Monaco has been ranked the fourth most sought-after city in the world by ultra-high-net-worth individuals, according to the Barnes City Index 2025, joining Madrid, Dubai, Miami and Milan in the global top five.
The annual index, compiled by luxury real estate group Barnes, tracks the preferences of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) — people with assets of at least $30 million. It evaluates destinations based on three criteria: emotional appeal, practical factors, and financial advantages.
“The luxury real estate sector has proved a safeguard against uncertainty,” said Thibault de Saint Vincent, President of Barnes. “Cities like Monaco and Milan, which have made spectacular leaps in the ranking, appeal for their ability to offer a 360-degree experience, combining favourable taxation, high-quality infrastructure and a refined lifestyle.”
Monaco’s rising appeal
With its debut in the top five, Monaco is singled out as “by far” the most popular destination for wealthy families. “People choose Monaco for its security, its political and economic stability, and its attractive fiscal regime,” explained Florian Valeri, managing partner of Barnes Monaco.
Within the Principality, every neighbourhood is in demand given its compact 2.08 km² footprint, but some stand out. Fontvieille is attracting buyers with its seafront residences, pedestrian areas and quieter streets, while Larvotto appeals with its beachside lifestyle, the eco-district of Mareterra and nearby private beaches. The Carré d’Or continues to stand out as the very centre of luxury living, with its high-end shops, hotels and cultural venues.
What buyers want
The study shows that small apartments remain the most popular choice for investors, while three- and four-bedroom properties are increasingly sought by younger families settling in Monaco, particularly in new developments such as Mareterra. Beyond real estate, buyers are drawn to Monaco’s dynamic cultural and sporting calendar, Michelin-starred restaurants such as Alain Ducasse’s Louis XV, and its thriving nightlife.
A largely European clientele
The Barnes City Index highlights that the majority of new buyers are European, led by the French, followed by Italians and Britons. By contrast, interest from Middle Eastern and Asian clients has waned. Many wealthy families maintain multiple homes worldwide, often pairing a residence in Monaco with a villa nearby on the French Riviera in Cap d’Antibes or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Property as a safe haven
Despite the high entry point — averaging more than €50,000 per square metre — Barnes argues that Monaco real estate remains one of the most secure investments available. “In the long term, it represents not only a patrimonial and inheritance strategy but also a highly liquid asset, thanks to constant demand,” the study notes.
The report concludes that Monaco’s draw as a safe haven continues to grow stronger, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s premier destinations for the ultra-wealthy.
Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.
Photo credit: Richard McCreery, Monaco Life