Aging Millionaire BOOM
How the longevity and wellness industry is reshaping luxury real estate
The wealthiest homebuyers in the world are getting older, and they’re building homes to match their lifestyles. As global populations live longer, the luxury real estate market is undergoing a fundamental transformation. “Increasing life expectancy, coupled with affluent homebuyers’ desire to ‘age in place,’ is reshaping everything from home design and location choice to how inventory circulates in prime real estate markets,” says Tammy Fahmi, senior vice president, global servicing and strategy, Sotheby’s International Realty.
This aging millionaire boom, increasingly rooted in longevity and wellness economics, is creating new opportunities as well as challenges for luxury real estate. Global life expectancy at birth has risen significantly within the last century, from roughly 46 years in 1950 to 73 years in 2023, according to a November 2025 report by Statista.1 By 2100, people around the world are expected to live to 82 years on average, with Europe and North America predicted to have even higher life expectancies of around 90 years.
“Many buyers in their late 50s, 60s and 70s are not downsizing or moving into senior housing,” says Anna Sherrill, senior global real estate advisor, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty in Miami, Florida. “Instead, they are purchasing or staying in homes that allow them to live well for a very long time. These are clients who are highly focused on their health, longevity and quality of life.”
Global Life Expectancy
Source: “Global Life Expectancy at Birth From 1950 to 2023, With Projections Until 2100,” Statista, November 28, 2025
Longevity-Driven Economics
The growing emphasis on longevity is not merely a lifestyle trend—it’s a major economic force that continues to gain momentum. UBS Global Wealth Management projected in March 2025 that the worldwide longevity market, which encompasses health, wellness and aging-related spending, will grow from US$5.3 trillion in 2023 to US$8 trillion by 2030, reflecting strong demographic and consumer shifts toward longer, healthier lives.2
This expansion reflects a broader macroeconomic shift: as populations age and life expectancy rises, demand increases for the services, products and properties that help maintain a higher quality of life well into later years. The world’s over-60 population is expected to double by 2050, surpassing two billion people, UBS reported.
Real estate sits squarely in the path of that spending. Within the broader longevity economy, property has emerged as a quickly expanding segment. “Wellness real estate has consistently been the fastest-growing sector in the wellness economy, significantly outpacing projections and economic growth trends, and it has more than doubled in size in just five years,” say the authors of a November 2025 report by the Global Wellness Institute, led by Katherine Johnston, senior research fellow.3 By 2029, the market for such real estate is estimated to be worth more than US$1.114 trillion, according to the report.
This growth underscores that wealthy homebuyers do not purchase homes for just aesthetic or investment reasons. Many are now seeking environments that proactively support their long-term health, resilience and overall well-being. One practical consequence of this is a reduction in housing turnover in high-end luxury real estate.
“Today’s ultra-high-net-worth buyer is thinking in decades, not moments,” says Nikki Field, senior global real estate advisor, Sotheby’s International Realty - East Side Manhattan Brokerage, who recently launched sales at 262 Fifth Avenue in New York City—a new development centered around wellness features like a fitness center and high-performance air filtration. “They’re investing in residences that protect their time, enhance their well-being and remain relevant across generations.”
The assumption that luxury property owners will eventually transition into luxury senior living or retirement communities is no longer certain. Fahmi points out that multigenerational living is on the rise among affluent families as a way to accommodate aging relatives as well as build a legacy. And increasingly, many older homeowners prefer to upgrade or retrofit their current homes to accommodate their needs as they age, as opposed to relocating.
The Growth of the Global Longevity Market
Source: “Three Reasons Now Is an Opportune Time To Invest in Longevity,” UBS Global Wealth Management, March 28, 2025
“Among our international clientele, we clearly see affluent homebuyers retaining residential properties for much longer than originally planned,” says Despina Laou, head of private office, Greece Sotheby’s International Realty. “Homes initially acquired as second residences are increasingly used as semi-permanent or permanent bases later in life. These individuals have the financial flexibility to live independently across multiple homes. What we observe instead in Greece is a deliberate choice to age well.”
Laou cites as an example a couple from Australia, in their 70s, who acquired a property in Greece valued at approximately US$11.6 million. “The home was chosen for long-term living, with multiple bedrooms to host children, grandchildren and permanent staff,” she explains. “They now spend the Australian winter [June to August] in Greece—effectively living a life aligned with extended summer seasons.”
Designing for Longer Living
For homebuyers planning to age in place, traditional luxury features such as grand views or oversized entertaining spaces are now complemented by wellness-centric design.
“Affluent owners living longer will prioritize residences that extend independent living—with fall‑prevention layouts, circadian lighting, air/water quality systems and integrated telehealth,” says Fahmi. “Properties that embed age‑friendly design with sophisticated wellness tech will command a premium over comparable trophy assets without it. Homes with main‑floor suites, elevator stacks, slip‑resistant surfaces, smart monitoring, staff quarters and wellness suites will be at a premium.”
Nearly 40% of real estate professionals cited in the 2026 Mid-Year Sotheby’s International Realty agent survey say aging in place is a growing concern among homebuyers, and they are increasingly seeking built-in wellness features, such as:
- Universal design elements that ensure accessibility as mobility changes over time, including a preference for single-story residences and curbless bathrooms.
- Direct contact with the outdoors, such as on-property hiking or walking trails, encouraging regular exercise and prioritizing privacy and quiet environments, particularly water views.
- Air- and water-quality optimization, including advanced filtration systems.
- Spa-like amenities, including sauna, steam, cold plunges, red-light therapy, massage rooms and fully equipped gyms.
- Integrated tech and staff to support health monitoring, mobility assistance and smart home devices.
- Healthy dining options, such as juice bars and access to private chefs, with an emphasis on organic products and plant-based options.
These features not only enhance quality of life but also support longevity goals—making a home not just a place to live but a place to thrive in peace.
“Developers are responding to homebuyer demands by blending age-friendly design with access to clinical services and urban mobility,” Fahmi explains. “Branded residences will become more in demand—collaborations in the hospitality, fashion and automotive sectors indicate the direction of the luxury real estate market toward service-rich living arrangements. Homes are becoming hubs for care, connection and continuity—where luxury is also defined by adaptability, wellness and community.”
Homebuyers Look to Age in Place
Source: 2026 Mid-Year Sotheby’s International Realty agent survey
of US$10 million-plus real estate professionals say aging in place is a growing concern for homebuyers
Wellness Communities
Beyond individual homes, communities built around longevity are gaining traction, and they differ from traditional senior housing in many respects. High-end residential enclaves in Florida, Mexico and other coastal regions increasingly integrate on-site medical professionals, wellness programming and preventive care facilities, mirroring hospitality models but designed for permanent residency.
“Many clients are looking for homes near the ocean or directly on the water, with an emphasis on natural light, walkability and an overall healthy lifestyle,” Sherrill says. “I recently closed on a residence at the Estates at Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, where the amenities were a key reason for the purchase. Many newer luxury buildings now feel more like living in a resort. In addition, I have represented homebuyers at the St. Regis Residences in Miami, Florida, which offers more than 50,000 square feet of spa-like amenities, including cold plunges, saunas, a salt spa room and a state-of-the-art fitness center with private trainers, yoga, Pilates and spinning. This level of wellness is becoming standard in newer construction.”
Such communities draw homebuyers seeking both a luxury lifestyle and longevity. According to Giovana Saldivar, senior global real estate advisor, Riviera Maya Sotheby’s International Realty in Mexico, these developments reflect a strategic recognition that wealthy homebuyers increasingly view their homes and communities as primary wellness assets.
“There is a conscious search for peace, silence and a connection with the environment, rather than an active social or urban life,” Saldivar explains. “For this reason, villas located in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in Quintana Roo, Mexico, generate a very strong interest in this homebuyer profile. This type of property offers them exactly what they are looking for: a protected natural setting, views, absolute privacy and a high level of security.”
Salvidar’s clients focus their purchasing decisions on two key factors: security and peace. “In the context of the Riviera Maya, Mexico, these values translate almost immediately and indisputably into Sian Ka’an—a destination that represents well-being, prestige and a quality of life designed for the long term,” she says.
Built with local and sustainable materials that blend seamlessly with the jungle and sea, a Sian Ka’an retreat in Tulum, Mexico, advocates relaxation and connection with the natural environment.
Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty
Lessons From the Blue Zones
Research into regions where longevity is the norm, commonly referred to as “Blue Zones,” provides additional insights on the topic. The term was first coined in 2005 by National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner to describe regions with above-average concentrations of people who live to be 100 years old and who often report lower rates of chronic disease than elsewhere.4 As identified by the National Library of Medicine in 2016, the original five Blue Zones are Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California; and the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica.5 These locations are consistently cited as examples of exceptional longevity and quality of life.
These regions share a variety of characteristics increasingly reflected in luxury real estate preferences: an emphasis on walkability, social connectedness, access to nature, a nutritious local food system and community-oriented design. Wealthy homebuyers are paying attention.
Cycladic islands such as Mykonos, Greece, offer a quieter pace of life to age in place in properties such as this stunning southwest-facing estate.
Greece Sotheby’s International Realty
“More and more clients approach us with clear longevity criteria—outdoor activity, social connection, year-round use and access to healthcare—positioning Greece as a country where people choose to live longer and better,” Laou says. “A notable example is a Swiss couple in their early 60s who acquired a large estate in Porto Heli with the explicit intention of creating a long-term base focused on wellness and longevity. Similar motivations are increasingly seen in Paros and other quieter Cycladic islands.”
Real estate professionals in Costa Rica are navigating similar desires. “Within the Nicoya Peninsula, communities such as Nosara, Santa Teresa and Mal País have become natural magnets for longevity-minded homebuyers,” says Elena Araya Callís, country manager, Costa Rica Sotheby’s International Realty. “What attracts them is not spectacle but rhythm—a way of life that feels grounded, sustainable and deeply human.”
A compelling example of this approach is CalaSol, a new residential enclave located directly within the Blue Zone, she says. “Set in Playa Gringo, Guanacaste, CalaSol reflects a new generation of luxury development—one that values permanence over pace and stewardship over scale,” Callís says. “With just 32 dramatic ocean-view homesites and direct adjacency to protected coastline, the project prioritizes timelessness over volume and legacy over yield. For its residents, CalaSol is not viewed as a speculative property investment. It is a multigenerational lifestyle decision. What is being acquired is not only land or architecture but continuity—the assurance that the landscape, the view and the experience of place will endure.”
A site in Queenstown, New Zealand, has similar appeal to those seeking luxury and longevity, Fahmi says. “There is an exciting new development on the South Island, Te Taumata | Lakeview, represented by New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, where culture, health, wellness and creativity converge,” she explains. “Due to its location among local rivers and streams, the development’s central amenity hub Te Huika is where the community can come together. It also has a world-class fitness center, spa, wellness center, boutique hotel, co-working space and a range of dining and retail options. The art gallery is a standout feature, showcasing work by acclaimed international and New Zealand artists and hosting exhibitions, workshops and cultural events. Projects like these focus on longevity.”
Changing Trends in Health and Home
As longevity continues to move from niche trend to a defining economic and lifestyle force, luxury real estate stands at a compelling intersection of health and home. Ultimately, the aging millionaire boom is reshaping the real estate market: affluent homebuyers are not following old retirement playbooks but creating new ones—building and buying properties that support extended lifespans, deeper well-being and richer life experiences. “In this era of longevity, luxury real estate is no longer just about where you live but how well and how long you can live there,” Fahmi says.
“ HOMES ARE BECOMING HUBS FOR CARE, CONNECTION AND CONTINUITY—WHERE LUXURY IS ALSO DEFINED BY ADAPTABILITY, WELLNESS AND COMMUNITY.
”
Tammy Fahmi, senior vice president, global servicing and strategy, Sotheby’s International Realty
Future-Proofing for Younger Buyers
The longevity conversation in luxury real estate isn’t only happening among older homebuyers—it’s starting decades earlier than you might expect. Luxury real estate professionals across global prime markets are reporting a notable demographic shift among buyers—namely, an increase of buyers in their 30s and 40s. While ultra-luxury ownership was once dominated by older, legacy-wealth buyers, today’s property market reflects the growing influence of younger high-net-worth individuals.
According to the 2026 Mid-Year Sotheby’s International Realty agent survey, the biggest surge in homebuyers were millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996), with 55% of respondents from around the world seeing an uptick of homebuyers from this generation in their real estate markets, particularly those dealing in properties worth US$5 million or more. “It’s incredible to see how many buyers in their 30s and 40s are purchasing properties in the US$7 million to US$25 million range,” says Anna Sherrill, senior global real estate advisor, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty in Miami, Florida. “Some have inherited wealth, while others are entrepreneurs in tech, finance, crypto or other businesses they built at a young age.” Others represent the next generation of family wealth, benefiting from intergenerational transfers that are occurring sooner and in larger amounts, she adds.
“What is interesting is that many younger buyers are already very focused on health, longevity and anti-aging,” Sherrill continues. In a March 2025 report, UBS notes that demographic shifts, rising life expectancy and an accelerating transfer of wealth between generations are key drivers of changing homebuyer behavior.6 Affluent households are planning for longer, healthier lives and entering the luxury real estate market—not as late-career consolidators but as long-term lifestyle planners.
“While older homebuyers tend to prioritize continuity, comfort and healthcare access, younger homebuyers focus on flexibility and performance—both lifestyle-driven and investment-oriented. Yet the convergence is unmistakable,” says Elena Araya Callís, country manager, Costa Rica Sotheby’s International Realty.
Unlike older buyers who may retrofit properties later in order to age in place, younger buyers increasingly want homes that are “future-proofed” from the start—that is, designed to support their well-being over decades.
“They expect high-level wellness amenities, strong design, privacy, and turnkey living from the beginning,” says Sherrill. “Compared to older buyers, they tend to be more global, more design-driven and less willing to compromise. They are buying with a long-term lifestyle in mind, even if they do not plan to live in the home full-time right away.”
Young luxury homebuyers are increasingly seeking strong design and turnkey living with properties such as an ocean-view house in a residential condominium in Trancoso, Brazil.
Antonio Soto, Bossa Nova Sotheby’s International Realty
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