How much property will $US1 million buy you across the world? (2024)

We review how far US$1 million will stretch with prime residential property in cities around the world and assess how top end residential markets performed in 2022.

How much space can $US1 million buy you? And where is the most expensive residential market in the world?

We rank the most expensive cities by how many square metres of prime property $US1 million buys you and look at where you can find the best bargain.

Monaco holds on to its title as the most expensive residential market globally. However, in 2022, the strong currency rewarded the US dollar-based buyer with two extra square metres for their money compared with a year ago.

How much property will $US1 million buy you across the world? (2)

New York (33 sq m) has leapfrogged London (34 sq m), again due to the strength of the greenback, making it the third priciest city, although the two cities along with Singapore (34 sq m) are pretty evenly tied.

Dubai’s 44% annual price growth may conjure up notions of lofty prices, but values are rising from a low base. Here, US$1 million buys 105 sq m, five times as much space as in Hong Kong.

For real value, head to Cape Town or São Paulo where the same budget bestows more than 200 sq m.

Super and ultra-prime markets

Below, Flora Harley examines the resilience of super and ultra-prime markets, even in the face of rising interest rates and economic uncertainty.

Activity at the top end of residential markets remained elevated from pre-pandemic levels in 2022 after a record-breaking 2021.

The pandemic-induced boom in prime, super-prime and ultra-prime markets globally continued into 2022. Some 1,392 sales were transacted at or above US$10 million across 10 global markets. While this represents a decline compared with the record-breaking 2,076 transactions recorded in 2021, it is still 49% above 2019 levels and equates to US$26.3 billion in sales.

New York retained its crown as the most active super-prime market with 244 sales of US$10 million or more. Los Angeles and London complete the top three with 225 and 223, respectively. The scale of activity in the US super-prime markets aligns with prime price growth in the PIRI 100.

How much property will $US1 million buy you across the world? (3)

As with many market segments, the second half of 2022 saw a slowdown in transactions as the cost of debt rose and talk of recession began to enter the daily vocabulary. However, the decline was moderate with 44% of transactions happening in the final six months.

Surprisingly, European cities were most resilient. Both Geneva and Paris saw their super-prime sales grow and London’s sales numbers dipped marginally with only two fewer than 2021. The UK capital, which shares the top spot with New York in the ultra-prime segment, recorded 43 sales of US$25 million or more – the highest level since 2014.

After the anomaly of 2021, 2022 was something of a transitional year. Some pandemic trends continued to play out, while mounting headwinds prompted some to reflect on their assets and investment strategies. In 2023, it is likely we will see this process of normalisation continue as transaction levels revert to pre-pandemic levels, down on the past two years but still highly active.

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How much property will $US1 million buy you across the world? (2024)

FAQs

What $1 million dollars can buy house around the world? ›

Read on to discover just what—and where—US$1 million can buy.
  • Kehtna Manor in Raplamaa, Estonia.
  • Armani Residence at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE.
  • Layan Sea View Villa in phu*ket, Thailand.
  • Custom-Built Cottage in Greenville, South Carolina.
  • Dimora de la Palma in Venice, Italy.
Nov 17, 2022

Can you live off $1 million dollars interest? ›

Once you have $1 million in assets, you can look seriously at living entirely off the returns of a portfolio. After all, the S&P 500 alone averages 10% returns per year. Setting aside taxes and down-year investment portfolio management, a $1 million index fund could provide $100,000 annually.

How many homes in US are valued over $1 million? ›

The share of homes worth at least $1 million was calculated using these raw numbers: 6,203,954 homes were worth at least $1 million in January 2023, compared with 7,458,031 in June 2022 and 6,030,177 in January 2022, Redfin told USA TODAY.

How much interest does 1 million dollars make a month? ›

As noted above, the average rate on savings accounts as of February 3rd 2021, is 0.05% APY. A million-dollar deposit with that APY would generate $500 of interest after one year ($1,000,000 X 0.0005 = $500). If left to compound monthly for 10 years, it would generate $5,011.27.

What is the best country to live in with 1 million dollars? ›

1. Panama. Our top choice for retirees with a $1 million nest egg is Panama. It simply can't be beat for ease of entry, cost of living and modern amenities and health care.

How do people afford $1 million dollar houses? ›

Experts suggest you might need an annual income between $100,000 to $225,000, depending on your financial profile, in order to afford a $1 million home. Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), credit score, down payment and interest rate all factor into what you can afford.

Is $1.5 million enough to retire at 62? ›

Is $1.5 million enough to retire at 62? Yes, you can retire at 62 with one million five hundred thousand dollars. At age 62, an annuity will provide a guaranteed income of $95,250 annually, starting immediately for the rest of the insured's lifetime.

Is $1 million enough to retire at 55? ›

Can I retire at 55 with $1 million? Yes, you can retire at 55 with one million dollars. You will receive a guaranteed annual income of $56,250 immediately and for the rest of your life.

How long will $1 million dollars last in retirement? ›

A recent analysis determined that a $1 million retirement nest egg may only last about 20 years depending on what state you live in. Based on this, if you retire at age 65 and live until you turn 84, $1 million will probably be enough retirement savings for you.

Who buys $100 million dollar homes? ›

Billionaire mogul Byron Allen, CEO of Entertainment Studios and perhaps best known for buying The Weather Channel, purchased a Malibu mansion for $100 million, reports the Wall Street Journal.

What are $1 properties in the US? ›

Dollar Homes are single-family homes that are acquired by the Federal Housing Administration (which is part of HUD) as a result of foreclosure actions. Single-family properties are made available through the program whenever FHA is unable to sell the homes for six months.

What is the most valuable property in the US? ›

1. The One, Los Angeles, California | Most Expensive Houses. The One, which took eight years to create, has surpassed all other pricey mansions in the US to claim the top rank. Nile Niami's modern masterpiece, this private mansion is situated on a five-acre site in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California.

How much interest does $1 million dollars earn per year? ›

How much interest does $1 million make per year? Forbes reports that, on average, investors can expect about a 10% annual return on the S&P 500 — that's $100,000 per year, provided you reinvest at least some of the dividends. However, your return depends on several different factors.

Where do millionaires keep their money? ›

Millionaires have many different investment philosophies. These can include investing in real estate, stock, commodities and hedge funds, among other types of financial investments. Generally, many seek to mitigate risk and therefore prefer diversified investment portfolios.

Can you live off interest of 2 million dollars? ›

At $200,000 per year in average returns, this is more than enough for all but the highest spenders to live comfortably. You can collect your returns, pay your capital gains taxes and have plenty left over for a comfortable lifestyle. The bad news about an index fund is the variability.

What percentage of Americans have over 1 million dollars? ›

8.8 % of U.S. adults are millionaires. 33% of U.S. millionaires are women. 76% of millionaires in the U.S. are white, and white people account for 60% of the total U.S. population. There are about 62.5 million millionaires globally, a 11.4% increase from 2020.

Is $1 million usd enough to retire in US? ›

Will $1 million still be enough to have a comfortable retirement then? It's definitely possible, but there are several factors to consider—including cost of living, the taxes you'll owe on your withdrawals, and how you want to live in retirement—when thinking about how much money you'll need to retire in the future.

What is the most unaffordable country to live in? ›

According to the report, Bermuda is the world's most expensive place to live. Switzerland ranks second on the list (and it's definitely not the only European country), followed by new entrant the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, and Barbados.

Does owning a million dollar home make you a millionaire? ›

A millionaire is somebody with a net worth of one million dollars. It's a simple math formula based on your net worth. When what you own (your assets) minus what you owe (your liabilities) equals more than a million dollars, you're a millionaire.

Can doctors afford million dollar homes? ›

That is to say, a single physician could fairly simply afford a $1-2million house (depending on their priorities). Above that, you start stretching budgets.

How much should your salary be to buy a million dollar house? ›

To afford a 1 million dollar home, you need a minimum annual income of $200,000 to $225,000. You'll also need to have enough money saved for the down payment and closing costs, which can add up to over 20% of the purchase price.

Can I retire at 70 with 1.5 million dollars? ›

Is one and a half million dollars enough for a couple to live on? If a couple has $1.5 million in retirement funds, they can take out $60,000 per year. Added to their Social Security ($2,739 per month or $32,868 per year) and pensions, these sums can provide them with enough income to live comfortably.

Can you retire with $2 million at age 65? ›

Yes, for some people, $2 million should be more than enough to retire. For others, $2 million may not even scratch the surface. The answer depends on your personal situation and there are lot of challenges you'll face. As of 2023, it seems the number of obstacles to a successful retirement continues to grow.

Can a couple retire at 60 with $1 million dollars? ›

So, can you retire at 60 with $1 million, and what would that look like? It's certainly possible to retire comfortably in this scenario. But it's wise to review your spending needs, taxes, health care, and other factors as you prepare for your retirement years.

What is the average 401k balance for a 65 year old? ›

Average and median 401(k) balance by age
AgeAverage Account BalanceMedian Account Balance
35-44$97,020$36,117
45-54$179,200$61,530
55-64$256,244$89,716
65+$279,997$87,725
2 more rows
Jan 20, 2023

What is the average Social Security check? ›

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average monthly retirement benefit for Security Security recipients is $1,781.63 as of February. Several factors can drag that average up or down, but you have the most control over the biggest variable of all — the age that you decide to cash in.

Do most people retire with a million dollars? ›

Putting that much aside could make it easier to live your preferred lifestyle when you retire, without having to worry about running short of money. However, not a huge percentage of retirees end up having that much money. In fact, statistically, around 10% of retirees have $1 million or more in savings.

Where is the best place to retire with $1 million dollars? ›

1. Mississippi. World Population Review ranks Mississippi as the state with the lowest cost of living for 2022. A million dollars will likely provide you with a comfortable lifestyle for most, if not all, of your retired years.

What does a $1 million dollar retirement look like? ›

Once a symbol of extravagant wealth, $1 million is now the retirement-savings goal for millions of Americans. For retirees able to accumulate $1 million in savings, the funds translate into inflation-adjusted income of $40,000 in the first year of a three-decade retirement using the 4% spending rule.

Can I retire with $1 million dollars at 65? ›

Yes, it is possible to retire with $1 million at the age of 65. But whether that amount is enough for your own retirement will depend on factors that include your Social Security benefits, your investment strategy and your personal expenses.

Do millionaires buy their homes outright? ›

Most have paid off their mortgages. In 2020, 58% of the state's equity millionaires owned their homes free and clear. Statewide, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of Californians who have paid off their mortgages, from 1.6 million households in 2000 to 2.4 million in 2020.

Do billionaires buy houses in cash? ›

Despite the fact that many wealthy people could afford to buy a home outright, they often get mortgage loans anyway.

Do the rich buy houses cash? ›

Key points. Most people take out mortgages because they can't afford to pay cash for a home. Some wealthy people could easily buy houses outright without borrowing. Rich people often still take out home loans anyway even though they could pay cash.

Can my parents sell me their house for $1? ›

Giving someone a house as a gift — or selling it to them for $1 — is legally equivalent to selling it to them at fair market value. The home is now the property of the giftee and they may do with it as they wish.

Why do people sell their house for $1 dollar? ›

While the seller can enjoy the ease of an all-cash offer with a sales price of $1, they may end up dealing with a lot of hassle come tax season. Some parents may try to sell their home to a child for just one dollar in order to help their child avoid estate taxes down the line.

What is the most valuable property on earth? ›

To date, the title for the most expensive house in the world is held by the Buckingham Palace in London. The larger-than-life property (which cannot be sold) is over 200 years old and is currently owned by King Charles III after the demise of the Queen of England, Elizabeth II.

What country owns the most US property? ›

In a study of USDA reports, Pew found the foreign country that owns the most U.S. land is not China or Russia, but rather, our neighbors north: Canada. Investors from the Great White North, according to the USDA, own about 12.8 million acres of U.S. land, most of it forest land.

Who owns the most property in USA? ›

The 2022 Land Report 100, compiled each year by The Land Report magazine, released its annual list of landowners who own the most acres in the United States. The nation's largest private landowners are the Emmerson family in California who own over 2.4 million acres.

Who owns the biggest house in America? ›

Experience America's Largest Home®, as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Your self-guided house visit spans three floors and the basem*nt of the luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt.

Can you live off interest of $1 million dollars? ›

Once you have $1 million in assets, you can look seriously at living entirely off the returns of a portfolio. After all, the S&P 500 alone averages 10% returns per year. Setting aside taxes and down-year investment portfolio management, a $1 million index fund could provide $100,000 annually.

Can you put a million dollars in the bank? ›

You can deposit a million dollars in a bank since banks do not impose maximum deposit limits. However, consider several factors before you make your deposit. Such factors include deposit insurance limits and deposit hold times. The size of your deposit can also have a negative impact on your interest rate.

How much do I need to live off interest? ›

So as a general rule, experts recommend counting on needing 70% to 90% of your current expenses. Next, you will have to choose an interest rate. Banks have paid under 1% in recent years, while they used to pay in the high single digits in the early 1990s. If you want to be conservative, you could go with 1% to 3%.

What bank do millionaires keep their money? ›

Millionaires tend to turn to private banks for a variety of reasons. Since they offer a wide range of financial products, services, and expertise under one roof, the element of convenience can be very enticing. There are also several perks and more favorable options and rates, making the bank very attractive.

Do millionaires hold cash? ›

High net worth investors typically keep millions of dollars or even tens of millions in cash in their bank accounts to cover bills and unexpected expenses. Their balances are often way above the $250,000 FDIC insured limit.

What bank do billionaires use? ›

Bank of America, Citibank, Union Bank, and HSBC, among others, have created accounts that come with special perquisites for the ultrarich, such as personal bankers, waived fees, and the option of placing trades. The ultrarich are considered to be those with more than $30 million in assets.

Can I retire at age 50 with $1 million dollars? ›

Can I retire at 50 with $1 million? You can retire at 50 if you have saved one million dollars. You will get a guaranteed income of $53,750 each year, starting immediately for the rest of your life. The income amount will stay the same and never decrease.

Can I retire with 2 million at 50? ›

Yes, you can retire at 50 with 2 million dollars. At age 50, an annuity will provide a guaranteed income of $125,000 annually, starting immediately for the rest of the insured's lifetime. The income will stay the same and never decrease. annually initially, with the income amount increasing to keep up with inflation.

Can a couple retire at 55 with $2 million dollars? ›

It probably is possible for most people to retire at age 55 if they have $2.5 million in savings. The ultimate answer, though, will depend on the interplay between various factors. These include your health, your anticipated retirement lifestyle and expenses, and how you invest your nest egg.

Can you buy real estate anywhere in the world? ›

Individual countries have the right to place restrictions on non-citizens who want to own properties. Even if the country you're interested in allows foreigners to buy homes, you may be required to obtain special residence permits or register with a government agency before you can complete a home purchase.

What is the most expensive property to live in the world? ›

World's most expensive houses
  • Buckingham Palace, London. Buckingham Palace is the most expensive house in the world. ...
  • Antilia, Mumbai. ...
  • Holme, London. ...
  • Villa Leopolda, France. ...
  • Witanhurst, London. ...
  • Villa Les Cèdres, French Riviera. ...
  • Fairfield Mansion, New York. ...
  • Kensington Palace (9a), London.

Does anyone own the most expensive house in the world? ›

The world's most expensive private residence in the world, Antilia is owned by Mukesh Ambani, the richest person in India, and is named after a mythical island in the Atlantic.

Which country is hardest to buy property? ›

After Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia were the least affordable countries overall in the study which looked at the U.S., Canada, the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. This chart shows the places where it's hardest to afford a home (2023).

What country owns the most real estate in the United States? ›

Canadian investors lead this pack, by a long shot, with nearly 9.4 million acres of U.S. land — more acreage than 44 of the top 50 foreign landowners combined, according to the report. (These people own the most land in America.)

What country has the richest real estate? ›

China is home to more of the world real estate market assets (by value) than any other country at $42.7tn or 21 per cent of global real estate value, just ahead of the US at $42.1tn.

Where is the most expensive property in USA? ›

1. The One, Los Angeles, California | Most Expensive Houses. The One, which took eight years to create, has surpassed all other pricey mansions in the US to claim the top rank.

Who owns the biggest house in the world? ›

Who is the owner of the biggest house in the world ? Istana Nurul Iman Palace, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, is the largest house in the world, spread over 2.15 million square feet.

Who owns the most homes in the world? ›

Conclusion: The Catholic Church owns the most land, far more than McDonald's and billionaire Bill Gates.

Who owns the $75 million dollar house? ›

The seven-bedroom, 10-bathroom, prime-Beverly Hills-location home is the brainchild of developer Adnan Sen, who has also become a reality presence in his own right. The house, which is still available and listed on The Oppenheim Group website, has become an internet sensation. “I totally embrace it.

Does owning a million dollar property make you a millionaire? ›

A millionaire is somebody with a net worth of one million dollars. It's a simple math formula based on your net worth. When what you own (your assets) minus what you owe (your liabilities) equals more than a million dollars, you're a millionaire.

Who owns the biggest house in Bel Air? ›

Richard Saghian, owner of the fast-fashion business Fashion Nova, has emerged as the winning bidder of the Los Angeles mansion known as “The One.” The 21-bedroom, 49-bath Bel Air estate sold Thursday for $141 million to an undisclosed bidder, whose identity was confirmed to be Saghian Sunday.

Who owns the biggest house in LA? ›

Richard Saghian

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