“Luxury buyers are very savvy about architects and decorators,” says Pini. “Robert A.M. Stern, for instance, was one of those rare architects who became a brand.” In Los Angeles, where celebrity culture permeates every industry, boldface-name designers are regularly dropped in MLS listings.
The Hamptons House Gets a First Floor Master Suite—and a Wing for the Grandkids: Homeowners Embrace Aging in Place
America’s aging demographics are reshaping luxury residential priorities in ways that extend beyond accessibility features. With the 75-and-older population projected to increase 48% by 2034, affluent seniors are redefining their final residential chapters—not as downsizing exercises, but as multidecade, multigenerational planning. “If you look at how Americans are aging, they are choosing to stay in their homes,” explains Sood. “For the ultra-luxury market, aging in place is going to be important.”
The concept of “Quality Time Left,” which has been making waves in self-help circles, encourages boomers to view their real estate decisions through the lens of purchasing or building what could be the last house they’ll own. Many clients are prioritizing homes that facilitate cross-generational enjoyment. “Mature buyers are increasingly prioritizing homes that can evolve with them over time, supporting independence while accommodating adult children, grandchildren, or extended family,” states Philip White, president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty. This trend often translates into flexible layouts, private guest suites, secondary living areas, and amenities designed for harmonious coexistence.
These decisions frequently reflect considerations of generational wealth. “Many older, wealthy buyers view their properties less as investments for resale and more as assets to be inherited by the next generation,” Pini notes. In ultra-luxury markets, this can lead to the phenomenon of maintaining multiple residences configured for various seasonal or family uses, a practice he dubs “aging in places” (with an emphasis on the plural!).
When Your Dream Home Is in an “Extreme Fire Zone”: Climate Concerns Are Reshaping the Southern California Market
In the wake of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, luxury clients across the U.S. are increasingly seeking out “resilience-ready” homes crafted to withstand the unpredictable nature of climate challenges—from fire to flooding. “Sustainability features in homes are expected to witness the most significant growth in the next five years due to climate resilience,” predicts Sood.
In many markets, especially in Southern California, the realities of climate change have become non-negotiable for prospective buyers, who now frequently face challenges related to insurance availability and the alarming mathematics of rebuilding costs. “Insurance premiums are at record highs, fewer insurers are willing to cover properties, and entire neighborhoods have become problematic,” shares Jed Weisman, an agent with Westside Estate Agency’s Beverly Hills office. He recounts instances where multiple deals fell through due to insurance complications. “When there’s a sign outside your house that states ‘Caution: Extreme Fire Zone,’ potential buyers can no longer overlook that.”