The Knight Frank Global House Price Index just released for Q2 2021 shows that people looking for a new place to call home have influenced a pandemic-induced housing boom with prices rising by 9.2% on average across 55 countries and territories in the year to June 2021.

“Ten of the world’s developed economies averaged price growth of 12% in the 12 months to June, double that seen in key developing markets (4.7%). Turkey (29.2%) leads the annual rankings, but its rate of growth is slowing. Several key economies including New Zealand (25.9%), US (18.6%), Australia (16.4%), Canada (16%) and Russia (14.4%) also make it into the top 10.”

However, further insights show that there is also a shortage of prime property particularly in the resort, coastal, rural and alpine markets in Europe as well as the UK. People are reluctant to sell existing homes before they have finalised their next move. What’s more, the agency expects prices to increase across most of the European markets they track in 2021 with Lisbon, London, Geneva, Berlin and Paris among the frontrunners, as highlighted in Knight Frank’s flagship publication The Wealth Report 2021.

Build your dream home 

Mauritius

The Essence, situated a hop and a skip from the glorious beach of Trou aux Biches in Mauritius, offers the ultimate living experience complete with hotel privileges through the Casuarina Resort & Spa and Le Cardinal Exclusive Resort. The villas, apartments and penthouses at The Essence feature generous volumes and authentic Mauritian details. A three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa of 289 sqm is priced from USD 1,35m.

*289 sqm villa; USD 4,671/ sqm

The Economic Development Board recently announced that promoters under the Property Development Scheme (PDS) will be “allowed to sell a plot of serviced land provided that the total area of all plots of serviced land for sale should not exceed 25% of the land area planned for the construction of residential properties”. Serenity Villas, a high-end residential estate in the north, qualifies. It is within walking distance of some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, close to vibey Grand Baie and 600 metres from the 2Beach Club. A built four-bedroom, four-bathroom villa is priced from USD 1,4m for 798 to 886 square metres.

*886 sqm villa; USD 1,580/ sqm

 South Africa

At the Signature Sibaya development, in a prime location on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, just three minutes from King Shaka International Airport, vacant land is selling at R4,000 to R5,000/ sqm. Recently, a 2,000 sqm vacant plot sold for R12 million – the equivalent of R6,000/ sqm. The grand estate features beautiful views across the Indian Ocean and state-of-the-art, contemporary architecture. Sibaya is a modern, well-maintained suburb that offers ease of access, security, convenience and a beach lifestyle.

*2,000 sqm plot; USD 424/ sqm

Namibia

Henties Bay, 70km north of Swakopmund in Namibia, is famous for its beaches and fishing as well as driving through the Dorob National Park. It is ideal for outdoor adventurers including 4X4 enthusiasts. The town has basic amenities, eateries and more. A vacant plot of 970 sqm, a short walk to the beach in a quiet area, is going for R951,750. Approved plans are in place and there is plenty of space to build a family home for holidays or retirement.

*970 sqm plot; USD 66,424 / sqm

Coastal lifestyle 

Mauritius 

Ki Resort, on the north coast of Mauritius near Pereybere Beach, incorporates two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as penthouses with a rooftop terrace and private pool. Its facilities are worthy of a luxurious hotel and include a concierge service, access to the 2Beach Club, a fitness centre, and more. A 90sqm two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is priced at USD 269,970.

*90 sqm apartment; USD 2,999/ sqm

South Africa

On Cape Town’s “Platinum Mile”, Marine View in Mouille Point will feature 23 luxurious apartments, all with spectacular views of the ocean or across the Green Point Park towards Table Mountain. Buyers will be able to customise the finishes and layout of their apartment, from 33 sqm studios to 285 sqm for one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The apartments are pet friendly and come with state-of-the-art security, VOIP telephone systems, Wi-Fi, secure undercover parking with vehicle access control, and an exclusive concierge service. Prices range from R2,695m (USD 190,530) to R21,5m, including VAT. There is no transfer duty.

*33 sqm studio; USD 5,774/ sqm

Portugal

Previously, International Living highlighted Almancil, Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, and Quinta do Lago in Portugal’s Golden Triangle for a golden visa. However, Portugal no longer accepts real estate investments for the visa. As of 7 October 2023, the previously mentioned minimum investment of EUR 280,000 (USD 331,008) for residency is no longer applicable.  For the latest details, investors should consult the official government website or seek advice from an immigration law expert.

Penthouse living 

Mauritius

There are only two penthouses still available for sale at 2Beach Residences in Pereybere. Here, a 181 sqm modern, chic pad with two bedrooms and two bathrooms is priced at USD 405,000. Homeowners get exclusive access to the 2Beach Club.

*181 sqm penthouse; USD 2,237/ sqm

South Africa 

In Blouberg, on the west coast, you can secure a 350 sqm modern penthouse with phenomenal views over the Atlantic Ocean for R24,5m (USD 1,730m)

*350 sqm penthouse; USD 7,926/ sqm

Uganda

The new Pearl Residences situated within Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa in southern Uganda appeal to investment buyers looking for strong rental returns or a beautiful environment to retire in. Their design mimics a classic rustic Tuscan Village but in an African way. The penthouses are priced at USD 684,000 for a 330 sqm unit with four en-suite bedrooms, open-plan living and dining area, a modern kitchen, study, staff quarters and state-of-the-art security and intercom system.

*330 sqm penthouse; USD 2,072/ sqm

Lock-up and go 

Mauritius

Only one unit remains for sale at Ocean Grand Gaube along the north coast of Mauritius. A three-bedroom beachfront apartment from USD 500,000 will qualify investors for permanent residency in Mauritius. There is a private clubhouse, large pool, kids’ play area and pool, wellness centre, tennis court, petanque field and yoga pavilion.

*185 sqm apartment; USD 2,702/ sqm

Singapore 

In July 2021, Knight Frank research highlighted momentum in Singapore’s super-prime segment. “There were 119 sales above USD 10m in the first half of 2021, undoubtedly boosted by the 20 units sold at the prime new development ‘Eden’ averaging USD 11m each. This is more than four times the number compared to the same period last year and almost more than what was sold in the whole of 2020 and 2019 combined. Singapore has cemented itself as a safe haven for wealth, given how it handled the pandemic and economic fallout.”

*282 sqm apartment; USD 39,007/ sqm

The UK

Lockdown measures in the UK dampened the demand for housing in the latter half of 2020, yet remained 34% higher than in the same period the previous year, according to Mike Smuts, MD at Smuts & Taylor Ltd. South African investors, many of whom are looking to emigrate, made the most of the weaker pound, the stamp duty land tax holiday and the buyers’ market created by the Covid-19 pandemic and continued to buy property in the UK.

The Brentford Project is a new West London waterside community at the heart of the regeneration of Brentford. Prices start at GBP 445,000 (USD 615,457) for around 165.5 internal sqm with a further 16.7 external sqm, totalling 182.20 sqm.

*182.2 sqm apartment; USD 3,378/ sqm

Montenegro

Montenegro is currently on the EU’s “safe list” of countries with relatively low rates of Covid-19 infection. The Montenegro Citizenship-by-Investment Program, which is due to close at the end of 2021, offers high-net-worth investors the opportunity to invest in new hotels being established by reputable developers, including the SIRO brand by Kerzner International and InterContinental, at glamorous seaside resorts. What’s more, they can opt for the exclusive northern ski and mountain resorts in advanced stages of construction such as Swissôtel. Terms and conditions apply.

If citizenship by investment is not an issue, you can buy a three-room, ground-floor apartment in the resort village of Bechichi, Budva. A 68 sqm furnished apartment is up for sale for EUR 98,000 (USD 115,690) includes a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. A terrace attached to the living room offers sea views. It is a five-minute walk to the sea and four kilometres to the village centre.

• 68 sqm apartment; USD 1,702/ sqm

The number of super-prime (USD 10m+) sales, January to June each year