Branded Residences FAQs
Branded Residences - Your Key Questions Answered
Whether you’re considering purchasing a branded residence or simply curious about this growing sector of the luxury property market, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about what branded residences are, how they work, and what sets them apart from traditional luxury homes.
This branded FAQs will help you navigate the essentials of understanding branded real estate.
Branded residences are privately owned luxury homes such as condos, villas, or apartments affiliated with a prestigious brand.
They are one of the fastest growing sectors of luxury real estate
Read our definitive guide to branded residences
Hotel branded residences are luxury residential properties developed by real estate developers in association with prestigious hotel brands like Four Seasons & Ritz-Carlton.
In almost every circumstance hotel brands do not own or develop these projects, instead they license their brand and management expertise to property developers, in a management and licensing agreement.
Owners of hotel branded residences enjoy a private residential lifestyle with access to shared hotel services and amenities such as concierge, housekeeping, room service, spa & gym facilities. They combine the benefits of a private home with the convenience and prestige of five-star hotel living.
These developments feature both residential and hotel components either within the same mixed-use building or as separate structures on a shared property, with residents enjoying access to the hotel’s signature services and amenities, along with having exclusive residents only amenities, that are not shared with hotel guests.
Non-hospitality branded residences are luxury residential properties developed by real estate developers in partnership with prestigious luxury brands such as fashion houses, automative and lifestyle brands. Owners benefit from the brand’s design aesthetic, quality standards, and exclusive amenities that reflect the brand’s identity.
Standalone branded residences are luxury residential properties associated with the world’s best hotel companies but the “standalone” refers to there being no onsite hotel. They are 100% residential properties that offer hotel like services in a residential environment. Some argue standalone branded residences are more exclusive because owners do not have share any of the amenities with hotel guests.
Residents still benefit from the brand’s design standards, management oversight, and selected services, though a full range of hotel amenities like multiple restaurants, spas, or room service may be limited in some projects. These properties appeal to buyers seeking the prestige and lifestyle of a luxury hotel brand in a purely residential setting.
The main difference between hotel branded residences and non-hospitality branded residences lies in the type of brand partner and the services offered. Hotel branded residences are developed with hotel brands and provide comprehensive hotel-style services and full management operations of the entire property including the residences..
Non-hospitality branded residences partner with lifestyle brands focusing primarily on the design aesthetic, amenities and brand identity, rather than offering full-service hospitality operations. A white label operator or the developer will normally manage the project on completion.
Our detailed branded residences guide provides more information on the main differences.
Globally there are more than 900 completed and operational branded residences, and as of January 2026, there is a pipeline of almost 1000 projects. Due to the incredible popularity of the sector these numbers are fluid, with new projects opening or being announced almost on a daily basis. You can stay up to date with the very latest branded residences news at the BRESI News Hub.
The most popular brands for brand residences are categorised across parent companies like Marriott & Accor, down to an individual brand level. Here is the top 5 in each category.
Top 5 Hotel Parent Groups
- Marriott
- Accor
- Four Seasons
- Hilton
- Banyan Group
Top 5 Hotel Brands
- The Ritz-Carlton
- Four Seasons
- St. Regis
- W
- Rosewood
Top 5 Non-Hotel Brands
- YOO Inspired by Starck
- Pininfarina
- YOO Studio
- Trump
- Elie Saab
Prestige, exceptional services, hassle-free living, higher resale value, global brand privileges, strong value retention, lock-up-and-leave convenience, and professional property management with hotel-standard services.
The disadvantages of branded residences could range from a potentially a higher purchase price and ongoing management fees, to sharing amenities with hotel guests in mixed use projects which could reduce privacy, and in some projects there are strict rules on modifications and rentals. There are concerns around what happens when the brand licensing contract term ends, or if it is not renewed and for non-hospitality projects how and who will manage the development on completion. These issues can only be addressed by talking with the developer before committing to purchase.
Absolutely yes you can rent out branded residences. Many developments offer rental programs run by the brand or management company, which can generate income when you’re not using the property. Some projects require you to use their program and furnish to brand standards. Others give you more flexibility to rent out your residence yourself.
Currently, Dubai leads with the most completed projects, followed by South Florida (Miami and Fort Lauderdale), New York, London, and Phuket. When including future pipeline developments, Dubai remains the clear leader, followed by South Florida, New York, São Paulo, and Cairo. By country, the USA has the most branded residences overall, followed by UAE, with Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brazil all seeing huge growth. Read More about branded residences hotspots
The globally adjusted brand premium for branded residences increased slightly in 2025 to 37%. This premium over traditional real estate varies across markets and territories.
As Jan 2026 the data shows premiums for urban projects sits at 24%, urban resort 41%, and resorts as high as 68%.
Yes with almost every project you will receive a VIP status normally through a brand loyalty membership. This is more common with hotel branded residences and standalone branded residences. Residence owners are normally registered automatically into the hotel brands loyalty programme. For example both Marriott and Accor both have their own loyalty programs specifically for their branded residences owners, for other hotel brands residence owners normally are enrolled in the highest loyalty VIP category available.
Residence owners can expect a dedicated team that delivers personalised services tailored to your lifestyle. From residential concierge and private chef dining to pet care, shopping assistance, owner events and property management.
For non-hospitality branded residences owners are normally recognised as VIP’s but the benefits that owners receive becomes more project specific due to most luxury brands not having a one size fits all brand loyalty scheme.
Read more about the VIP ownership benefits of hotel branded residences