Wealth-X has joined forces with Sotheby’s International Realty to decipher the trends and home-buying motivations of some of the world’s most wealthy individuals.

Buying a second or third home is a popular activity for ultra high net worth (UHNW) individuals – in fact, according to the most recent Wealth-X report – 79% of this demographic own at least two homes, and 53% own three or more.

However, in a spin away from familiar considerations for purchasing property – including family, lifestyle or investment – UHNW individuals are increasingly buying homes for reasons that go beyond traditional motivations or which take familiar motivations in new directions.

For these buyers, homes are seen as ‘opportunity gateways’ and buying decisions are made based on what opportunities will become available as a result of owning the home.

The latest Wealth-X report, in partnership with Sotheby’s International Realty, examines two emerging trends in particular within this new field of UHNW home buying and identifies emerging property hotspots for this coveted slice of society.