According to The Financial Times, the number of international schools has risen by over 50% in the past decade, with fee income climbing to $64 billion USD (approximately $96 billion AUD).
This trend is transforming neighbourhoods near top-tier schools into sought-after real estate hotspots.
In Marbella, Spain, a thriving international community offers access to bilingual schools and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Property prices reflect this demand, with luxurious villas ranging from €2.2 million to €15 million (approximately $3.6 million to $24.5 million AUD).
Similarly, Dubai has seen property values soar as new international schools, such as the Royal Grammar School Guildford, attract families from Europe, China, and Britain.
In Tilal Al Ghaf, a resort-style community, villa prices have surged by 83.5% since 2021, with top-tier mansions reaching Dh33,000 per square metre (approximately $13,700 AUD).
Switzerland continues to draw high-net-worth families with its prestigious boarding schools, such as Institut Le Rosey, where annual fees are SFr150,000 (around $255,000 AUD).
Beyond Europe, the UAE leads the international school expansion, boasting 827 schools, nearly half of which are in Dubai. This growth mirrors the broader global trend of families seeking better education and lifestyle opportunities.
The Financial Times reports that developers are now responding by targeting areas with premium schools, creating thriving property markets.
For example, Portugal’s Algarve region is witnessing a shift from holiday homes to year-round residences, with new developments like the Arcaya project offering villas from £1.9 million (approximately $3.6 million AUD).
