun. Center that drama around residential real estate, with people making the most expensive purchases of Read more

New Luxury Buyers Are Young, Tech Savvy and Focused on Lifestyle

Not so long ago, 50- or 60-something CEOs who had worked their way up the corporate ranks were the ones buying luxury residential properties—big houses that were good investments, above all else. Toda Read more

What’s In A Name? Luxury Properties Look to Entice Buyers With Unique Monikers

Gemini. Mon Reve. Powerful Mountain. No, these aren’t the names of a James Bond movie, an expensive perfume or a yoga pose. They are luxury properties that are currently for sale. While naming the mo Read more

Here’s How to Price the Value of Your Home’s Outdoor Space

Whether they’re considering a Hyde Park penthouse, a South Beach condo or a Bel Air mansion, prime outdoor space likely tops the list of amenities that luxury buyers are looking for, experts say. But Read more

It’s in the Numbers: Luck and Superstition Sell Luxury Real Estate

Last week, a Chinese developer bought an office building in Sydney’s Central Business District for an auspicious price: A$88,888,888. Because the number 8 is considered lucky in Chinese culture (it’s Read more