Hawaii’s Luxury Market Stands Out On Global Level

The diversity and stability of Hawaii’s luxury real estate market continues to attract buyers from all parts of the world, with notable increases from Asian countries over the past two years. Whether buyers are planning a move to the Islands or simply investing in what has been a reliable market over the years, they will find a range of properties unrivaled by any other upscale real estate marketplace — from beachfront villas overlooking the clear blue waters that wash Island shores to forested mountainside estates, and new highrise condos incorporating all the latest technology and amenities to ranchlands in Neighbor Island upcountry and elegant townhomes in some of the world’s finest upscale resorts.

More luxury homes were sold on Oahu in 2017 than any of the prior five years in every single family and condominium luxury price point with the exception of single family homes sold at over $5 million.

List Sotheby’s International Realty (LSIR) is an established leader in representation of buyers and sellers of luxury real estate in Hawaii. According to a recent survey by Lifestory Research, attentive service is the highest driver of real estate company choice and Sotheby’s International Realty is recognized by home shoppers as America’s most trusted residential real estate brokerage. Lifestory Research tracks the largest residential real estate brokerage brands in this ongoing study.

LSIR has sold over $150 million in Ward Village condominium residences and was named Top General Brokerage Firm by Homes Sold and Top General Brokerage Firm by Revenue, largely for what Architectural Digest recently called the “best planned community in the U.S.” In Ala Moana and Kakaako in general, List Sotheby’s International Realty has sold over $300 million since 2014. A recent buyer at Ward Village stated that “they have purchased many homes around the world always under the Sotheby’s International Realty brand due to reliability and exceptional service.”

Myra Brandt, Principal Broker of List Sotheby’s International Realty, noted that according to a survey conducted by The Boston Consulting Group, “The emerging luxury consumers are confident in the housing market and are ready to purchase a home within the next three years.” Recent surveys also show that spending on experiences is growing faster than spending on personal goods, and the increasing importance that fresh experiences and two-way interaction with luxury brands hold for new affluent consumers of real estate; they envision homes as more than physical places to live — they see a lifestyle.

Brandt added that recently the company listed and sold several residences on Oahu’s North Shore, where surf contests are held. “Buyers travel globally to acquire property that supports a lifestyle they find appealing,” she said.

LSIR fosters client interactions via monthly e-newsletters reporting on Oahu’s real estate market, and a Quarterly Luxury Market Update in print, digital and video. Visit listsothebysrealty.com/blog for a full report.