A luxury apartment is a real estate investment for a high-class investor. Whether you settle in it, rent it, or flip it, it brings short-term and long-term profits. For example, you can find one and start a Gatlinburg Airbnb operation for maximum profit.
But, picking a luxury apartment isn’t as easy as it seems, and it takes more than looking at the price point. Luxury is less about money and more about a lifestyle.
What is Luxury Real Estate
Luxury real estate is a high-value property that provides the owner with lifestyle benefits, arts, and amenities. When you buy a luxury apartment, you purchase access to a high-value community and living conditions.
Of course, it has to be pricey for a property to get a luxury real estate label. Then, it should provide the new owners with valuable art, design, or architecture. Overall, you could say that a luxury apartment is a property that increases the owner’s status in society.
Price point
For example, the buying floor for luxury real estate is about $1,000,000. Though, finding a luxury apartment at a lower price in exotic locations or third-world countries is possible.
Of course, the median price may vary depending on the market and demographic trends. Even with changing trends, some communities remain high-value regardless of general market conditions.
Also, new investors rarely buy luxury apartments in cash. There are jumbo loans they can apply for to finance their new property.
Lifestyle
Next, lifestyle is an essential part of a luxury apartment. The primary incentive to get into luxury real estate is the luxury lifestyle. Buying a luxury apartment means that you want to enjoy a life of leisure and style.
For example, a luxury apartment is a sign of status. Luxury apartments have a distinct architectural style, paintings, or other landmarks. Previous owners are wealthy or famous people.
Finally, you get to participate in a community of other high-value people. That opens you to new relationships and increases your value.
Investing in Luxury Real Estate
Buying a luxury apartment should be all about using data to your advantage. Unlike other property investments, luxury real estate is a lifetime investment. You can purchase various properties for $500,000, but it takes an actual $1,000,000 to buy a luxury apartment. So, plan and try to think about how to solve the following problems.
Long-term Goal
First, think about your long-term goals. For example, you may want to decide whether you buy to settle, flip, or rent?
Depending on the answer, you may alter the data you want to look at and location. So, imagine that you want to buy a luxury apartment to settle in and live there for the next 20-30 years.
Also, that is a period to pay off most mortgage loans. And, it can be a good start if you are in your 20s and looking to earn a six-figure income.
Location
Each geo-location has its luxury markets. For example, people in the West often buy luxury apartments in Singapore as they are much cheaper than luxury real estate in the US. Also, it’s an excellent location to spend your retirement.
If you are a young investor, look for apartments in your area first. You may look for locations in demand to pick a place that’s up to your preferences. Either way, evaluate that location by its historical market data. Houses by lake probably can be a bit more expensive but you can find some potential there also. Lake of Ozarks real estate always have something new for young investors. Beautiful houses by the lake can be renovated, upgraded and then sold for profit.
Historic Market Data
When you look at the market data, you want to find out about:
- The median market price for luxury real estate
- Demographics
- The demand for housing for that market
- Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market
- New business and technical developments for that market
People want to buy luxury real estate near the sea or vacation locations. However, you want to think about how the area will change in the next decade.
For example, a property in San Francisco you could buy 40 years ago is worth 3 or 4 times more today. That’s due to the tech and business development in that area and the high demand for property. Take all data into consideration before making a purchase.
Financing
Now, it’s time to look for financing. You are looking at a starting price of at least $1,000,000, and you can use a jumbo loan for that purchase.
Of course, you can get other loans if you have a good credit score. In any case, you don’t want to put down more than 20% of the total apartment value. If no other financing option is available, look for various mortgage or hard money loans.
Finally, you can sell your existing property and use that money to fuel the purchase. If nothing else is viable, you can look for an apartment and turn it into luxury real estate.
Renovation
Like any other real estate, Luxury real estate may decline in quality and price. Instead of looking for a new luxury apartment, find a property to renovate.
The problem is that you have to find owners looking to sell apartments with poor property management. Then, negotiate the price, and calculate how much money you need for renovation and the purchase.
That strategy works when you flip luxury apartments and even flip mansions. All that is left is to go and find the apartment.
Buy a Luxury Apartment
Find as much data as possible before making any decision. Once you settle for a location, look at all available financing options. Then, go and get the apartment.
Once you buy a luxury apartment, your life changes, it’s a sign of status and value, and all that reflects on you. Enjoy it!