London as a global home for luxury and real estate assets

London continues to attract international individuals, families and investors seeking stability, opportunity and long-term value. From prime real estate to hospitality and luxury assets, investment decisions are increasingly shaped by cross-border strategies that blend lifestyle with commercial ambition.

At Farrer & Co, we work closely with international individuals, families and private capital investors whose interests span multiple jurisdictions, often supporting them as their portfolios and priorities evolve. For many of our clients from the Middle East, London holds a unique appeal – not just as a financial centre, but as a place to live, invest and build.

From art and prime real estate to hospitality and other tangible investments, the UK offers a depth of opportunity that combines lifestyle with commercial relevance.

In practice, these opportunities are rarely viewed in isolation. We work with clients to position assets within a wider portfolio – balancing enjoyment, commercial opportunity and ongoing stewardship.

A destination for living, investing and building

London’s enduring attraction also lies in its ability to bring together culture, stability and global connectivity. For many international clients and investors, particularly those with ties to the Middle East, it represents both a gateway to Europe and a trusted base for long-term activity.

This is reflected in the breadth of assets clients are choosing to acquire. Prime real estate remains a cornerstone, often serving both as a home and a core asset within a wider wealth strategy.

Alongside this, interest in luxury assets – from fine art and collectibles to yachts and classic cars – continues to grow, reflecting not only personal identity but also a focus on preserving and managing wealth over time.

We are also seeing increased activity in hospitality and other real estate investments, often working with clients as they assess how these opportunities align with their broader investment strategies.

This can include branded residences within luxury hotel developments, where ownership may combine personal use with participation in managed rental programmes, and where early consideration of planning, lease and operational structures is key to maintaining flexibility.

These types of investments are not passive. They allow clients to participate directly in the UK market, build partnerships and create value through both ownership and operation.

Balancing lifestyle, investment and long-term value

For many international clients and private capital investors, real and luxury assets are not simply financial instruments. They are assets to be enjoyed, developed and passed on to future generations. A significant art collection may reflect personal passion, while a hospitality investment or real estate portfolio typically forms part of a broader commercial strategy.

Increasingly, we see clients blending these elements – combining lifestyle assets with income-generating investments and capital growth over time.

We are also seeing growing interest from clients in unlocking liquidity from such assets without disposing of them. Luxury asset finance, while nuanced, provides a means of accessing capital while preserving underlying ownership, provided issues such as valuation, title and jurisdiction are carefully managed.

Structuring ownership in a cross-border investment landscape

We work with clients to ensure ownership structures reflect the realities of modern, international lives and businesses. Assets across multiple jurisdictions, requiring careful alignment of legal, governance and tax considerations.

Early planning is critical and is often where we can add the most value. Decisions around ownership, location and succession can have lasting implications not only financially, but in terms of control, governance and continuity.

We also work closely on governance more broadly – ensuring clarity and alignment over time and across generations, particularly where assets span both personal and commercial interests.

Structures that allow for flexibility over time, without undermining the original intent, tend to be the most resilient in an increasingly complex global environment.

London’s role in this landscape remains central. Its combination of legal certainty, cultural depth and global reach continues to make it a natural home for international individuals, families and investors.

For 325 years, Farrer & Co has advised individuals, families and businesses, and we continue to see London play a central role in how clients approach both lifestyle and investment – not as separate considerations, but as part of a joined-up, long-term strategy.

Please note this content was originally published in London Arabia Magazine, May 2026 edition.

This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

© Farrer & Co LLP, June 2026