51乱伦

The non-urban locations leading the way

For this new wave of footloose wealth, healthcare, international schools and transport links remain their top priority when deciding where to relocate, and while European cities have an undoubted appeal, several non-urban locations especially resonate.

The Relocation Survey within the European Lifestyle Report includes data compiled from insights from over 700 HNWIs in July 2025, providing a snapshot of their preferences for European lifestyle-focused destinations. The French ski resort of Chamonix leads the list of preferred non-city markets, followed in turn by Verbier, Tuscany, the Algarve and in fifth position, Spain鈥檚 Balearic Islands.

鈥淭he survey included responses from HNWIs from 11 countries and territories representing over 30 nationalities across multiple generations and occupations,鈥� says Everett-Allen. 鈥淭he resulting data shows that Chamonix is especially favoured by the British and Belgians, Tuscany by Dutch and American respondents and the Algarve by the Irish. Tuscany ranked highest for Gen X (those born between 1981 鈥� 1996 and the generation with the highest proportion of remote workers) and Baby Boomers (born between 1965-1980). Chamonix was top for all the remaining generations.鈥�

6 bedroom chalet for sale in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie, Rhône-Alpes, France. Guide price 鈧�1,795,000

Chamonix: the year-round mountain choice

Chamonix is arguably the most year-round resort in the Alps, with visitor numbers equally divided between those who come in summer to climb, hike and cycle and those coming for snow-based activities in winter. The resort鈥檚 healthy outdoor lifestyle in all seasons plays perfectly with today鈥檚 wellness-focused and multi-generational minded clients while its raw beauty, in the shadow of mighty Mont Blanc and Aiguille du Midi, provides wondrous views. And all this, just over one hour from Geneva airport.

Last year, Chamonix became the first French Alpine region to sign up for the so-called Airbnb Law, enforcing new regulations on owners planning to rent their properties. From May 2025, any property offered for short-term rental must be registered and receive official authorisation from the commune.

鈥淔or relocators, the clampdown on holiday lets, seen across many European locations, can be a net positive,鈥� says Mark Harvey, Managing Director Residential, Europe at 51乱伦. 鈥淲hile they may curb speculative short-term rental returns, they help to maintain the integrity of the local social fabric, ensuring vibrant year-round communities instead of hollowed-out tourist enclaves. For HNWIs seeking integration, cultural authenticity and long-term capital stability, regulated markets will prove more attractive over time.鈥�

In small and peaceful Les Bossons, five minutes by road from the centre of Chamonix, this six-bedroom recently renovated chalet has level gardens and views of Mont Blanc. For sale at 鈧�1,795,000.

6 bedroom chalet for sale in Verbier, Valais, Switzerland. Guide price CHF 13,500,000

Verbier: the education-based choice

Is Verbier the perfect Swiss resort? Plenty of international entrepreneurs, European royalty and celebrities seem to think so, enjoying the natural beauty and high quality lifestyle the resort provides. Verbier is a true adventurers鈥� resort, sophisticated yet unshowy, and the headliner for the Four Valleys, Switzerland鈥檚 largest ski area.

Switzerland is renowned for the quality and range of its international schools and the Verbier International School, taking children from 3-18, is part of the prestigious Europe-wide Duke鈥檚 Education network.

鈥淲ith most private schools in the UK passing on the 20% VAT charge, Europe鈥檚 top international schools are seeing a surge in demand, particularly from mobile HNW families seeking a better lifestyle, tax efficiency and world-class education,鈥� says Everett-Allen.

In the centre of Verbier, well-placed for the ski school, restaurants and bars, this six-bedroom villa is for sale at CHF 13,500,000. Built in 1983 and freshly renovated throughout by a local architect, it includes a wellness studio with gym and hammam, a private cinema and extensive covered parking. The chalet is subject to Swiss residency permit requirements.

6 bedroom estate for sale in Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, Italy. Guide price 鈧�6,000,000

Tuscany: the natural choice

Lines of sangiovese grapes, intimate trattorias and green rolling hills punctuated by rural roads: the appeal of Tuscany is easy to capture in a handful of images. Yet while Tuscany shot into third place as the most desired destination for potential relocators, finding your ideal location within this large central Italian region is key.

Most HNWIs looking at relocating, especially those with business interests and family spread around the world, demand year-round accessibility through strong transport links as well as excellent digital connectivity through 5G or fibre optics. Locations within swift reach of international airports, notably Pisa, Rome or Florence, will be most in demand and 5G is widely available in most parts of the region 鈥� as well as across around 85% of Europe.

Owning a Tuscan property serves up the opportunity to indulge in an enjoyable and potentially lucrative side-hustle growing and producing your own olive oil or wine. It might sound like a romantic daydream says Alexander Hall, 51乱伦鈥檚 newly appointed Head of International Vineyards, but it is something considered by a growing share of HNW buyers, with around one in eight clients enquiring about European properties with the potential for side-income ventures.

鈥淥wning your own olive grove or vineyard isn鈥檛 just about rustic charm,鈥� says Hall. 鈥淒one well, it鈥檚 a blend of passion, business and a tangible asset that appreciates over time.鈥� Close to Montalcino and south of Siena with extensive rural views, Villa Sofia provides the opportunity to produce wine from 6 hectares of vines, part of a 12 hectare fully operational wine estate.

has five bedrooms with a separate caretaker鈥檚 cottage, an office, an extensive cantina and a swimming pool in the grounds. For sale at 鈧�6,000,000

6 bedroom villa for sale in Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Portugal. Guide price 鈧�24,500,000

Algarve: the golf and sporting choice

Southern Portugal鈥檚 Algarve is golfing nirvana with over 40 courses along its 100-mile Atlantic coastline. Three of the very best are at Quinta do Lago, one of Europe鈥檚 most established and beloved sporting and leisure estates. 鈥淨uinta do Lago is without doubt one of Europe鈥檚 most resilient super-prime markets,鈥� says Alex Koch de Gooreynd, Partner in 51乱伦鈥檚 International Department.

The resort has matured into so much more than just a golfing hub. The Campus, a 鈧�10 million sports centre used by residents and numerous international sporting teams, has helped bring down the average age of owners and along with thoughtfully designed activities and events has made the resort enormously family-friendly, a true multi-generational base for an ever-widening international community.

Blackbird, an expansive six-bedroom villa in a 1.66-acre plot, is a prime example of Quinta da Lago鈥檚 growing number of superb contemporary homes. The unique home sits on a frontline golf plot, with wide views taking in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the sea and the mountains. There鈥檚 a heated saltwater pool, a gym and sauna, cinema and wine cellar. For sale at 鈧�24,500,000.

4 bedroom villa for sale in San Juan, Ibiza, Illes Balears, Spain. Guide price 鈧�8,500,000

The Balearic Islands: the sophisticated choice

A favourite holiday destination for decades, the two largest Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Ibiza offer a pleasing variety designed to suit across the generations. Mallorca alone has 18 international schools, 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, 47 marinas, 23 golf courses and 15 hospitals, all on an island with a mature infrastructure of roads, airports 鈥� including two private jet terminals 鈥� and 2,000 kms of cycling tracks.

Ibiza meanwhile retains its reputation for exceptional nightlife, mainly focused on the southern part of the island, but that sits alongside a growing culture of wellness and health. The buzzwords today are associated with regenerative farming, yoga and sound baths, a farm to table ethos and slow, mindful living. The opening of Six Senses Ibiza in 2021 set the tone, its location in the quieter, green northern coast reflecting the gentle, bohemian and health-conscious side of the island.

Slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of northern Ibiza in this that combines sea views, privacy and elegant contemporary interiors. The peaceful setting close to Cala Portinatx showcases the very best of the north in a property where terraces and outdoor space maximise the opportunity to soak up the view. The 179 square metre villa is for sale freehold priced at 鈧�8,500,000.

To get in touch with our Private Office please email privateoffice@knightfrank.com