Luxury Properties in Chic Cities Around the World

Country:  Portugal; Spain; United States

Dr Johnson famously said "when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford". For London you can transpose any big city: New York, Paris, Milan, Barcelona. You'll find glamour, style and sophistication in each and you'll also find that they are home to some of the most luxurious apartments you're ever likely to see. But a luxury city pad is not only a feast for the eyes it can also be a boost to your wallet. Properties in prime city locations hold their value better than in the suburbs, and rental yields are generally higher, primarily because there is an ongoing high demand for rental property in cities. So join us as we take a tour of the best luxury city properties worldwide.

Luxury begins at home, so they say, and you’d be hard pressed to find luxurious homes on a grander scale than in New York. The capital of cool and the epitome of chic urban living, the city that never sleeps is home to some stunning bedrooms… and living areas, and decks, and bathrooms… and nowhere more so than in the Manhattan loft-style apartments that have become synonymous with New York.

For starters it doesn’t get much better than a pad with a view of the Empire State Building, does it? Located in the trendy fashion district of Chelsea, the building has a communal roof deck – with views to die for. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo for sale features high ceilings, restored maple flooring throughout, a large kitchen with state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings, air conditioning and a lift. The price is $3,250,000 (£1.7 million) through the MoveChannel.com.

If green luxury is more to your liking, Tribeca Townhomes located at 16 Warren Street, Tribeca, Lower Manhattan, could be for you. The five duplex apartments and one penthouse incorporate green design throughout: from the solar panels on the roof to the energy conserving heat control system inside. Conventional luxury is provided in the guise of Hansgrohe, Dornbracht, and Duravit fittings in the bathrooms, and Miele and Sub-Zero in the kitchens. Prices range from £752,807 to £4,280,175 (the latter for the penthouse) with Chesterton International.

And you’ll be reassured to know that despite the downturn in the US economy and US property market, New York remains buoyant. Valentina Maduro, sales manager for Aylesford International Latin and North America, which is selling The William Beaver House in New York (prices from $890,000 [£485,000]), says: “Demand in the super-prime market in New York remains high. International property buyers are rushing into the market from Europe, Latin America and the Middle East to buy New York property because the dollar is weak, tourism continues to rise and hotel occupancy rates are up to 87 per cent.”

The journey from America’s New World to the Old World of Europe is not so arduous if you can travel in luxury; it’s even better if you can reside in luxury when you arrive. Barcelona is the hippest city in Spain, a country that over the past decade or so has become Europe’s coolest.

Alex Vaughan of agents Lucas Fox, which has offices in Barcelona, says there are so many factors that make it desirable for buyers of prime real estate: “For example, the location, the Mediterranean Sea, the excellent year-round climate, some of Europe’s best restaurants and hotels, and, maybe most importantly, the fact that despite its international appeal the city has continued to be a haven for those seeking understated luxury. Barcelona is stylish and cosmopolitan without being flash and brash.”

Vaughan says the high-end market in Barcelona is continuing to perform well against the backdrop of fairly gloomy news in other areas of Spain. “Prices at the top of the property market have stabilised but are not dropping and there is still a high level of demand for luxury properties and apartments in the city centre and surrounding areas due to two main factors: foreign buyers – wealthy English and northern European buyers have been buying Barcelona property for years, but it is also gaining popularity among Russian, Arab and Chinese property buyers; and because of a lack of supply of luxury property in the most sought-after areas.”

Lucas Fox is selling a four-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse apartment in an art nouveau building on the border of fashionable El Borne and the Eixample, which is at the heart of the old city. The property has solid oak floors, porcelain-tiled bathrooms with Duravit fittings and an Italian designer kitchen with Silestone worktops but the stand-out feature of this property has to be the spectacular 160-metre wooden decked roof terrace. The price is €1.5 million (£1.19 million).

Despite being Spain’s capital, Madrid has, until lately, been forced to take a back seat to Barcelona’s pre-eminence – but it’s fast catching up. Andrew Burton, a director of European Prime Estates, based in Madrid, says the city’s cultural attractions make it a great place to live: “Madrid is one of the top European cities to live in with great weather, fantastic cuisine, a multitude of museums and galleries such as the Prado and La Reina Sofía and, of course, is the home of Real Madrid football club. 

“Luxury properties, especially in central areas of the city where demand is highest, have maintained their value and prices are reasonably stable. Buyers typically do not have financial issues to overcome when buying a Madrid property and have generally been unaffected by the tightening up of credit availability. Having said that, the average time to sell a luxury Madrid property has increased since 2007, with buyers being slightly more cautious when making a decision to buy.”      

Burton is selling an exclusive three-bedroom (all en suite) property of 450-square-metres, built on a plot of 3,000 square metres, in one of the most desirable residential areas on the periphery of Madrid: Fuente del Fresno. The property has underfloor heating, air conditioning, an exterior swimming pool, an attractive garden, a large entertaining room complete with bar and a large garage for three cars – not to mention a complete service apartment with independent access, for €2 million (£1.59 million).

A decade ago Spain’s neighbour, Portugal, and in particular its capital, Lisbon, had seen better days… much better days. Nowadays it’s being regenerated and many areas – such as Barrio Alto – that were formerly down at heel have been rechristened shabby chic. There’s more to the regeneration than a clever marketing spin, however, and areas such as the Doca de Santo Amaro, where über-trendy restaurant Bica do Sapato, co-owned by actor John Malkovich, is located has been transformed from a decrepit shipyard into a buzzing venue.

Fernando Sousa, international sales manager for Maexpa International, which has released for sale three, high-quality developments in Lisbon, says: “Lisbon property prices are still well under those of other European cities and priced incredibly well for a major capital. And for the most part, Lisbon’s product is first-class quality. Additionally, Lisbon is an excellent rental market due to the great demand for quality products either from national and foreign customers.”

One of Maexpa International’s Lisbon projects is the Ajuda Palace Residence, next to the famous Pestana Palace Hotel and with views over the River Tejo. The 11 spacious apartments, including two four- and five bedroom duplexes, built in this historic building combine contemporary interior design with traditional external elegance. The price of the four-bedroom apartment is €726,000 (£578,000.)

And if you think that sounds luxurious, take a look at a 19th-century palace built in the French Romantic architectural style, now converted into three luxury apartments. The former Lisbon residence of the Duke of Cadaval, the building retains the original façade as well as many of the original features. Divided into two floors with underground parking for two cars, IRG Portugal is selling a four-bedroom, four-bathroom duplex apartment within the building, priced at €3.4 million (£2.7 million).

First published in November 2008.
Some information contained within this article may have changed since it was first published. Homes Overseas strongly advises you to seek current legal and financial advise from a qualified professional.
 

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Some properties in United States

	Orlando, Florida
	Price: £39,393 Type: Apartment Bedrooms: 2
	BMV Condos in luxurious Venetian Place, Orlando. 60% plus discounts, closing costs paid, tenanted, 8-10% return! Investment of a lifetime! Waterfront views, resort style living!
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	Orlando, Florida
	Price: £42,424 Type: Apartment Bedrooms: 3
	Ideal investment, new build 1 bed apartment in City Centre, 5th floor, 37m2, lift, balcony, tenanted, excellent valie at €105,000 only. Typical pictures only.
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	Florida
	Price: $70,000 Type: House Bedrooms: 2
	Great location at Lakewood Ranch without the CDD fees. Private and quiet in the back of the community. Has an attached garage. Community offers lovely amenities.
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	Sarasota, Florida, United States
	Price: $70,000 Type: House Bedrooms: 2
	Room Dimensions: # Bedroom 2: 11x10 # Master Bedroom: 11x11 # Kitchen: 11x11
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	Sarasota, Florida
	Price: $79,000 Type: House Bedrooms: 2
	SHORT SALE......one of the original Conch houses in Englewood. This home has lots of character you will not find newer homes today. Plaster walls, clay tile flooring, original tray ceiling. .Great location in downtown Englewood...1 block north of W.
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	Florida
	Price: £66,606 (GBP) Type: Detached Bedrooms: 3
	3bed/2bath pool home, Calabay Park at Tower Lake Ph 2, built 2007, 1554 sq ft. Spacious kitchen features island and pantry. Master suite has his/hers walk-in closet. Cover lanai and screened in pool! Close golf and theme parks.
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	Sarasota County, Florida, United States
	Price: $110,000 Type: Apartment Bedrooms: 2
	Short Sale. A charming Tri-Plex (house and 2 Units) with POSITIVE CASH FLOW in downtown Sarasota (Gillespie Park).A fast appreciating area.
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	Sarasota, Florida
	Price: $114,900 Type: House Bedrooms: 2
	Englewood Isles condo, small complex w/pool and located on a canal. Complex has right of use docks, pool, lovely tropical grounds, and conveniently located. This lovely condo is being sold totally TURNKEY FURNISHED. Immaculately maintained! Must see!
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	Sarasota County, Florida, United States
	Price: $114,900 Type: House Bedrooms: 2
	Nice, clean, private, freshing painted 2010, roof 2003, hot water tank 2004, lg fenced private backyard. Nice wood deck for entertaining and enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.
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	Sarasota, Florida
	Price: $119,000 Type: House Bedrooms: 3
	Property Description: Beautiful lake views with plenty of wildlife make this a charming home in Sarasota Springs. Home has newer AC & water heater, and a "Permaguard" roof, needs some updating throughout the home, but move in condition.
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