Green and Smart Homes Top the Want List for Luxury Home Buyers

Ultra-high net worth (UHNW) individuals, those with a net worth of at least $30 million, are changing real estate trends – and not just for the ultra-rich. According to Wealth-X and Sotheby's International Realty UHNW Luxury Real Estate: Multi-Use Homers Report, topping the want list of the world's wealthiest individuals: Homes that are both smart and green.

A Smart investment

Smart homes offer amenities those with UHNW long for, including top-of-the-line security, energy management systems, HVAC control, health monitoring, media, music, and more. Further driving the trend: Almost 10% of Americans with UHNW made their moolah in the tech industry.

Putting the green in greenbacks

UHNW real estate investors also want green homes. Home that are not only sustainably sourced and constructed, but environmentally friendly and sustainable with features like solar power, geo-thermal heating and cooling, rainwater collection, and efficient appliances.

Sphere of influence

UHNW buyers are fueling real estate trends, shifting consumer perception with the help of other knowledgeable homebuyers to invoke a 10% rise in LEED-certified homes in the U.S. – double in Canada. The market has been quick to respond.

The (rich) girl next door

UHNW buyers are branching out beyond modern urban hubs to markets such as Miami, Long Island, Caribbean areas, private islands, and Europe. The U.S. is the most popular location for second homes among the ultra-wealthy. And with 79% of UHNW's owning two or more (50% with three or more), there's more opportunity in this niche market than ever.

UHNWI need real estate agents too

Do you know how to cater to UHNWI? Intelligence and prospecting firms like Wealth-X can help you determine if growing a business relationship with these individuals may be in your real estate future.

Are you up on these real estate trends that sure to be on the horizon for many future buyers?

To view the original article, visit the Properties Online blog.