Christies International has named six of the best for 2019, listing the top cities to watch this year on its Luxury Defined site.

Included in the mix are a future Olympic host city, and one where there summer cauldron has already been.

There is also a burgeoning European tech hub, the largest city in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the most luxurious housing markets in the world.

Tokyo, Japan

Japan's capital is hosting two global sporting events in as many years, with the 2019 Rugby World Cup preceding the 2020 Olympics.

Luxury Defined also notes increased demand from foreign buyers who want upscale amenities, and a strong Japanese Yen as justification for its inclusion.

Japan Capital Realty Chief Executive Sonny Saito told the publication the city was in the midst of "vibrant transformation and growth".

“There are more developers building high-end properties for the growing number of domestic billionaires in Tokyo, as well as international high-net-worth buyers attracted by the Comprehensive Special Zone program’s tax incentives,” he said.

One of the waterfront properties in Hong Kong. Source: Christies International Real Estate.

Hong Kong

Described as "safe and prosperous", Hong Kong was ranked as the most luxurious housing market worldwide in the Luxury Defined 2018 Global Luxury Real Estate Report for the second year running.

Landscope Christie’s International Real Estate senior director Yuky Chung said the coming year would most likely be kind to investors.

"While we have one of the most expensive property markets in the world, 2019 is very interesting for buyers because of the current price correction cycle,” she said.

“This adjustment phase is a great situation for investors, while there is no danger of an all-out crash because of increasing buyer demand from mainland China.”

The Opera House in Sante Fe. Source: Christies International Real Estate

Sante Fe, New Mexico, United States

Known for its mild weather, mountain views and starry nights, Santa Fe was also rated as having the most vibrant arts community among medium-sized American cities in the National Center for Arts Research’s 2018 Index. 

Barker Realty Chief Executive and owner David Barker said visitors would continue to get their money's worth this year.

“What’s notable for 2019 is the excellent value you get for your money here, along with the thriving arts scene that emerges in a tri-cultural city," he said.

A Parisian restaurant. Source: Christies International Real Estate.

Paris, France

According to Luxury Defined, the city of light's reputation as a romantic holiday destination is giving way to a new identity forged off the back of France's booming economy.

The publication said the country's ever-growing tech start-up community means Paris can be the "Silicon Valley of 2019".

Christies International affiliate Daniel Féau Conseil Immobilier's Director  Marie-Hélène Lundgreen said Paris benefits from a central location in Europe.

“We’re right in the center of Europe, with easy access to London,” she said.

“The luxury market is performing very well due to factors such as Brexit, the surge of French expats returning home, and international buyers who want turnkey properties with a concierge service.”

Palácio Tangará, Sao Paulo. Source: Christies International Real Estate

Sao Paulo, Brazil

The resurgence of Brazil's finance and transport hub has not gone unnoticed, according to Luxury Defined.

A report by fDi Intelligence named Sao Paulo as Latin America’s State of the Future for 2018-2019, while The New York Times noted that lower prices, more political stability, and an improving economy are bringing real estate buyers back to the market.

 Luiza Cazarin, of Christies International affiliate Axpe Imóveis Especiais, said the city luxury market "continues to perform well", despite the recession of the past three years.

The cityscape of Atlanta. Photo by Joey Kyber on Unsplash

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Luxury Defined says sports and cinema have propelled the unofficial capital of the New South to greater heights.

Not only will Atlanta host the 2019 Superbowl, but it also boasts a thriving film industry, welcoming more movie crews than even California across the past few years.

Mercedes-Benz USA recently relocated its headquarters to Atlanta, joining 15 other Fortune 500 companies with flagships in Georgia’s capital city, including Coca-Cola, UPS, and The Home Depot.

Jenni Bonura, of Harry Norman Realtors, said 2019 was "a prime time to make a move".

"Inventories are rising modestly in Atlanta yet demand is still strong and rates are still low," she said.

Source: Luxury Defined

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