Luxury branded residences set to surpass 1,000 developments as Asia demand grows
Growing wealth, international mobility and preference for resort locations could sustain developer activity across Asia, while intensifying competition may encourage greater product differentiation.
Global branded residences are set to surpass 1,000 developments in 2026 and reach 1,800 schemes and more than 300,000 units by 2031.
Body
Phuket has overtaken London in terms of branded residence pipeline.
The global luxury branded residences sector is set to surpass 1,000 developments in 2026, with rising wealth, international mobility and demand for lifestyle-led locations supporting rapid growth across Asia, according to Knight Frank's latest Global Residences Report.
Knight Frank's survey verified almost 1,800 live and pipeline schemes from more than 200 brands across 90 countries. The sector has nearly tripled from 354 schemes in 2015 to 903 at the end of 2025 and is on track to reach 1,800 schemes and more than 300,000 units by 2031, based on current pipelines.
While the Middle East is the largest regional growth engine, Asia is becoming increasingly important, particularly as wealth creation and buyer mobility expand. India and Vietnam are among the world's rising sources of new wealth and future branded residence demand, Knight Frank said.
The report also highlights a major shift towards resort and lifestyle destinations. More than half of branded residence schemes are now located outside major cities, up from fewer than four in 10 in 2016. That share is projected to reach 57% by 2028, with more than half of new openings in coastal, island, mountain and resort locations.
Phuket is a notable beneficiary of the trend. Knight Frank said Phuket Island now has more branded residence schemes in its pipeline than London. Among the top 10 branded residence markets, Phuket recorded 40% growth in international flight volumes, behind Al Marjan Island at 45% and ahead of Abu Dhabi at 37%.
Knight Frank said rising global mobility is supporting demand for second, third and fourth homes. International flight volumes are forecast to reach 13.2 million in 2026, almost 19% above 2023 levels, while the average residential portfolio of ultra-high-net-worth individuals has increased from 2.9 to 3.8 properties in less than a decade.
In Hong Kong, the luxury residential market also remains resilient. William Lau, senior director and head of residential at Knight Frank Hong Kong, said the city recorded US$5.4 billion in super-prime residential transactions above US$10 million in the 12 months to Q2 2026, ranking among the world's top three markets.
"The luxury branded residential sector is one of the strongest growth stories in global real estate," said Liam Bailey, global head of research at Knight Frank. He said the market has trebled over the past decade and is expected to double again within five years, while intensifying competition is accelerating innovation and redefining luxury in residential development.