realestate

Monaco's $2 Billion Land Grab Spurs Record Real Estate Boom

Mareterra homes selling for over $100,000 per square meter in Monaco.

M
onaco's reputation as a luxury destination is unwavering, with its real estate market consistently ranking as the most expensive in the world. According to recent reports, a mere $1 million can secure just 205 square feet of prime residential space, roughly the size of a small studio apartment. This scarcity is due in part to Monaco's tiny footprint – at 510 acres, it's the second-smallest country globally, dwarfed by New York's Central Park.

    To meet the insatiable demand for high-end real estate, Monaco has resorted to reclaiming land from the sea. The €2 billion Mareterra project, designed by Renzo Piano and Sir Norman Foster, added 15 acres to the coastline and is setting new records with luxury homes fetching over €100,000 per square meter – more than double the regional average.

    Beyond its prime real estate, Monaco's allure lies in its tax-free status, perfect Mediterranean climate, world-class healthcare, and high levels of security. This exclusivity comes at a steep price: newly built properties in 2024 averaged €36.4 million, six times the cost of resales. Despite these sky-high prices, demand remains strong, with homes routinely exceeding €40 million and parking spots costing upwards of €395,000.

    Monaco has also retained its title as the world's most expensive luxury rental market, with a modest two-bedroom apartment renting for around $30,000 monthly. As the market continues to heat up, property prices are setting records every year, with over half of newly built units selling for over €20 million and seven residences topping the $100 million mark. It's clear that Monaco's real estate market will only become more exclusive and desirable for those seeking luxury living at its finest.

Monaco's Prince Albert II oversees record-breaking real estate boom in Principality.