#USA #New York #Luxury Real Estate #Douglas Elliman #France Monaco

Douglas Elliman's Strategic Expansion into France and Monaco

On October 30, 2025, Douglas Elliman Realty, one of the largest residential brokerage firms in the United States, revealed its plans for international expansion into France and Monaco, addressing the premium demand from American buyers looking for luxury properties in these iconic regions. With an already stellar reputation for servicing high-end real estate needs across the U.S., the firm aims to explore the exquisite markets of Bordeaux, the French Riviera, Monaco, and St. Barths, and potentially extend its services to Paris and the French Alps in the near future.

Meeting Growing Demand

The decision to expand is driven by a marked increase in American tourist visits to France, which has outpaced visitors from Britain and Germany in 2024. In 2024 alone, properties valued at over $5.85 million accounted for 30% of total transactions on the French Riviera, leading to over $10.5 billion in real estate sales. This surge indicates an increasing interest among Americans in the sophisticated culture, gourmet cuisine, and vibrant lifestyle of France, creating a burgeoning demand for real estate in these attractive locales.

Key Partnerships

To further this ambition, Douglas Elliman has aligned itself with prominent European real estate leaders Philippe Curutchet, Fredrik Lilloe, and Edward de Mallet Morgan. This collaboration promises to leverage their extensive expertise and established networks within the French and Monegasque luxury property markets.

Philippe Curutchet founded Globality in 2009, focused on managing high-end properties across France, especially in prestigious locations like Bordeaux and the French Riviera. His reputation in the luxury market is complemented by Fredrik Lilloe, who has facilitated sales exceeding $2 billion on the French Riviera and set records for the highest price per square meter in the region. Edward de Mallet Morgan brings over two decades of experience in high-net-worth transactions on four continents, focusing on strategic property sales, often in off-market deals.

The Vision for Luxury Real Estate

Michael S. Liebowitz, President and CEO of Douglas Elliman Inc., expressed excitement over this venture, stating it fulfills a broader vision for a truly global network that exemplifies their commitment to excellence. He emphasized that with Curutchet, Lilloe, and Morgan’s exceptional reputations in the French luxury real estate market, their inclusion aligns perfectly with the entrepreneurial spirit and customer service ethos at Douglas Elliman.

This expansion marks a significant strategic development for Douglas Elliman, leading to a network that not only benefits American buyers but also connects French and Monegasque clients with opportunities in the United States. The high-end clientele served by Elliman will now have direct access to exclusive properties in these sought-after locations, while local clients gain entry to the dynamic U.S. real estate market through Douglas Elliman's vast network.

Property Highlights

Among the notable recent sales facilitated by this new team are the Manoir de Pigranel in Mougins, which sold for $45 million, and Villa Aquila in Cannes for $42 million. Current listings include the Château Louis XIII in Cannes at $33.54 million and a stunning beachfront estate in Èze-sur-Mer for $32.5 million, showcasing the caliber of properties that buyers can expect from this collaboration.

Future Opportunities

Douglas Elliman plans to continue its strategic market expansion, with additional territories expected to be announced soon. This carefully curated approach, focused on quality rather than sheer scale, emphasizes Douglas Elliman’s commitment to building an elite network of real estate professionals.

Conclusion
The move into France and Monaco signifies a pivotal evolution for Douglas Elliman, an initiative that allows the firm to cater more comprehensively to increasing international real estate needs while providing unparalleled service tailored to high-end clients. As the firm engages in this transformative journey, it stands poised to set new benchmarks in luxury real estate across the Atlantic.