P R O P E R T Y
What is «luxury real estate»?
Luxury real estate has always been seen as not just a separate segment of the market, but as a special category that has its own distinctive features. There is no clear definition of the term «luxury real estate», but there are certain characteristics that determine the elite nature of properties.
The first classification criterion for elite properties is the location of the property. Elite properties are usually located either in prestigious districts, or in an ecologically clean area with picturesque landscapes, views, and the proximity to the sea combined with well-developed infrastructure and utilities. The proximity to natural or historical monuments or the exclusivity of the location add elitism to a property.
The very phrase «luxury real estate» is associated with exclusivity; therefore the second evaluation criterion is the selectiveness of the environment or the social status of people living around. For example, elite apartment buildings have a small number of apartments. Often, potential buyers of elite apartments or town houses need to be approved by the seller or their neighbors, since famous and influential people living in the neighborhood care about their living environment and prefer to live next to their peers.
Third, a property may be considered elite based on its structural and aesthetic characteristics. Particular architectural and layout solutions add uniqueness; state-of-the-art and high-quality building materials ensure secure protection from the external environment; and modern home equipment (ventilation, air conditioning, water purification systems, etc.) provide a sound feeling of comfort.
The fourth evaluation criterion is the degree to which the property’s own infrastructure is developed and the condition of the adjacent areas. In cities, elite real estate has beautiful, clean and tidy green adjacent areas and parking lots which are fenced and cannot be accessed by strangers. Elite residential buildings are provided with their own security service and professional management ensuring that any issues are addressed within the shortest time possible.
How to make the right choice
The above characteristics of elite real estate carry different weights for a potential owner. Some give importance to surrounding landscapes or the proximity to the sea or mountains, while others give preference to increased comfort. So when choosing a property, list your own requirements and preferences when assessing market offers, thus making the right choice much easier.
Nevertheless, buying an elite property always remains a matter of taste for the potential owner, and is determined by their financial capabilities. The elite property segment is rather narrow relative to the whole real estate market; however, both beautiful modern houses and old castles that keep the spirit of past times invariably attract many people, providing a steady demand for elite homes.
«Square Meter» offers its customers a full range of transaction support services for buying elite residential properties in France, Monaco, Italy, Marbella in Spain, and on the Balearic Islands. Our portfolio of real estate is constantly being updated. We are committed to meeting the most demanding and exotic needs by offering diverse properties ranging from land plots to luxury villas.
Monaco - the «high life» of the real estate market, reflection of your standard and style of living
Monaco is a country with the highest concentration of successful and wealthy people. It is a principality with an area of 2.02 km² which boasts the most favorable atmosphere for life of the richest representatives of mankind. The laws of the dwarf state are aimed at continuously increasing the inflow of foreign capital by offering a preferential taxation system. This has allowed Monaco to become one of the most prestigious jurisdictions in the world.
The real estate market in Monaco is rightly considered to be one of the most expensive globally. This is understandable, as the country lacks space for development while its economy is steadily growing. Low tax rates for residents and numerous high-profile international events attract multi billion-dollar capital inflows to the country like a magnet. And, of course, we cannot leave unmentioned the climatic, natural and historical factors that have made Monaco one of the most desirable places on the globe.
Monaco is recognized as one of the safest countries in the world. Almost the whole territory of the country is covered by video surveillance, most buildings are equipped with warning systems, and there are 15 police officers per thousand citizens.
More than 20% of the city’s territory is occupied by gardens and parks, which, together with the architecture and the way of life of this ancient land, in fact, represent one big museum. At the same time, the country’s housing stock can be almost entirely considered as premium properties. What makes the miniature state of Monaco unique is that the entire land area is totally developed. The area can only by expanded by pushing the coastline outward. In this way, over the past quarter of a century, the country has drained about 40 hectares of land for building, construction and landscaping.
- Luxury apartment Monaco- Huge apartment Florestan
French Côte d'Azur
The Cote d'Azur is an amazing place glorified by Stéphen Liégerad. It leaves an indelible impression with its enchanting landscapes, sun-kissed beaches and spectacular medieval towns.
The diverse landscapes - the snowy peaks of the mountains bordering the plains, pine trees rubbing shoulders with olive trees and palm trees, alternating sandy and pebbly beaches, the azure blue sea with the piers which saw Roman galleys centuries ago - all this makes the Cote d’Azur one of the most desirable places for living in the world.
The soft and warm climate protected from northern winds by the Alps, a lot of historical monuments and attractions, a rich variety of cultural and entertainment facilities, as well as a well-developed infrastructure, create ideal conditions for comfortable living and vibrant pastimes.
- Manor Chambery- Villa Saint-Tropez- Barton Eze Bord-de-Mer- - Rose Marine
Mediterranean Coast of Italy
The Mediterranean coast of Italy is famous for its transcendent beauty, friendly subtropical climate with hot summers and short warm winters, and marvelous air saturated with sea salt and fragrances of evergreen groves.
Secluded corners and noisy crowded beaches, gentle sandy and rugged rocky shores washed by the amazingly transparent sea, steep cliffs with stunning views that you cannot take your eyes off, cozy, quiet and distinctively unique seaside towns, and bustling artistic cities give rise to the spirit of a unique and hospitable Mediterranean coast. The element of contrasts reflected in the uniqueness and diversity of architectural shades has given an unusual and attractive distinctiveness to houses in the Mediterranean towns. It is very difficult to resist the temptation to have your own corner of paradise in this magical region of Italy.
- Villa Porto Cervo- Castle Sardinia
Italian lakes - Como, Garda, Maggiore
A natural miracle in Lombardy, Lake Como shines with its waters rimmed by the Alps, which have given the lake its unique shape. Aristocratic villas, small villages with narrow streets, medieval castles, well-kept parks and ancient churches surround the residents of this Alpine foothill area. Since the heyday of the Roman Empire, members of the public and state elite have built suburban residences in the valley near the lake. The Roman poet Virgil was inspired by the voice of the picturesque lake. Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked on the banks of this unique water body. It was here that Vincenzo Bellini wrote the wonderful music for his opera Norma. Nowadays, it is not only fashionable, but also prestigious to have a residence on the banks of the Lake Como. George Clooney, Madonna, Ronaldinho and many other modern celebrities have been captivated by the amazing beauty of Como.
The Como Province is known for its numerous historical sites, such as the Alessandro Volta Museum, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Belgioioso Palace, villas in Bellagio, the San Giacomo Church dating from the 11th century, and others. The area offers a variety of entertainment, including top-class ski slopes, climbing routes, cave walks, windsurfing, yachting, tennis courts and beaches.
Lake Garda is an equally wonderful creation of nature. The lake valley is basks in the fragrant smell of sprawling vineyards, magnificent gardens and lemon groves. The shores of the lake are an ideal place for living and recreation. Thanks to the ridge of the Alps, the lake area has a unique, moderately warm climate. The mountain peaks prevent cold winds from blowing through, and summers are warm but not hot. Dozens of charming small towns soaked in the spirit of olden times are free from the influence of vanity and anxiety, giving their residents and guests a feeling of calm and confidence in the present and the future.
The thermal springs, panoramic views, well-developed transport and entertainment infrastructure, along with a safe and secure environment, make living in the region truly paradise-like. Lake Garda is considered as one of the best places for living and recreation in Italy in terms of comfort and beauty.
- Domain in Como- Villa lago Maggiore
Marbella, Ibiza and Mallorca
Marbella is a special place on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Costa del Sol tourist area in Spain. Many rich and famous people choose this seaside town, buying real estate or arriving for holiday by luxury yacht. For more than half a century, Marbella has been considered as a resort for aristocrats. It has grown from a small fishing village in the beginning of the last century into a luxurious and fashionable resort today.
Marbella boasts amazing architecture, harmoniously combining the history and culture of different peoples, fantastic sandy beaches, premium hotels, fashionable villas in the «Golden Mile» area, windsurfing and diving clubs, and the best golf courses and amusement parks.
Mallorca with its beautiful nature, coves and mountains covered with subtropical vegetation is a paradise and attraction for yacht enthusiasts from all over the world. Known as a clubbing island popular among youth, neighboring Ibiza has been recently also rapidly gaining popularity as a vacation resort for families with children. Over the last five years, the island’s infrastructure, which was previously way below that of Mallorca, has developed to meet the standards of an expensive, high-end resort.
Buying an exclusive villa in Marbella or on the Balearic Islands - Ibiza or Mallorca - means becoming the owner of an upmarket property, with its value always being greater than its cost.
- Barton Marbella- Panoramic Villa Mallorca
Whole of the world
Dear Friends, although our usual operations take place in our favorite regions of the Old World such as those listed above, on request of some of our VIP customers we also travel and work a lot in more exotic countries, such as Costa Rica, Belize, the Cayman Islands, French Martinique or other islands of the Caribbean Sea. We have an extensive personal experience sourcing and managing transactions for buying luxury real estate around the world. The fact that we speak several languages, have European passports, have been traveling around the world for almost thirty years and have a profound practical experience working with luxury real estate enables us to feel confident in any part of the world, ready to accommodate the most exotic requests to find and buy exceptional properties - be it an estate in the Caribbean, a villa in French Polynesia, or a penthouse in Manhattan.
- Castillo Caribe- Domain St.Barths
- Penthouse London
- Villa Dusseldorf