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Day: 22 June 2025

Monaco property market breaks records in Q1 2025, led by landmark completions

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/06/2025

Monaco’s property sector opened 2025 with exceptional momentum, logging €2.6 billion in residential sales between January and March. The figures mark the strongest first-quarter performance ever recorded across both new and resale transactions.

According to IMSEE’s first quarter economic report for 2025, new-build sales totalled €1.9 billion across just 42 transactions—a level of quarterly activity rarely seen, and only surpassed in value by the standout year of 2024.

The surge was primarily driven by the long-awaited handovers of apartments in the Bay House residences, part of the Testimonio II project, and the seafront Mareterra eco-district. These high-spec developments significantly expanded Monaco’s ultra-prime housing stock, fuelling demand among global buyers.

resales notch historic highs

Resale activity also exceeded expectations, with 128 properties changing hands in the first quarter—a 42.2% increase from the same period last year and the second-highest Q1 total since 2014.

The value of these transactions reached €734.9 million, up 31.2%, breaking the previous record by more than €170 million.

stability and supply shape the market

The data suggests a market that is not only resilient, but increasingly defined by rare inventory and premium launches.

With both ends of the market performing strongly, Monaco continues to attract interest from buyers seeking long-term footholds in the Principality.

See more:

Mareterra revealed: The story behind Monaco’s bold architecture

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Student visa alert: Monaco issues warning over new US entry conditions

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/06/2025

Monaco’s diplomatic services have issued an urgent notice to students planning study trips to the United States, warning of tightened visa scrutiny and resumed availability of F-1 appointments.

Due to a recent decision by US authorities, the issuing of student visas (F-1) had been paused. However, Monaco’s Direction des Relations Diplomatiques et Consulaires (DRDC) has now confirmed that, thanks to discussions with the Monaco Embassy in Washington D.C., new visa appointments may become available in the coming days.

Students are strongly advised to check the official US visa appointment website often: ais.usvisa-info.com.

New social media rules now in place

Students also need to be aware of stricter US checks on social media. As part of the visa process, you must declare your social media accounts and make sure they are set to “public” so officials can review them. Any posts that are considered politically sensitive or not in line with US policies could result in a visa being denied.

Not following this rule could lead to serious problems with your visa application, so students are advised to be very careful and to follow all guidelines closely.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo source: Monaco Government Communication Department

Jon M. Chu to be honoured by Prince Albert II with Prince Rainier III Award at Princess Grace Awards Gala

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/06/2025

The Princess Grace Foundation–USA has announced that acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu will receive the prestigious 2025 Prince Rainier III Award at its annual gala on 29th October at The Plaza in New York City. The accolade will be presented by Prince Albert II of Monaco, who will celebrate Chu’s exceptional artistic achievements and philanthropic contributions during an evening highlighting emerging talents in theatre, dance and film.

A former Princess Grace Award recipient himself, Mr Chu first earned recognition in 2001 while studying at the University of Southern California. His visionary musical thesis film foreshadowed a transformative career. Chu went on to direct groundbreaking works such as Crazy Rich Asians, which ushered in a new era of Asian‑American representation, and revitalised the Hollywood musical with In the Heights. His recent triumphs include helming the highly anticipated Wicked adaptation.

A tradition of giving back

The Prince Rainier III Award, now in its 20th anniversary year, honours not only creative excellence but also charitable commitment. Accompanied by a $25,000 grant to a philanthropic cause selected by the recipient, this year’s award sees Mr Chu choosing to support the Princess Grace Foundation–USA itself—deepening his relationship with the organisation that helped launch his career

From mentee to mentor in the arts community

Diana Kemppainen, President of the Foundation, pointed out that this is the first time a former Grace Award recipient has been elevated to the Prince Rainier III Award, highlighting Chu’s rare combination of artistic brilliance and generosity.

“Over 20 years ago, the Princess Grace Foundation opened a door for me … To now receive the Prince Rainier III Award … is a profoundly humbling reminder that I’m still part of that family and continuing the cycle of support she began,” said Chu.

Regal endorsement of artistic generosity

Prince Albert II expressed his pride in presenting the award, noting this year coincides with what would have been Princess Grace’s 70th birthday, commemorated by her 1955 Academy Award for The Country Girl. He said hosting an evening “celebrating Jon and Princess Grace Award winners whose artistry will shape the future” is a fitting tribute .

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo of Director Jon M. Chu provided