Real Estate
What Bess Freedman Says About Luxury Real Estate in 2024: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
What Bess Freedman Says About Luxury Real Estate in 2024: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
Introduction: Meet Bess Freedman, the CEO of Brown Harris Stevens
Bess Freedman is not just a real estate leader, but also a champion of social change, philanthropy, and building a culture-first brokerage for agents, staff, and clients. As the CEO of Brown Harris Stevens, the oldest and most prestigious private real estate company in the United States, she oversees more than 2,500 agents and 55 offices across New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, and California.
Freedman has a remarkable background, having practiced law as an Assistant State’s Attorney and worked as an attorney at Legal Aid Society before joining the real estate industry in 2003. She joined Brown Harris Stevens in 2013 as Senior Vice President and became the company’s first-ever CEO in 2018. Under her leadership, the company has grown in size, revenue, and market share, while maintaining its reputation for excellence, integrity, and service.
Freedman is also a vocal advocate for social justice, diversity, and inclusion in the real estate industry and beyond. She has publicly confronted issues such as sexual harassment, reproductive rights, and racial discrimination, and has supported various causes and organizations, such as the Asian Real Estate Association of America, the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, and the Real Estate Board of New York’s Diversity Committee. In 2021, she received the REBNY’s Kenneth R. Gerrety Humanitarian Award for her contribution to the community.
In this article, we will learn from Freedman’s insights and perspectives on the luxury real estate market in 2024, covering the trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the industry and the consumer behavior.
Trend 1: Technology 2024: Proptech challenges and profitability pursuit
Technology is a key driver of innovation and transformation in the real estate industry, especially in the luxury segment, where buyers and sellers expect the highest level of convenience, efficiency, and sophistication. However, the proptech sector, which encompasses the various technologies and platforms that facilitate real estate transactions and services, has faced some significant challenges in the past year, such as the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes, the slowdown in venture capital investment, and the housing market’s conditions, characterized by soaring prices and limited availability.
According to Freedman, proptech companies need to focus on their profitability and sustainability in 2024, rather than relying on external funding and valuation. She believes that proptech companies should expand their product offerings and invest in consumer education to navigate the housing market slowdown and differentiate themselves from the competition. She also emphasizes the importance of partnering with established and reputable real estate firms, such as Brown Harris Stevens, to leverage their expertise, network, and reputation.
Freedman also predicts that some of the technologies that will have the biggest impact in 2024 are data-driven property management, remote work, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. These technologies will enable real estate professionals and consumers to optimize rents, maintenance schedules, tenant satisfaction, flexibility, freedom, data protection, decision-making, predictive analytics, and property visualization.

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Trend 2: The emergence of secondary markets will challenge the traditionally popular locales in 2024
One of the most notable trends in the luxury real estate market in 2024 is the emergence of secondary markets, which are smaller and less established markets that offer more affordable and diverse options for buyers and sellers. These markets are driven by the increased migration of people, especially millennials and baby boomers, who are looking for more space, privacy, amenities, and lifestyle choices, as well as the rise of remote work, which allows people to work from anywhere.
Freedman observes that some of the secondary markets that are gaining popularity in 2024 are Austin, Nashville, Denver, Miami, and Palm Beach. These markets offer a combination of factors that appeal to luxury buyers, such as lower taxes, warmer climates, cultural diversity, entertainment options, and business opportunities. Freedman also notes that these markets are attracting more investment and development, creating more supply and demand for luxury properties.
Freedman advises that real estate professionals and consumers who are interested in secondary markets should do their due diligence and research before making any decisions. She suggests that they should consider the market conditions, the local regulations, the neighborhood characteristics, the property features, and the potential risks and returns of each market. She also recommends that they should work with experienced and knowledgeable agents who have access to the best resources and information.
Trend 3: Style trends that will define luxury homes in 2024
Style is another important aspect of the luxury real estate market in 2024, as buyers and sellers are looking for homes that reflect their personal tastes, preferences, and lifestyles. According to a 2023 report by the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program, some of the style trends that will define luxury homes in 2024 are:
- Glamorous architecture: Luxury buyers are drawn to homes that have distinctive and dramatic architectural features, such as curved walls, soaring ceilings, glass walls, spiral staircases, and geometric shapes. These features create a sense of grandeur, elegance, and uniqueness, as well as enhance the natural light and views of the property.
- Culinary-chic spaces: Luxury buyers are also looking for homes that have state-of-the-art kitchens and dining areas, where they can entertain and enjoy their culinary passions. These spaces are equipped with high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, marble countertops, wine cellars, and smart technology. They also have spacious and comfortable seating areas, where guests can mingle and relax.
- Exo-luxe design: Luxury buyers are also interested in homes that have a fusion of fashion and real estate, where the interior design is influenced by the style and personality of the owner. This trend, called exo-luxe, is exemplified by homes that feature branded furniture, artwork, accessories, and fabrics, creating a cohesive and customized look.
Freedman states that style is a subjective and personal matter, and that luxury buyers should choose homes that suit their needs and desires, rather than following the trends blindly. She also advises that luxury sellers should consult with professional stagers and designers, who can help them showcase their homes in the best possible way, highlighting the features and benefits that appeal to the target market.

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Trend 4: Luxury housing and Tier 2 cities to lead realty sector growth in 2024
Another trend that will reshape the real estate market in 2024 is the growth of luxury housing and Tier 2 cities, which are smaller and less developed cities that offer more opportunities and potential for real estate development and investment. According to a report by Knight Frank, the luxury housing segment in India is expected to grow by 10% in 2024, driven by the increasing demand from high-net-worth individuals, the improving infrastructure and connectivity, and the favorable policies and incentives. Some of the cities that are witnessing a surge in luxury housing are Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kochi.
Freedman believes that luxury housing and Tier 2 cities are attractive options for real estate professionals and consumers who are looking for new and emerging markets that offer more value and diversity. She says that these markets have a lot of potential and promise, as they are experiencing rapid urbanization, economic growth, social development, and cultural vibrancy. She also points out that these markets are more affordable and accessible, compared to the saturated and expensive Tier 1 cities, such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
Freedman cautions that luxury housing and Tier 2 cities are not without challenges and risks, such as the lack of regulation, transparency, and quality standards, the environmental and social impacts, and the political and economic uncertainties. She advises that real estate professionals and consumers who are interested in these markets should be careful and diligent, and seek the guidance and support of reputable and reliable partners, such as Brown Harris Stevens, who have the expertise, experience, and network to help them navigate the complexities and opportunities of these markets.
Trend 5: Exclusive and tailored service
The last trend that will define the luxury real estate market in 2024 is the demand for exclusive and tailored service, which is the hallmark of living with Four Seasons Private Residences. Four Seasons Private Residences offers private homes set in iconic cities, secluded beach communities, mountain retreats, modern metropolises, and plenty of desirable spots in between. These homes are not only luxurious and comfortable, but also come with the unparalleled service and amenities that Four Seasons is known for.
Freedman explains that living with Four Seasons means that you can rely on a dedicated team to anticipate your every need, building lasting and trusted relationships along the way. Whether it’s booking a table at your favorite restaurant, preparing a custom menu, or arranging a private jet, you can expect nothing but the best from Four Seasons. In addition, you can also enjoy the benefits of being part of a global community of like-minded homeowners, who share your passion for travel, culture, and lifestyle.
Freedman also reveals that living with Four Seasons is not limited to when you’re home. Whenever you find yourself away, you can rest easy knowing that your residence is always in expert hands. When you’re gone, the on-site team manages your property to the highest standards. And when it’s time to come back, you can expect everything to be perfectly ready for you, including your favorite groceries stocked in the kitchen.
Summary: What Bess Freedman Says About Luxury Real Estate in 2024
In this article, we have learned from Bess Freedman, the CEO of Brown Harris Stevens, about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the luxury real estate market in 2024. Here are the main points we have covered:
- Technology 2024: Proptech companies need to focus on profitability and sustainability, and leverage the technologies that enhance property management, remote work, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality.
- Secondary markets: Smaller and less established markets, such as Austin, Nashville, Denver, Miami, and Palm Beach, are gaining popularity among luxury buyers, who are looking for more affordable and diverse options, driven by lower taxes, warmer climates, cultural diversity, entertainment options, and business opportunities.
- Style trends: Luxury buyers are drawn to homes that have glamorous architecture, culinary-chic spaces, and exo-luxe design, which reflect their personal tastes, preferences, and lifestyles.
- Luxury housing and Tier 2 cities: Luxury housing segment in India is expected to grow by 10% in 2024, driven by the increasing demand from high-net-worth individuals, the improving infrastructure and connectivity, and the favorable policies and incentives. Tier 2 cities, such as Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kochi, offer more opportunities and potential for real estate development and investment.
- Exclusive and tailored service: Living with Four Seasons Private Residences means that you can enjoy the unparalleled service and amenities that Four Seasons is known for, as well as the benefits of being part of a global community of like-minded homeowners. You can also rely on a dedicated team to take care of your property and your needs, whether you’re home or away.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and learned something new and useful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us. Thank you for your time and attention.
Development
Abu Dhabi Off-Plan Projects: Data-Driven Real Estate Success
The luxury real estate market in the United Arab Emirates has undergone a massive shift. The era of localized, traditional brokerage styles is officially over. Today, a mature and highly data-driven ecosystem has taken its place. Global liquidity, sovereign wealth, and institutional capital are pouring into high-yield property markets. Because of this influx, property advisory firms find themselves at a critical crossroad.
The profile of the modern investor has changed completely. Sophisticated buyers no longer care about generic sales pitches. They do not value glossy developer booklets anymore. Instead, they demand cold, empirical validation. They require clear structural risk mitigation. Finally, they expect instant transaction turnarounds. For premium agencies, this behavioral shift introduces an undeniable operational challenge. Information lag has become the single fastest way to destroy investor confidence.
A multi-million-dollar deal often hinges on immediate clarity. In these high-stakes moments, relying on slow, manual back-office administration is an exit strategy. Top-producing firms are rapidly scaling past these friction points. They are completely re-engineering their sales workflows around institutional speed. They focus heavily on real-time analytics and pure technical velocity.
Dismantling the Cost of Administrative Friction
Data blockages represent direct revenue loss in a hyper-velocity real estate market. The traditional workflow of a standard real estate agent is fundamentally broken. International funds and ultra-high-net-worth individuals routinely request inventory options for primary luxury nodes. When they do, they expect an immediate response. Your buyer’s momentum will stall if your advisory desk spends hours jumping between different developer portals. You cannot afford to hunt down scattered pricing matrices. Manually copy-pasting numbers into an unstable spreadsheet will only hurt your business.
Elite operations eliminate this administrative gridlock entirely. They route their discovery, audit, and distribution layers through a dedicated B2B broker intelligence platform. For example, top-tier advisory desks use the centralized power of the OPPS Terminal. This tool allows them to bypass the traditional back-and-forth lag with developer representatives. Advisors no longer have to wait for third-party confirmations while a premium project sells out. Instead, brokers gain immediate visibility into a live, cross-referenced marketplace.
The operational impact of this technology is profound. Advisors no longer lose half a day to administrative friction. Instead, they can compile and white-label a pristine, data-backed investment proposal. Then, they can dispatch it directly to a client’s device in under 60 seconds.

Evaluating Micro-Market Moats and Supply Discipline
Strict structural supply discipline is a primary reason for aggressive capital placement across Abu Dhabi. Many global real estate hubs frequently manage massive development pipelines. These large pipelines risk localized inventory dilution. In contrast, Abu Dhabi enforces a highly regulated, measured framework. This targeted balance ensures healthy asset appreciation over time. It also shields buyers from unexpected market oversupply. To properly advise modern capital, a broker must understand the unique economic moats governing the region’s premier expansion sectors.
Saadiyat Island acts as a low-supply cultural moat. For private wealth preservation, this island represents the ultimate luxury shield. The district features low-density master planning and pristine coastal topography. It is anchored by the Saadiyat Cultural District, which hosts the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim museum. High-end off-plan villa communities like Saadiyat Lagoons and The Arthouse routinely spark bidding wars. Because of this intense competition, advisors need instant access to off-market allotments and historical pricing variables.
Al Hudayriyat Island is the waterfront lifestyle frontier. Developers position this area explicitly for ultra-luxury residential relocations. The island focuses heavily on high-net-worth end users. It offers waterfront townhouses and expansive coastal estates like Modon’s Nawayef Village. These properties provide long-term stability for international families who utilize the UAE’s extended residency frameworks.
Al Reem Island operates as a high-density yield engine. It consistently accounts for nearly a quarter of all residential transactions in the capital. The island serves as the urban core for professional commuters. It offers immediate proximity to the Al Maryah Island financial district. New high-rise residential launches here provide highly predictable 5% to 7% annual rental returns.
Capital Protection and Independent Auditing
True wealth advisory means moving past the role of a human search engine. Elite real estate companies do not merely forward property options to clients. Instead, they provide active capital protection. International buyers require structural verification of a builder’s track record before they place capital into an off-plan development.
Modern brokerages execute instant independent audits through terminal automation. They instantly verify a developer’s authentic construction cycle timelines. They check completion accuracy and review historical project handovers. This level of verification allows advisors to de-risk transactions systematically. A broker can present a buyer with a white-labeled proposal that combines real-time neighborhood density mapping with a transparent, independent builder risk assessment. Through this process, the broker shifts the relationship from a transactional interaction to a trusted corporate partnership.
Leveraging Financial Innovation and Structural Speed
Structural financial product innovation further supports the ongoing maturity of Abu Dhabi’s property sector. Landmark banking collaborations across the emirate have systematically lowered the barriers to entering luxury real estate tiers. Crucially, these collaborations strictly preserve capital security. Premium off-plan buyers can now tap into forward-thinking financing structures. These options unlock up to 75% loan-to-value milestones during the active construction phase. Meanwhile, milestone-linked escrow accounts safeguard investor capital every step of the way.
This favorable financial framework creates a highly attractive investment environment. Furthermore, buyers gain immediate eligibility for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa when they purchase properties valued at AED 2 million or above. As a result, the decision-making process for international investors becomes incredibly streamlined. However, exploiting these macro advantages requires immense speed. Your sales desk must present these structured payment plans, localized ROI projections, and developer track records instantaneously. If you cannot provide this data immediately, you will actively concede market share to agencies with superior technological capabilities.
The Verdict: Scale via Pure Data Velocity
The total transformation of the UAE property market sends a clear message to modern real estate companies. The manual era is entirely over. Command over live data, operational velocity, and total transparency are the new structural pillars of real estate success.
Agencies must systematically phase out outdated back-office habits to maintain a thriving sales pipeline. This strategy is essential to securely capture the wave of global liquidity entering off-plan projects in Abu Dhabi. Forward-thinking brokerages can entirely eliminate administrative friction by deploying centralized B2B terminal intelligence. Ultimately, this technology allows firms to protect their profit margins and close enterprise-level deals at the pure speed of global capital.
Lifestyle
Godrej Sora: Ultra Luxury Apartments in Sector 53 Gurgaon
The definition of ultra-luxury real estate along Gurugram’s iconic Golf Course Road corridor has underwent a massive paradigm shift. For the past decade, high-end vertical living relied on sheer scale, imposing glass structures, and an abundance of marble. However, as the urban landscape becomes increasingly crowded, a new luxury currency has emerged. Modern wealthy buyers now place a premium on spatial isolation and low-density living.
Standard luxury developments frequently maximize their floor-area-ratio by packing hundreds of units into complex, crowded clusters. In stark contrast, Godrej Sora in Sector 53 introduces a completely different structural philosophy. The project spans a prime 3.6-to-3.7-acre land parcel. However, the developer strictly restricts the entire footprint to just 244 limited-edition residences. These exclusive homes sit distributed across four elegant towers that rise to G+30/31 storeys.
By prioritizing personal space over raw volume, Godrej Properties has designed an entirely new asset class. This development focuses completely on privacy, structural intelligence, and future-proofed real estate value. Therefore, this project commands the attention of elite homebuyers and institutional investors alike.
The Low-Density Matrix: The Core Mathematics of Privacy
To truly appreciate the engineering behind Godrej Sora, one must analyze the mathematical distribution of its community footprint. In typical premium developments across the National Capital Region, a 3.5-acre parcel can comfortably house anywhere from 450 to 600 apartments. This high density creates immense strain on shared spaces.
By capping the total population at just 244 families, Godrej Sora drastically redefines the relationship between a resident and the shared infrastructure. This deliberate scarcity ensures that amenities remain uncrowded at all times.
Furthermore, each tower at Godrej Sora features a strict two-apartment-per-core layout. This design means that when you exit the high-speed passenger elevators, you enter a private, dedicated landing lobby. You share this exclusive space with only one other neighbor.
As a result, you will find no long, hotel-style corridors. This layout also eliminates shared common walls that compromise acoustic isolation. Consequently, residents experience zero structural foot traffic outside their front doors.
Additionally, the layout incorporates the traditional Japanese Genkan entry concept. The private lift lobby serves as a vital physical and mental buffer zone between the outside world and the interior of the home. This architectural transition zone allows residents to leave the kinetic energy of the city at the threshold. Then, they step directly into an expansive, light-filled sanctuary that feels entirely detached from the bustling city outside.

Master Suite Engineering: Inside the Private Quarters
The interior layout at Godrej Sora moves past standard room sizing to focus on elegant spatial progression. The homes are available in highly optimized formats starting from a substantial 2,771 square foot three-bedroom configuration. The sizes extend all the way up to an expansive 4,250 square foot Grande four-bedroom residence.
The master bedroom suites function as self-contained micro-apartments within the main residence. This design gives the heads of the household an ultimate sense of sanctuary.
First, the layout introduces a dedicated dressing suite. Master bedrooms transition seamlessly into a separate walk-in wardrobe area. The builders pre-fit these spaces with floor-to-ceiling modular storage setups. These systems include premium soft-close mechanisms and integrated LED lighting. Therefore, buyers can completely avoid the hassle of post-possession woodwork.
Next, the five-fixture bathrooms reflect a high-end spa aesthetic. Technicians clad these spaces in premium imported marble and anti-skid vitrified slabs. They feature standalone glass shower enclosures and independent soaking tubs in select layouts. Furthermore, the developer installs premium sanitary fixtures from elite global brands like Grohe to ensure long-term durability.
The Structural Perimeter: 50-Foot Running Balconies
A core highlight of the project’s physical architecture is the continuous, 50-foot-wide running balcony. This massive feature extends across the outer edge of the living and dining rooms. This space does not function merely as an outdoor ledge. Instead, it serves as an integrated structural extension of the home’s main social envelope.
Because the architects aligned the towers linearly, the apartments boast a rare dual-facing layout. Consequently, residents can enjoy morning light breaking over Wazirabad Lake and the Aravalli foothills on one horizon. Later in the day, they can watch the evening sun set over the glittering Golf Course Road skyline on the opposite side.
Furthermore, these expansive balconies are deeply recessed to act as natural sunshades. During peak summer months, they successfully block harsh, vertical solar glare from entering the main living areas. However, they still flood the deep interiors with beautiful ambient light. This natural shading works hand-in-hand with the energy-efficient Variable Refrigerant Flow air conditioning systems to optimize energy use across all seasons.
Smart Automation: The Invisible Digital Layer
Behind the minimal, Japanese-inspired aesthetic lies a highly advanced home automation framework. Godrej Sora blends modern technology directly into the walls. This integration ensures that daily comfort remains completely hands-free for every resident.
A centralized smart hub serves as the brain of the home. A sleek touchscreen console and a dedicated smartphone application link the climate control, lighting zones, and automated window drapes together. Residents can adjust their entire environment with a single touch.
Additionally, the home utilizes occupancy-based lighting. Common pathways and walk-in closets feature subtle motion sensors. These sensors dim or brighten the lights automatically based on real-time human presence. This feature enhances convenience while reducing energy waste.
Advanced security integration completes this invisible layer. The main entrance features a multi-tiered digital lock system that accepts biometric data, secure passcodes, and RFID entries. This lock ties directly into a three-tier gated community command center. Furthermore, technicians hardwire gas leak sensors in the built-in kitchen suites directly into this network. The system triggers immediate security alerts if it detects any dangerous variance.
Investment Architecture: Financial Metrics and Capital Security
For high-net-worth allocators, premium real estate serves as a reliable vehicle for wealth preservation and capital growth. Godrej Sora offers a remarkably strong investment thesis based on legal transparency and its highly coveted location.
The developer brand itself brings immense peace of mind. Godrej Properties operates as a listed conglomerate with top-tier reliability in the Indian market. To ensure flawless execution, they have selected Tata Projects Limited as their official engineering, procurement, and construction contractor.
The project operates under a completely transparent legal framework with Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority approval. The official registration number is GGM/976/708/2025/79.
Valuations for these luxury residences reflect their premium nature. Pricing starts from 8.31 crore rupees for a three-bedroom unit and moves up to 13.60-plus crore rupees for the elite Grande four-bedroom layouts.
The flexible 25:25:25:25 construction-linked payment structure provides buyers with immense financial leverage. Instead of locking up massive capital upfront, investors distribute their outlays in four equal tranches.
Each payment ties directly to verified structural milestones on the construction site. For example, buyers pay these installments upon the completion of the substructure, the casting of the superstructure, the installation of mechanical systems, and the final finishing work. This structure directly mitigates construction risk and aligns your cash flows with tangible on-site progress. The phased timeline leads up to a target possession date between late 2030 and September 2032.
The Final Verdict
Godrej Sora stands out on Golf Course Road because it recognizes that true luxury is quiet. It avoids building the tallest tower or the loudest facade. Instead, it provides a low-density, highly exclusive sanctuary for just 244 families.
By blending the understated beauty of Japanese Shibui architecture with the institutional execution strength of Tata Projects, this development offers an incredible lifestyle upgrade for end-users. At the same time, it delivers a highly secure, high-yielding asset class for long-term investors.
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