Experts say a self-contained, service-led residential format built for multigenerational ownership is emerging at the very top of the market — and that demand for it is rising worldwide.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 August 2026 – Experts in premium residential real estate note that a distinct new category is forming at the top of the market, and that demand for it is rising around the world. Property market specialists describe the emerging tier as the presidence: a self-contained community of private residences bound together by shared infrastructure and anchored by a five-star hotel under an international brand — a format designed to be lived in and passed down across generations, rather than simply owned.
The trend reflects a structural shift in global wealth. According to Knight Frank's Wealth Report 2026, the number of individuals worth more than US$30 million climbed from 551,435 to 713,626 between 2021 and 2026 — a gain of more than 160,000, equivalent to 89 people crossing that threshold every day. Forbes, meanwhile, records 3,428 billionaires worth a combined US$20.1 trillion.
This wealth is also increasingly mobile. Henley & Partners projects that 165,000 high-net-worth individuals will relocate internationally in 2026 — a 16 per cent rise on the record 142,000 of 2025 — as affluent families build cross-border portfolios of homes and residence rights rather than tying themselves to a single jurisdiction. The appetite for professionally serviced, brand-anchored homes is visible in the development pipeline: Savills reports that the number of branded residential schemes worldwide grew 19 per cent in 2025, to around 910, and is on course to reach 1,747 by 2032, with the Middle East and North Africa the fastest-growing region over the past five years, at 187 per cent.
As the apex of the wealth pyramid rises, specialists say, demand at the very top is moving away from headline price-per-square-foot toward space, privacy, wellbeing, autonomy and a home that can be held and handed down across generations. The case for treating this as a distinct category was set out in a recent column by real estate adviser Ku Swee Yong, CEO of International Property Advisor Pte Ltd and an adjunct faculty member at Singapore Management University, where he teaches Real Estate Investments & Finance."Luxury residence has a new crown, and it has a name: presidence," he writes.
According to the expert, a property of this kind should meet several defining criteria: it should occupy an exceptional location among peer residences, be built to the highest standards of quality, provide space, a healthy natural environment, security and self-sufficiency, and create a place where owners and their families can live out every stage of life — building careers, raising children, enjoying leisure, prioritising health and wellbeing, welcoming family and friends, and ultimately passing the home down through generations. Privacy in this case does not mean isolation: rather than retreating behind their own gates, members of the presidence become part of a carefully formed community of peers, surrounded by people with comparable values, interests and ways of life.
These principles are, in practice, being formalised into a fuller set of criteria that distinguish a presidence from a conventional luxury development. At its most complete, the format is defined by:
- A five-star hotel operated by an international brand present in at least three countries, located within the development;
- A single estate of 200 hectares (around 500 acres) or more;
- Full-spectrum infrastructure within one perimeter — indoor and outdoor sport, a central clubhouse, wellness, dining, parks and natural areas, a medical centre, recreation and security, plus a lifestyle anchor such as a golf, equestrian or yacht club;
- A clear separation of public and private zones, with residences kept behind their own multi-layered security perimeter and isolated from guest-facing spaces such as the hotel, restaurants and spa;
- A 24/7 premium service model featuring a dedicated resident care team, concierge services, standardised service-level agreements (SLAs), and a digital platform for managing every household and lifestyle need;
- A unified architectural code governing the style and coherence of every building on the estate;
- An equal-neighbour principle, under which a community of like-minded owners who can enjoy privacy while remaining part of an engaging social environment is formed.
Fully integrated examples remain rare worldwide, and demand, specialists say, is running ahead of supply as the number of ultra-wealthy households continues to grow.
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MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 August 2026 – W Macau – Studio City, located within Melco Resorts & Entertainment's integrated resort of Studio City in Cotai, Macau, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sammy King as General Manager. In this role, Sammy will lead the hotel in delivering its commitment to exceptional guest experiences, while driving operational excellence, enhancing business performance and supporting the continued evolution of unique experiences that define the property.
Sammy King appointed General Manager of W Macau – Studio City
With a career spanning both hotel operations and commercial leadership, Sammy brings 38 years of hospitality experience across the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong to the role. He spent a decade in hotel operations before moving into sales leadership, where he drove growth for a number of hotel brands. His experience across Marriott luxury brands including St. Regis and Mandarin Oriental, equipped him with a well-rounded perspective to guest experience, making him well-placed to navigate the dynamic pace of Macau's fast-evolving lifestyle luxury landscape.
In 2021, Sammy rejoined Marriott International as Director of Sales & Marketing at W Hong Kong and was promoted to Hotel Manager during his tenure there. His contributions to the property were recognized with the "Sales Hotelier of the Year" title from Stelliers Greater China in 2023, and W Hong Kong retained its Four-Star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026 under his leadership.
"It's an honor to step into this role at W Macau – Studio City, a hotel that captures the bold spirit at the very heart of the W Hotels brand. This property embodies the vibrant energy and cultural crossroads that make Macau such an electric destination, and I'm thrilled to lead our dynamic talents as we continue delivering the iconic Whatever/Whenever™ experience our guests have come to expect. offering a unique brand of contemporary luxury that goes above and beyond," said Sammy King, General Manager, W Macau – Studio City.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Sammy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (Marketing Management) from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Outside of his professional life, he is passionate about traveling, snowboarding and fitness, adding to his dynamic personality.
Hashtag: #WMacau–StudioCity
http://www.wmacaustudiocity.com/
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About W Macau – Studio City
Situated within the vibrant Studio City integrated resort on Macau's Cotai Strip, W Macau – Studio City is envisioned as a gateway for guests to explore and discover the city in an exciting contemporary context. Drawing inspiration from the enchanting nostalgia of the golden age of cinema, the hotel seamlessly weaves a tangible thread of Macau's unique East-meets-West culture and history into its design. With 557 stylish guest rooms, W Macau – Studio City showcases four distinctive B&F offerings, state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, and Greater China's first W Sound Suite, epitomizing its unique manifestation of new luxury.
About W Hotels
Born from the social electricity of New York City, W Hotels has been at the forefront of lifestyle hospitality for over two decades. With 70 destinations around the world, the detail-driven design, signature Whatever/Whenever service, and buzzing Living Rooms cultivate experiences of social connectivity. Each location brings together the magnetic energy of W Hotels and the essence of local culture, creating spaces for new perspectives and a freedom of self-expression. W Hotels is currently undergoing a multi-year brand evolution, to meet the needs of today's guests and deliver a new generation of luxury lifestyle experiences. For more information on W Hotels, visit w-hotels.com and stay connected on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and YouTube. W Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.
About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
For more information on W Macau – Studio City, visit www.wmacaustudiocity.com or get social with W Macau – Studio City on Facebook @W Macau - Studio City/ Instagram @wmacaustudiocity / WeChat: 澳门W酒店.
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