By KATRINA CREER
They are famous for publishing lists of the world’s richest people, now Forbes have launched their own prestige property portal.
Just like the wealthy they are famous for writing about, these dreamy listings are only for the seriously cashed-up.
Among them is a Palm Springs mid-century modern single level home, nestled around an infinity edge pool, set on just over a hectare in a guard-gated estate in Malibu. It’s price – a cool US$75m.
Those in the market for a luxury chalet in the French Alps will find one that ‘flirts with the summit’ listed for US$5.627m.
For the budget conscious, there is a triple level villa set on a 952sqm stunning waterfront block on Spain’s Costa Blanca coastline for a more affordable US$2.805m.
Called Forbes Global Properties, the portal has been designed to connect ‘discerning buyers’ directly to the world’s finest homes and the top-tier agents who are selling them.
It aims to engage with Forbes’ already established audience of more than 140 million monthly visitors, dazzling them with one-of-a-kind residences.
The invitation-only consortium of leading agencies ensures quality homes that won’t disappoint. Membership in the network is limited to ‘100 most elite brokerage firms in selected cities and second home destinations’ across the globe.
Veteran Beverly Hills broker to billionaires, Jeff Hyland, who runs luxury LA real estate agency Hilton & Hyland, is leading the venture. He is joined by former Christies International Real Estate CEO, Bonnies Stone Sellers, who has been appointed chair.
Hyland reportedly thought of going to Architectural Digest with the idea but found that most of their engagement was with contractors, decorators and stay-at-home mums before approaching Forbes.
“Unlike other branded real estate groups, Forbes Global Properties is not merely a listing tool for agents – it offers direct and measurable access to potential high-net-worth buyers through Forbes’ worldwide media penetration,” said Mr Hyland, who is now Founder and President.
There are currently more than 1000 high-end properties showcased on the website – but no listings yet in Australia.
And while you might expect the high-end abodes to be sold under an ‘Expressions of Interest’ campaign, all have been listed with a price figure.
There are currently 58 properties for sale on the site with a guide in excess of $25m.
Among the most expensive, a sprawling stately Hong Kong mansion listed for US$322.58m. The site, which also has development potential, includes a wide oval shaped swimming pool and large garden terrace.
Also selling is the impressive Italian inspired ‘Villa Firenze’ in Beverly Hills for US$160m. Set on more than 3.6ha it comes with 12m high Canary Island Palms, swimming pool, guest house, 30-car courtyard, tennis court and its own jogging/walking trail around the estate.
Mike Federle, CEO of Forbes, said the portal is a natural extension of the global media company.
“The Forbes brand is recognised around the world as the benchmark of success,” he said.
The network will reportedly begin accepting new brokerage memberships in the coming months after a ‘rigorous’ vetting program.
