Luxury Property Markets Are Rebounding – Is Now the Time to Secure a High-Value Mortgage?

The Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index Q1 2025 shows a luxury property market returning to form. Prime residential prices across 45 global cities rose by 2.8% on average over the past year, promising signal for those considering a high-value mortgage to capitalise on strategic opportunities in the prime real estate sector. It's a modest recovery, well below the long-term average of 5.3%, but for seasoned investors and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), that's precisely what makes it interesting. After a period of volatility and economic tightening, we are now entering a more stable, opportunity-rich environment for high-value property finance. For investors, second-home buyers and global UHNW families, the case for strategic debt financing is stronger than it has been in years.

Why Prime Property Financing Is Worth Considering Right Now

The high-end property market is no stranger to cycles. And while the broader economy remains somewhat unpredictable, prime property markets are showing clear signs of a rebound, particularly in cities where demand continues to outpace supply. The latest quarterly growth figure (Q1 2025) is 0.8%, the highest since Q2 2024. While not explosive, the uptick is significant: it signals growing confidence, especially from cash-rich and wealth-based buyers who are typically first to re-enter the market after a slowdown. This creates an attractive window for borrowers. Entering the market now, while prices are still below trend and before global interest rates fall further, means securing high-value real estate at relatively subdued valuations. With the right lending structure, you can leverage debt to preserve liquidity, mitigate risk, and position yourself for medium to long-term capital growth.

Strategic Lending: More Than Just a Mortgage

For HNW borrowers, a mortgage is not simply a way to fund a property; it's a vehicle to support broader financial goals. We are seeing more clients actively choosing to use lending, even if they could buy in cash, to optimise their balance sheets.

Why? Because high-value property finance allows investors to:

• Retain capital for higher-yield opportunities
• Diversify across multiple assets or locations
• Manage tax exposure more efficiently
• Structure ownership through vehicles such as trusts or SPVs

With interest rate cuts expected in the near term, locking in lending now also puts borrowers in a strong position to refinance on more favourable terms when the rate environment improves.

What Are Your International Mortgage Options?

High-value, cross-border property purchases require specialist mortgage solutions. Whether you're buying in Monaco, central London, Dubai or the Alps, traditional retail banks often won't have the appetite or flexibility to lend at the level or complexity required. That's where an international mortgage broker becomes indispensable. At Enness, we specialise in arranging large and complex mortgages for global clients, many of whom are buying property in a country where they don't reside or earn income. Every situation is unique, and the lending solution must be tailored accordingly.

Mortgage options for HNW borrowers include:

• Fixed-rate mortgages – ideal for long-term planning and interest rate certainty
• Tracker or floating-rate mortgages – often used when rate cuts are forecasted
• Interest-only options – helpful in preserving cash flow or managing short-term tax positions
• Multi-currency loans – allowing you to borrow in the same currency as your income or assets

The right choice depends on your objectives, cash flow, risk appetite and the property's location. We assess all of these in detail before approaching lenders.

Where Are We Seeing Opportunity?

The Knight Frank index reveals that 72% of cities tracked posted annual growth in Q1 2025. Some of the standout performers include:

• Dubai: Still leading the global rankings with 16.4% annual growth. Attractive yields, a tax-free environment and growing HNWI inflows make it a consistent frontrunner.
• Lisbon: With 5.7% growth, Portugal's capital continues to attract digital nomads, entrepreneurs and lifestyle buyers from the US and UK.
• Madrid: Also, up 5.5%, the city is fast becoming a hub for international buyers looking for prime European property without the London price tag.
• Paris, Miami, and Singapore: These continue to perform steadily, offering a blend of investment potential and lifestyle appeal.

Interestingly, London saw a 1.3% year-on-year decline. But this may be a key buying opportunity. With prime stock in short supply and many investors still sitting on the sidelines, now could be the time to act before the market turns upward again, particularly ahead of the next interest rate shift.

The Value of an Expert Broker

Navigating the international mortgage market is rarely straightforward. Lenders' appetite changes constantly, and rates, terms, and structures vary widely depending on jurisdiction, borrower profile and the scale of the deal.

As a high-value borrower, you may face challenges such as:

• Complex income structures (e.g., multiple revenue streams, non-salaried income)
• International tax considerations
• Assets held in offshore entities or family offices
• Currency risk, especially when borrowing in a different currency than your earnings

An international broker will assess your financial picture and structure a mortgage accordingly. At Enness, we work with more than 500 global lenders, including private banks, family office-friendly lenders, and specialist boutiques. This breadth of access gives our clients a clear edge in securing bespoke lending terms not available on the high street.

Managing Cross-Border Mortgages

Buying international real estate is only the beginning. Managing property assets in multiple jurisdictions, alongside associated debt, requires long-term thinking.

We help our clients with:

• Refinancing to release equity or restructure repayments
• Portfolio lending and simplifying the management of multiple properties
• Currency planning to hedge FX exposure
• Tax-aware structuring, working alongside family offices and wealth managers

If you already hold one or more mortgages on international property, reviewing your arrangements could uncover significant savings or better alignment with your current priorities.

Final Thought: A Window of Opportunity for a High-Value Mortgage 

The global luxury property market is not yet roaring, but the foundations of a new cycle are clearly forming. Prices are rising steadily, confidence is returning, and liquidity is building, especially in prime global cities. By acting now, before rates fall and competition increases, high-net-worth borrowers can gain a first-mover advantage. Rather than deploying cash, financing intelligently can amplify your returns, improve liquidity, and give you the flexibility to move when opportunity strikes. Enness Global specialises in arranging international mortgages and high-value property finance for global clients. Whether you're acquiring for investment, lifestyle or legacy, we'll help you unlock the most strategic lending options. Contact us today to explore your options and capitalise on this evolving market.