Branded residences have evolved into a globally recognized asset class within residential real estate. What began as a niche extension of the hotel industry has matured into one of the fastest-growing sectors across global cities, from New York and South Florida to Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

Today, the best branded residences combine curated homes, exceptional service, and measurable long-term value. However, while more cities are entering the branded residential sector, not all markets deliver the same resident experience, pricing power, or investment resilience. In this guide, we cover:

The best cities for branded residences
Lifestyle advantages and local culture alignment
Premium real estate locations and square foot pricing
Long-term value and market share potential
Where demand drivers and brand strength converge

What Makes a City Ideal for Branded Residences?

An infographic explaining what makes cities better for branded residences

The world’s top-performing cities share a powerful but specific mix:

Demand drivers.
Infrastructure.
Lifestyle characteristics.

Not every luxury destination is suited for branded residences. Let’s explore the key factors that set these locations apart.

1. Presence of Global Luxury Brands

A mature luxury ecosystem takes time, or at least precise effort, to create. With the exception of bespoke projects, competitive branded living experiences normally follow the leaders’ entrances. If names like Four Seasons, Aman, or Armani launch residential projects in a city, it signals long-term investment confidence and prestige for others that follow.

2. Strong International Buyer Demand

Branded residences have a globally-minded customer base. They value familiarity, quality, and service. Naturally, the most developed real estate and hospitality markets overlap with the sought out markets for branded residences.

The appeal of branded residences is often promoted through reputation, connectivity, or tax incentives.

3. Robust HNWI Tourism or Immigration Appeal

Branded residence demand is largely driven by HNWI travelers and immigrants. The branded residence hotspots take in consistent flows of eligible buyers. In these cases, demand for residences that offer hotel-level amenities and services get the most appeal.

If there’s already established tourist infrastructure and/or HNWI immigrant or expat communities, there will be higher short-term rental potential and resale value.

4. High-End Real Estate Infrastructure

A strong luxury property market needs ongoing access to the best luxury-quality:

Architects.
Contractors.
Legal advisors.
Real estate professionals.

They also need experience delivering real world-class developments. Existing infrastructure makes it easier for developers to finish complex branded projects that meet global service standards.

5. Lifestyle Alignment with Branded Living

Some cities are already established as the perfect fit for branded residence developments. For example, some cities offer wellness-centered lifestyles that attract certain types of brands and buyers like Six Senses or Aman. On the other hand, fashion-forward cities offer better groundwork for brands like Bvlgari or Versace residences. Crucial roles are also played by those performing tasks related to:

Culture.
Culinary work.
Recreational amenities.

6. Favorable Investment and Legal Environment

A few key factors have an outsized affect the attractiveness of a branded residence market:

Stable political conditions.
Favorable foreign ownership laws.
Tax efficiencies.

Investors and developers alike are more likely to commit when the regulatory and financial framework supports cross-border transactions.

Top Global Cities for Branded Living

There are already a few famous global hubs that are now leaders in the branded residence industry. In most cases, they offer the right mix of:

Global connectivity.
Strong real estate fundamentals.
Developed service/hospitality sector.

More specific to branded residences, these locations host a diverse mix of brands and compelling lifestyle benefits.

Dubai

A daytime photo of the Dubai skyline from the harbour — Downtown Dubai, several branded residences in view

Dubai is a global focal point of the branded residence industry. It has the highest number of branded residences, as well as the highest number of developments. You can find a mega-diverse range of offerings from hospitality, fashion, and wellness brands.

Dubai’s branded residence success stems from its mix of:

Luxury infrastructure.
Tax advantages.
International buyer demand.

The Dubai branded residence industry is among the most mature in the world. Developments are tailored to the needs of both buying residents and investors. In general, you can expect:

Hotel-style services.
Beach access.
Views of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks.

Dubai branded residence prices typically range from AED 3,000 to 6,000 per square foot. Of course, ultra-prime units can be priced even higher. The rental market is also strong, with branded units commanding premium rates in short and long-term rentals.

The top developments in Dubai include Armani Residences in Burj Khalifa, Baccarat Hotel & Residences, Bulgari Resort & Residences, and the upcoming Dorchester Collection Dubai.

Miami

A photo of Miami highrises with St. Regis in the center. — St. Regis Residences, Miami

Miami is one of the most dynamic cities for real estate in the Americas. They have a wide range of branded residences offered by one of the widest varieties of brands.

Miami offers a powerful blend of:

Coastal living.
International culture.
Zero state income tax.

These unique features attract buyers from across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. Miami has become a hotspot for branded beachfront towers, especially in neighborhoods like:

Brickell.
Downtown.
Sunny Isles Beach.

Branded residences in Miami typically range from USD 1,500 to 3,000 per square foot. Ultra-luxury units often surpass that.

Many buyers purchase Miami hines for seasonal use. Miami offers one of the best opportunities for income through rental programs. The strong tourism economy and high-end rental demand make it an attractive hybrid-use market.

Key branded projects include:

St. Regis Residences Miami.
Missoni Baia.
Waldorf Astoria Miami.
Casa Bella by B&B Italia.
The upcoming Diesel Wynwood.

New York City

New York City was the place where the original branded residence pioneers laid the industry’s foundations. Through partnerships with five-star hotels and elite lifestyle brands, the first hotel-residential experiments took place here.

Now, new supply is limited due to space and zoning constraints. However, NYC remains one of the most prestigious and stable markets for branded living. Space constraints keep supply low, but demand stays stable in the long-term.

Branded residences in Manhattan typically start around USD 3,500 per square foot. In top-tier developments, rates can exceed USD 10,000.

Buyers are mostly high net worth individuals looking for:

Long-term value preservation.
Discreet service.
Central locations.

Unlike resort-heavy markets, NYC branded homes are often used as primary or secondary residences rather than rental assets.

New York City is home to high-quality branded residences like Aman New York Residences in the Crown Building, Mandarin Oriental Residences on Fifth Avenue, Fasano Fifth Avenue, and The Plaza Residences.

Bangkok

A photo of the Bangkok city skyline centered on Four Seasons Private Residences across the river — Four Seasons Private Residences, Bangkok

Bangkok’s branded residence market is known for:

Accessibility.
Affordability.
Lifestyle appeal.
Growing international interest.

Bangkok hosts Asia’s most accessible branded residence market. It attracts buyers from across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Buyers come with a mixed range of goals, with many seeking part-time use or investment returns.

Prices for branded units in Bangkok typically range from THB 16,000 to 39,000 per square foot. Rental yields are often strong, particularly in the central districts. Many residences offer close access to transit and shopping districts.

The combination of low entry costs and full-service amenities appeals to first-time luxury buyers as much as seasoned investors.

Major developments include:

The Ritz-Carlton Residences at MahaNakhon.
Four Seasons Private Residences along the Chao Phraya River.
Banyan Tree Residences Riverside.

These projects offer:

Hotel-style service.
River or skyline views.
Access to Bangkok’s commercial and cultural centers.

London

London is a central leader in the branded residence industry. The city’s leading luxury areas offer prestige plus global influence in:

Finance.
Culture.
Design influence.

The main drawback of London’s branded residences is the city’s strict planning laws. However, demand for branded homes remains strong and that limitation keeps values high.

London branded residence prices usually range from £2,500 to £5,000 per square foot. Branded residence supply is limited. So long-term value is naturally protected..

Some key London branded residential developments include:

The OWO Residences by Raffles.
The Whiteley London with Six Senses.
The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair.

These projects offer historic architecture, top-tier service, and prime locations near Hyde Park, Mayfair, or Westminster.

Mexico City

A photo of the Mexico City skyline with the mountains in the background

Mexico City is an emerging market for branded residences, and a hub in Latin America. The Polanco district, in particular, is the new focal point for luxury development. There, you can find a growing number of boutique branded projects marketed to both local and international buyers.

Prices for branded residences in Mexico City typically range from MXN 9,400 to 22,600 per square foot. Compared to North American or European markets, Mexico City prices offer strong relative value.

Demand is driven by Mexico’s rising luxury class and a growing number of U.S. and Latin American investors seeking urban lifestyle properties.

Notable projects include:

Armani/Casa Masaryk
SO/ Uptown Residences
Rosewood Mexico City Residences.

These developments offer rooftop pools, wellness centers, and designer interiors in walkable, high-end neighborhoods.

Singapore

An evening photo of Singapore with branded residence area in clear view — Downtown Singapore where branded residences are located

Singapore offers one of the most stable and exclusive branded residence markets in Asia. Like other centers of the growing branded residence industry, Singapore has:

Strict real estate regulations.
Limited land availability.
Low supply.

Despite these restrictions, demand is strong among regional high net worth buyers. Many see Singapore as a safe haven for wealth and lifestyle investment.

Branded residences typically range from SGD 3,500 to 6,000 per square foot. Units are often purchased for long-term holding or use by families with regional business ties. Local laws restrict some foreign ownership, but qualified buyers face little competition due to high entry prices.

Key developments include:

The Residences at Mandarin Oriental on Marina Bay.
Raffles Residences.
Edition Residences in Orchard.

These projects emphasize privacy, service, and architectural quality in central locations.

Riyadh

Riyadh is a rapidly emerging branded residence market. Recent large-scale government investment in luxury tourism and real estate has led to noticeable returns. Riyadh is now attracting global hospitality brands. The plan is to attract more high net worth residents and regional investors.

Prices are still stabilizing but often start around SAR 12,000 per square meter. Demand is fueled by GCC nationals and international buyers interested in Vision 2030’s long-term development plans and associated tax incentives.

Notable projects include Raffles Residences Jeddah, located within Riyadh’s broader sphere of influence.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is also seeing significant growth in branded residences. The Emirates’ supported tourism, lifestyle infrastructure, and high-end living provides the perfect groundwork for luxury residential development. International hotel brands are expanding here to serve both regional elites and global investors.

Branded units typically range from AED 2,000 to 4,000 per square foot, depending on location and service level.

Key projects include:

The Fairmont Marina Residences.
The upcoming Six Senses Residences on Saadiyat Island.

Both projects emphasize exclusivity, wellness, and seamless integration with major tourism and cultural hubs.

Lisbon

Lisbon has become one of Europe’s most attractive markets for branded residences with a combination of:

Historic charm.
Coastal lifestyle.
Growing international investment.

These factors make Lisbon especially appealing to buyers from France, the UK, the US, and Brazil. The city also benefited from Portugal’s Golden Visa program, which, while changing, helped accelerate luxury development.

Branded residence prices typically range from EUR 8,000 to 14,000 per square meter. Demand is driven by:

Lifestyle appeal.
EU residency benefits.
Lower prices compared to cities like Paris or London.

Key developments include Hyatt’s Andaz Residences Lisbon, Pestana CR7 Residences, and Martinhal Residences.

Paris

Paris offers prestige and access to coveted localities, but it’s a highly limited market for branded residences. Values are kept high while supply is kept low with a mix of strict development rules, historic preservation laws, and high land costs. The developments that do succeed, however, are immortal here.

Prices for branded homes in Paris start around EUR 18,000 per square meter. In top locations they can even exceed EUR 30,000. Buyers are often global elites seeking a refuge with concierge service, discreet luxury, and proximity to cultural landmarks.

Key developments include:

Bvlgari Hotel & Residences Paris.
Maison Villeroy
Future boutique launches in the Golden Triangle and Left Bank.

These properties focus on craftsmanship, privacy, and five-star service in converted heritage buildings.

Cannes

A photo of the Cannes harbour during the day with the city behind many yachts

Cannes is known for its film festival, Mediterranean climate, and seasonal influx of high net worth visitors. Branded residences cater to the people looking for these draws, but with luxury hotel-style services.

Prices typically range from EUR 12,000 to 20,000 per square meter. Sea views and outstanding locations of course bring you to the higher side of that range. Most buyers use their units seasonally or as part of a diversified portfolio of leisure properties.

Notable branded projects include the Residences at Mondrian Cannes and new offerings from Marriott’s Edition brand.

Emerging Cities to Watch

These are the emerging cities that often offer a mix of:

Lower entry costs.
Fast-growing economies.
Increasing demand for high-end living.

These developing markets have the potential for long-term value and growing lifestyle appeal.

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam’s southern economic hub is increasingly a center of luxury development. Its continuing growth is fueled by rising urban wealth and a growing expat base. Of course, Vietnam’s breathtakingly fast economic development has contributed to new luxury districts with branded residences.

Hospitality-led projects are the most common in Ho Chi Minh City right now, often with hotel partners like Accor or IHG.

São Paulo

Brazil’s financial capital is drawing attention from international brands targeting Latin America’s wealthy class. Urban lifestyle demand is high, and early branded launches, such as the Fasano residences, have seen strong uptake.

Cape Town

Known for its natural beauty and international tourism, Cape Town is beginning to see branded residences emerge in premium coastal areas. Buyers include South Africans and Europeans looking for seasonal use and privacy.

Tbilisi

Georgia’s capital is a small but intriguing market. With growing digital nomadism and tax-friendly policies, Tbilisi offers boutique development potential. Wellness and design-focused brands may find a niche here in the coming years.

Bali

Long popular as a resort destination, Bali is seeing increased interest in branded villas and wellness residences. These typically target short-term stays but are beginning to blend hospitality and ownership in more permanent ways.

How to Choose the Right City for Your Goals

Not all branded residence markets serve the same strategic purpose. The correct city selection depends on whether the priority is personal lifestyle optimization, yield generation, capital appreciation, or development feasibility. While global brand recognition enhances credibility, the underlying city fundamentals ultimately determine long-term performance.

For Personal Use

When purchasing a branded residence for part-time or full-time living, buyers should evaluate quality-of-life fundamentals rather than focusing solely on brand prestige. The most suitable cities typically demonstrate:

A stable climate, strong public safety standards, reliable healthcare infrastructure, and a deep cultural ecosystem that supports comfortable long-term daily living rather than purely seasonal appeal.
International accessibility combined with strong local infrastructure, ensuring that travel connectivity, schooling, and business networks integrate seamlessly into everyday life.
A mature luxury environment where branded residential properties complement the surrounding urban fabric, rather than operating as isolated prestige assets detached from the city’s broader social and cultural ecosystem.

Cities such as Lisbon, Singapore, and Paris consistently attract lifestyle-oriented buyers because they combine global prestige with stability, walkability, and infrastructure reliability.

For Investment

When the objective shifts toward financial return, city selection becomes more data-driven. Investors should prioritize markets where branded residences demonstrate measurable pricing resilience and liquidity depth. Attractive investment cities typically exhibit:

Consistent rental demand supported by tourism, business travel, or relocation flows, allowing hotel residences and serviced units to generate recurring income rather than remaining underutilized assets.
Documented capital appreciation trends over multiple cycles, particularly in prime location districts where supply constraints protect square foot pricing from volatility.
Currency stability and transparent exit mechanisms that allow international investors to repatriate capital efficiently without regulatory friction.

Markets such as Dubai, Miami, and Bangkok often perform strongly in this category due to hybrid-use flexibility, hospitality-backed rental programs, and ongoing international buyer demand.

For Hybrid Use

Buyers seeking seasonal enjoyment combined with income generation require cities where regulatory frameworks and tourism depth support flexibility. Ideal hybrid-use markets generally offer:

Robust short-term rental demand anchored by international tourism, ensuring occupancy rates remain stable during peak seasons and economically viable during off-peak periods.
Clear and flexible rental regulations that allow owners to participate in managed hospitality programs without excessive compliance burdens.
Lifestyle characteristics that make the property personally enjoyable while also remaining attractive to global renters seeking hotel-style amenities and curated living experiences.

Cannes, Bali, and Mexico City are examples of markets where hybrid ownership models can balance lifestyle and income objectives.

For Developers

For developers evaluating branded residential schemes, city selection is a strategic decision with long-term capital implications. Strong development markets typically demonstrate:

Clear brand alignment between the city’s identity and the proposed residential concept, ensuring that the project feels authentic rather than artificially positioned.
Established construction ecosystems capable of delivering complex residential towers or mixed-use hospitality projects at international quality standards.
Legal and joint venture frameworks that support partnerships between global brands and local property developers, reducing execution risk and improving absorption certainty.

Emerging cities may offer first-mover advantages and lower land acquisition costs, but they often carry higher entitlement, construction, and liquidity risks compared to mature global cities.

Legal and Tax Considerations

Cross-border real estate allocation requires careful review of legal frameworks. Investors should assess markets based on:

Foreign ownership laws that clearly define acquisition rights and long-term holding structures without restrictive limitations on international buyers.
Inheritance regulations and estate planning considerations that may materially impact intergenerational asset transfer.
Transaction costs, capital gains taxation, and rental income treatment, all of which influence net yield and exit outcomes.
Transparency in rental restrictions and property registration systems, ensuring long-term compliance and asset protection.

Cities such as Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Lisbon are frequently viewed as relatively investor-friendly due to transparent regulatory environments, whereas some European markets may present more restrictive planning regimes.

Final Thoughts: Global Appeal, Local Character

Branded residences continue expanding because they deliver consistency, curated design, and structured service platforms across global markets. However, the underlying city remains the primary driver of long-term value creation.

The most successful allocations occur where:

Long-term value appreciation is supported by supply discipline and sustained demand.
Market share growth reflects genuine structural expansion rather than speculative oversupply.
Brand strength aligns with local culture, infrastructure depth, and buyer demographics.
Resident experience integrates seamlessly into the broader urban environment rather than existing as a detached luxury enclave.

Whether acquiring for personal use, hybrid flexibility, or portfolio diversification, investors must evaluate how the city itself supports the full living experience. Infrastructure maturity, governance stability, demand depth, and brand alignment collectively determine whether a branded residence becomes a durable long-term asset or a short-lived prestige purchase.

Strategic Comparison & Next Steps

Selecting the right city for a branded residence requires more than brand recognition—it requires disciplined benchmarking. Investors, developers, and private buyers should compare cities based on square foot pricing, yield potential, pipeline depth, regulatory clarity, and long-term demand sustainability.

The strongest opportunities emerge where global brand strength aligns with infrastructure maturity, international buyer liquidity, and controlled supply growth. Before committing capital, evaluate how each market supports resident experience, resale performance, and long-term value preservation.

Explore city-level analysis and structured project comparisons on Best Branded Residences to identify where lifestyle alignment and investment fundamentals converge.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a branded residence and how does it differ from a standard luxury apartment?

A branded residence is a privately owned property that is affiliated with a recognized hospitality or luxury brand, such as Four Seasons, Aman, or Bulgari. Unlike standard luxury apartments, branded residences offer hotel-grade amenities, professional management, and the reputational benefits of a globally recognized name, which typically supports a price premium and stronger resale demand.

What price premium do branded residences command over non-branded luxury properties?

Branded residences globally command an average premium of 25 to 35 percent over comparable non-branded luxury properties, according to data from Savills and Knight Frank. In top-tier markets such as Dubai and New York, premiums can reach 40 to 50 percent depending on the brand strength and development quality.

What are the main risks of investing in branded residences?

Key risks include brand license termination (which can reduce the property’s value significantly), high service charges, lower liquidity compared to standard apartments, and the risk that hotel rental program revenues fall short of projections. Buyers should review the brand license agreement carefully and understand what happens if the operator exits the building.

How has the global branded residence market grown in recent years?

The global branded residence pipeline has grown at roughly 12 percent per year over the past decade, with over 1,000 schemes now completed or under development worldwide. The Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Southern Europe have been the fastest-growing regions, driven by tourism investment, favorable tax regimes, and rising demand from ultra-high-net-worth buyers.