Luxury branded residences are becoming increasingly prevalent in the world’s most sophisticated urban areas. While a beautiful home in a coveted enclave is still a status symbol, discerning buyers are increasingly seeking out the additional sense of prestige that accompanies ownership of a branded residence.

Hundreds exist worldwide, most in Asia and North America, but Europe is coming on strong. Some bear luxury clothing and automobile branding, but the majority of branded residences – four in five – display imprimaturs of luxury hotels. The latest example has resulted from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s much anticipated return to Honolulu after a more than dozen-year leave from that Hawaiian hub.