The Increasing Global Mobility of Millionaires and the Consequent Impact on Branded Residences

Millions on the move – Millionaire migration has emerged as one of the defining narratives of the decade. The number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) relocating across borders has skyrocketed, surging from an estimated 51,000 in 2013 to a near tripling at around 142,000 in 2025 and further estimates reaching 165,000 by end 2026 (Henley and Partners, 2026). This acceleration indicates a significant restructuring in how the wealthy perceive resources, autonomy and opportunity. The traditional tethers and anchor points of citizenship, nationality and physical residence are being replaced by a highly global and practically borderless approach towards wealth allocation and investment potential. Simply put, global wealth is becoming increasingly mobile and HNWIs (individuals holding at least USD 1 million in liquid investable wealth) are gravitating towards multiple investor-friendly and opportunity-rich destinations, often simultaneously. The nexus of global luxury has transformed, resulting in a consequent and parallel transformation of real estate.

This article examines why the HNWI demographic is mobilising, where they are going, and how such migration is reshaping branded residences – a swiftly evolving niche within luxury real estate that has emerged as the favoured residential option for the global elite.

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Akshara Walia, Ph.D.
Director of Research
Location: Vienna, Austria
PKF hospitality group
E: [email protected]
M: +43 1 5120707134