"What stands out this year is the emergence of longevity as a defining force in luxury real estate," says Bradley Nelson, chief marketing officer of Sotheby's International Realty, citing a news release about his company's 2026 Mid-Year Luxury Outlook® report, published Jun. 15.
"Homebuyers aren't just investing in a home; they're investing in how they want to live and age," continues Nelson. "At the same time, wealth at the top end continues to expand, and homebuyers are younger and more open to seeking properties in new locations. The result is a luxury property market that moves faster, feels more competitive, and requires more informed decision-making."
What's Driving the Longevity Trend?
When people have a high quality of life, it's natural for them to desire as much time as possible to enjoy their good fortune. And wealthy folk are in a position to spend lavishly on environments, amenities and treatments that can extend longevity.
"By 2030, we estimate that annual revenues in the global longevity market could reach $8 trillion, up from $5.3 trillion in 2023, with health care alone representing a $2.2 trillion opportunity," wrote global bank UBS in January. Indeed, the bank identified longevity as one of its top 3 investment picks for "transformational innovation," alongside AI and power and grid infrastructure.
Ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals (people who have $30 million or more in investable assets) are motivated and able to invest heavily in maintaining their health and fitness. And they're increasingly expecting their homes to contribute to their well-being and longevity.
"Many buyers in their late 50s, 60s and 70s are not downsizing or moving into senior housing," says Anna Sherrill, senior global real estate advisor, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty in Miami, Florida, in a part of the Luxury Outlook report. "Instead, they are purchasing or staying in homes that allow them to live well for a very long time. These are clients who are highly focused on their health, longevity and quality of life."
What Rich People Are Looking for in Their Homes
Time was when UHNW individuals were turned on by the number of wet bars and the size of the home theaters and nightclubs they had in their homes. And many still value those.
However, when buying a new home or remodeling an existing one, rich people's focus has been switching, arguably since the Covid pandemic. When Homes & Gardens magazine looked at emerging trends in 2021, it found heightened demand for "Features that target emotional and spiritual wellness, such as spaces for meditation and massage and outdoor gardens and areas where homeowners can find a sense of calm ..."
Buyers also looked for a "yoga studio, basketball or tennis court," says Homes & Gardens, besides the health- and fitness-centered amenities that have long been standard in luxury mansions:
- Gyms
- Saunas
- Hammams
- Pools (including an indoor one in colder states)
- Cold plunges (or snow rooms for early adopters)
For normal people who don't know what a snow room is, one supplier describes it: "A -10°C [14°F] space filled with real, freshly fallen snow. Each night, a new layer of soft powder transforms the room into a pristine indoor winter landscape." How can a self-respecting UHNW individual possibly live with a plain old cold plunge when such miracles exist?
Aging in Place
In addition to gyms, spas and so on, the Sotheby's report also details trends that promote "aging in place" for the uber-wealthy. Some 38% of the company's agents specializing in $10+ million homes say aging in place is a growing concern for homebuyers.
Requirements include:
- Futureproofing mobility — Single-story homes or ones with elevators are popular, as are bathrooms and other facilities suitable (or easily made suitable) for wheelchair users
- On-property trails, encouraging walking without leaving home
- Quiet environments, preferably with water views
- Advanced water filtration systems
- Integrated tech — To help staff monitor the owners' health and to promote mobility. Or integrated telehealth for those who lack live-in staff
- Healthy dining options
Plus, a great climate helps older people to remain active, which explains the continuing migration of retirees from northern states to southern ones.
Will this longevity in housing trend continue for long? That's difficult to predict. One thing is for certain though: These UHNW homebuyers plan on stick around to find out.
