In the rich man's world of diversified asset portfolios and international investment opportunities, luxury property in the right market equals hot property. <br /><br />But where do speculating millionaires and billionaires get the most bang for their buck? Is it in the suave sophistication of New York City, the ornate splendor of London's townhouses or the ultramodern apartments of central Shanghai? <br /><br />We've compiled the following list using data gleaned from the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2013 to show the most valuable locations for luxury properties.
Locations for luxury —
In the rich man's world of diversified asset portfolios and international investment opportunities, luxury property in the right market equals hot property.

But where do speculating millionaires and billionaires get the most bang for their buck? Is it in the suave sophistication of New York City, the ornate splendor of London's townhouses or the ultramodern apartments of central Shanghai?

We've compiled the following list using data gleaned from the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2013 to show the most valuable locations for luxury properties.
The picturesque principality on the Mediterranean isn't known as the playground for the rich and famous for nothing. $1 million buys just 16 square meters of luxury property on average in Monaco. That's more expensive than anywhere else on earth according to Knight Frank. To put these measurements in perspective, 16 square meters equals roughly one sixteenth the area of a tennis court.
Monaco —
The picturesque principality on the Mediterranean isn't known as the playground for the rich and famous for nothing. $1 million buys just 16 square meters of luxury property on average in Monaco. That's more expensive than anywhere else on earth according to Knight Frank. To put these measurements in perspective, 16 square meters equals roughly one sixteenth the area of a tennis court.
Courtesy Monaco Press Centre
A bustling Asian metropolis where space is tight, Hong Kong closely follows Monaco in the house price stakes. $1 million buys 19 square meters of luxury property here on average, making the special administrative region of China the most pricey city in Asia.
Hong Kong —
A bustling Asian metropolis where space is tight, Hong Kong closely follows Monaco in the house price stakes. $1 million buys 19 square meters of luxury property here on average, making the special administrative region of China the most pricey city in Asia.
Pedro Ugarte/AFP/Getty Images
London's high-profile mayor, Boris Johnson, has done his best to encourage the world's super-rich to take up residence in London. Money has poured into the British capital in recent years with one square meter of luxury property now costing between $41,900 and $46,300 on average. That equates to 23 square meters for every million dollars spent.
London —
London's high-profile mayor, Boris Johnson, has done his best to encourage the world's super-rich to take up residence in London. Money has poured into the British capital in recent years with one square meter of luxury property now costing between $41,900 and $46,300 on average. That equates to 23 square meters for every million dollars spent.
Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images
Low taxes, beautiful views and an abundance of high-class living space, Geneva ranks fourth in Knight Frank's most valuable cities list. One square meter of property classified as luxury costs between $29,300 and $32,400 (32 sm for every $1 million)
Geneva —
Low taxes, beautiful views and an abundance of high-class living space, Geneva ranks fourth in Knight Frank's most valuable cities list. One square meter of property classified as luxury costs between $29,300 and $32,400 (32 sm for every $1 million)
AFP/Getty Images
While it may not attract the super-rich in the same numbers as its nearby rival, London, the French capital of Paris still averages 38 square meters of luxury property for every $1 million.
Paris —
While it may not attract the super-rich in the same numbers as its nearby rival, London, the French capital of Paris still averages 38 square meters of luxury property for every $1 million.
AFP/Getty Images
Just like Paris, Singapore averages 38 square meters for every $1 million spent on luxury property.
Singapore —
Just like Paris, Singapore averages 38 square meters for every $1 million spent on luxury property.
Salvador Manaois III/Getty Images
Once the capital of the communist USSR, Moscow is today one of the priciest cities in the world (and not just for property). On average $1 million here buys just 43 square meters of luxury living space.
Moscow —
Once the capital of the communist USSR, Moscow is today one of the priciest cities in the world (and not just for property). On average $1 million here buys just 43 square meters of luxury living space.
Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
It may be home to the big money of Wall Street, but New York lags behind the world's other financial capitals when it comes to the cost of luxury property. That doesn't make things cheap though. The average price of a high-class pad in the Big Apple comes in at between $21,800 and $24,100 per square meter. That equates to 44 square meter for every million spent.
New York —
It may be home to the big money of Wall Street, but New York lags behind the world's other financial capitals when it comes to the cost of luxury property. That doesn't make things cheap though. The average price of a high-class pad in the Big Apple comes in at between $21,800 and $24,100 per square meter. That equates to 44 square meter for every million spent.
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
A stylish Aussie city with a famous skyline that includes the world-famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Like New York, luxury property comes in at an average of 44 square meter for every $1 million.
Sydney —
A stylish Aussie city with a famous skyline that includes the world-famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Like New York, luxury property comes in at an average of 44 square meter for every $1 million.
Greg Wood/Getty Images/File
There maybe fears of property bubbles and growing class divides, but the country's nouveau riche don't seem to care about splashing the cash in China. Especially in Shanghai where luxury property prices are higher than any other major Chinese city, growing by 10.8% in 2012 alone. One square meter here costs between $19,600 and $21,700) (roughly 48 square meters for every $1 million).
Shanghai —
There maybe fears of property bubbles and growing class divides, but the country's nouveau riche don't seem to care about splashing the cash in China. Especially in Shanghai where luxury property prices are higher than any other major Chinese city, growing by 10.8% in 2012 alone. One square meter here costs between $19,600 and $21,700) (roughly 48 square meters for every $1 million).
AFP/Getty Images
Where are the world's most expensive luxury properties?

Editor’s Note:

Story highlights

Monaco ranks first as most expensive per square meter

Ranking taken from Knight Frank Wealth Report 2013

Three Asian cities make the top ten for most expensive luxury properties

CNN  — 

In the rich man’s world of diversified asset portfolios and international investment opportunities, luxury property in the right market equals hot property.

But where do speculating millionaires and billionaires get the most bang for their buck? Is it in the suave sophistication of New York City, the ornate splendor of London’s townhouses or the ultramodern apartments of central Shanghai?

We’ve compiled the following list using data gleaned from the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2013 to show the most valuable locations for luxury properties.