Where are the most expensive homes for sale in the world?

The world's most expensive real estate market is Monaco, followed by New York and Hong Kong. Six French cities also made it into the Top 20 list. These rankings were compiled by VisualCapitalist based on data as of December 2024.

The list is based on the average price per square meter for luxury apartments ranging in size from 100 to 200 square meters. The data was provided by New World Wealth and Henley & Partners.

Luxury properties are typically found in destinations that many aspire to visit or live in—for lifestyle, investment, or prestige. Such residences generally share four main characteristics:

• High Value: Located in world-renowned cities or exclusive resorts, these homes command exceptionally high prices per square meter.
• Luxury-Oriented: Superior comfort, premium design, and high-end finishes define these properties.
• Strategic Location: Found in stable regions with global connectivity and a high quality of life.
• Investment Value: Frequently tied to residency or citizenship-by-investment programs.

Topping the list is Monaco, a tiny nation on the French Riviera that continues to attract the global elite. With low taxes, an ultra-exclusive lifestyle, and a well-developed financial sector, Monaco’s real estate remains in high demand. The limited land area and consistently strong buyer interest keep property prices per square meter at the highest level in the world.

As a reminder, a separate ranking of the world’s best cities was previously published. According to that list, Almaty, Kazakhstan, was named the best city in Central Asia and ranked 258th globally. Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, took third place in Central Asia and ranked 471st in the world.