Los Angeles continues to be one of the world's most sought-after luxury real estate markets and boasts some of the most expensive real estate properties. As we move deeper into 2025, new trends and buyer priorities are shaping the real estate landscape, ranging from design preferences to neighborhood shifts and changing global economic factors.
Surge in Ultra-Luxury Sales
The Los Angeles market has already seen 55 market transactions of $20M+ as of the beginning of July 2025. Some of our top brokerage sales for 2025 make up about a quarter of the top sales for the year.
Our current top sale of the year is 942 N. Alpine Drive in Beverly Hills, listed with Aaron Kirman and Emily Gaul, with a record-breaking sale of $51.75M. This estate broke the record for the most expensive home sold in Beverly Hills since 2020. Speaking with Aaron, he expressed that “The architectural significance [of the property] played a role. Importantly, the property had a full tennis court and sat on one of the best streets in Beverly Hills. Generally, it was just an incredibly beautiful and well-built house.”
Michael Caruso and Phillip Caruso recently broke the record for the highest sale in Dana Point with their 63 Monarch Bay Drive transaction. The property sold for $34M, originally listed at $36.5M, a high price tag for the affluent city. Representing the buyer, Phillip shared that his client was drawn to the size of the 7,717-square-foot home and Monarch Bay’s luxurious amenities, which include a members-only beach club on the sand with restaurant and bar managed by the Waldorf Astoria. He also explained that “the property was rebuilt in 2019 on an oversized private ocean bluff front parcel with over 80 feet of frontage, designed by a renowned architect. The property setting and build could not be replicated today, so it is truly an irreplaceable property. The home includes vast outdoor living spaces, decks, a pool, a grass area, and incredibly designed interior spaces by top designers.”
Ranking as one of the top sales in Bel Air when the year started was 10901 Savona Road, listed by Tomer Fridman. It went for $32.5M and sold before it even officially hit the market. Built by designer-builder-developer Romm Builders, Inc., highlights of the incredible property included a private, long driveway with a sports court on the side of the property and a rooftop putting green. This was truly an amenity-rich trophy view estate.
Recently, Tomer Fridman and Aaron Kirman sold 1414 Donhill Drive in Beverly Hills for $32M. This property was only on the market for 27 days, beating out Beverly Hills’ average DOM of 63 days, according to Realtor.com. Aaron shared that highlights included the view from the property, coupled with the wide range of amenities, which played a big role in attracting the buyers. The amenities included a spa, a sports court, and a series of balconies from every level in a brand new house.
Design & Amenity Trends
From our experience, buyers seem to be drawn to the amenities of the houses. There is a recent drive in wellness features like private spas, sports courts, home gyms, and cold plunges. An estate that highlights wellness features is 721 N. Bonhill Road, currently listed with Aaron Kirman. It showcases a private spa room with a sauna, a home gym, and a pool, all contributing to the serenity and relaxation the home strives to offer.
Homebuyers are also actively looking for homes that offer sustainability. Additions like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and green roofs are attractive to today’s buyers. There has also been an emphasis on timeless craftsmanship and nostalgia, according to the 2025 Trends Outlook Report released by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Designers are encouraged to incorporate historical elements, vintage furniture, and handcrafted details into modern spaces to satisfy the growing consumer demand for sustainable, long-lasting designs. This new trend allows for old elements to be recycled and reused in new spaces, adding a personal touch for the new homeowners and a commitment to reducing waste.
Privacy, Tech & Exclusivity
High-net-worth buyers prioritize gated access, private security, and smart home technology. Particularly, Gen-X buyers are interested in purchasing the smartest home they can find. Fully integrated smart home systems that allow for controlled lighting, climate, security, and entertainment with voice commands or mobile apps offer homeowners convenience and peace of mind.
The more frivolous features like home theaters, game rooms, and beverage centers are also a want for luxurious buyers. As a long-term response to COVID and years of digital-first interactions, home buyers are leaning toward more entertainment-ready features and fun amenities to match the homebuyer’s wants for hosting and lifestyle living. 9330 Flicker Way, currently listed by Aaron Kirman, is a prime example of a luxurious home with its home theater, bar, and hookah lounge. These features all contribute to a perfect hosting venue for the next homebuyer.
Cash Dominance and Foreign Capital
Mortgage rates and borrowing costs remain high; however, cash is still king in the luxury property market. According to the 2025 Mid-Year Sotheby’s International Realty agent survey, 88% of high-net-worth individuals globally prefer to purchase real estate with cash. Post-election and increased liquidity from previous stock market performance led to the momentum we saw at the beginning of the year, where high-end properties sold almost rapidly.
Meanwhile, foreign investment in the United States is heavily influenced by the current geopolitical circumstances. Some foreign buyers are still likely to invest in the U.S. real estate since the country is considered a stable economy; however, recent changes in immigration policies may deter some foreign investors. Chief economist of Cotality, Selma Hepp, predicted that the flow of foreign investment will likely balance out in the coming years. On the flip side, there has been an increase in U.S. buyers looking to purchase properties outside the country, a trend that hasn’t slowed since the pandemic. Cross-border transactions were driven by the currency advantage of the U.S. dollar in Japan and Mexico, as well as fiscal tax benefits driving interest in Malta and Switzerland. Many U.S. investors are also looking to purchase properties in Italy, Portugal, Dubai, the U.K., France, and Spain due to positive market forecasts.
Lifestyle-Driven Purchases
It’s important to note that many homebuyers aren’t just investing in a home, but purchasing their “California dream” home. They’re searching for homes that will match their desired lifestyles. Proximity to private schools, access to a lively community area, and natural beauty are starting to matter just as much as square footage. 1877 Rising Glen Road, listed by Adisa Aditheparot, Kirby Gillon, and Bryce Lowe, seems to fit the lifestyle many are searching for. The property includes amenities such as Creston smart home technology, a detached guest house, a vegetable garden, and a home theater with a bar and lounge, while also being close to world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment. This easily covers the need for security, sustainability, privacy, and exclusivity while being close to the amenities the city has to offer.
The Los Angeles luxury real estate market has proven resilient and dynamic in recent years. As the lifestyle evolves, so does the demand for the perfect blend of exclusivity, privacy, and the right amenities to match the homebuyer’s needs. As we move deeper into 2025, expect more emphasis on wellness, sustainability and experiential design. This is not just a home search anymore, but rather the pursuit of a legacy property.