What is a branded residence?

A branded residence is a luxury condominium or private home developed in partnership with a globally recognized brand — typically a hotel group, culinary brand, automotive manufacturer, or wellness company. Owners hold private title while benefiting from the brand's service infrastructure, design standards, and hospitality programming.

Can foreign buyers purchase U.S. real estate?

Yes. Foreign nationals can purchase real estate in the United States without restriction — there is no federal law prohibiting foreign ownership of U.S. real property. However, foreign buyers face additional tax, financing, and compliance requirements including FIRPTA withholding obligations.

How do I choose a luxury real estate agent?

Choosing a luxury real estate agent requires evaluating market specialization, transaction history at your price point, off-market network access, marketing capabilities, and editorial authority. Always choose an agent whose primary business is in your specific target market and property type.

What are the best luxury real estate markets?

The best luxury real estate markets combine strong international demand, supply constraints, favorable tax environments, and consistent appreciation. In the U.S., Miami, Palm Beach, Aspen, Beverly Hills, Manhattan, Naples, and the Hamptons consistently rank among the strongest luxury investment markets.

FIRPTA — the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act — requires buyers to withhold 15% of the gross purchase price when purchasing U.S. real property from a foreign seller, as an advance payment against the foreign seller's potential U.S. tax liability. Failure to withhold makes the buyer personally liable.

HL Real Estate Network

Real Estate Questions Answered

Plain-language answers to the most common luxury real estate questions — organized by topic, buyer type, and market. Every answer is backed by Haute Living's editorial team and verified HL Real Estate Network agents.

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Choose a category to browse the most common questions luxury buyers, sellers, investors, and international purchasers ask — and how HL Real Estate Network answers them.

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Buying Luxury Real Estate

How to choose an agent, what defines luxury real estate, branded residences, new construction, waterfront properties, financing, closing costs, and what every buyer should know before making an offer.

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