Every quarter, we look at where smart buyers are actually placing capital in second homes, not where headlines or glossy magazines point.

This isn't about chasing trends. It's about understanding market signals: where inventory is tightening, what's driving buyer conversations, how places are evolving beyond their postcard reputation, and whether a market can support the life someone actually wants to live.

Based on active conversations, inbound demand, and what we're seeing on the ground, three markets are clearly pulling ahead heading into 2026, while two others are quietly cooling.

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The Three Markets Drawing Capital Right Now

1. Deer Valley / Park City, Utah

Why sophisticated buyers are prioritizing access

Deer Valley isn't just holding strong—it's becoming genuinely supply-constrained. Inventory is down significantly year-over-year, while buyer interest from high-net-worth individuals continues climbing. The combination of expanded direct flight access and the largest ski resort expansion in North America is creating real pressure on premium properties.

But here's what matters more than the skiing: this is becoming a place where life happens year-round. Walkable village infrastructure, summer programming that rivals winter, and the reality that future supply is limited means buyers are focused on securing position now, before the next pricing adjustment.

The shift we're seeing: Deer Valley is transitioning from seasonal retreat to integrated lifestyle—a place that fits naturally into how people design their year, not just their ski season.

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2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Branded residences and frictionless ownership

Punta Cana is drawing a specific kind of sophisticated buyer: those who value consistency, ease, and long-term enjoyment over short-term rental complexity. Five-star branded residences are the story here—professional management, reliable infrastructure, and a lifestyle you can step into without the burden of micromanagement.

Compared to other Caribbean markets, entry points remain accessible while the experience continues to improve. Better airlift, strengthening amenities, and a growing ecosystem of high-quality developments mean buyers are getting more without paying Turks and Caicos premiums.

The shift we're seeing: It's less about where you own and more about how you own. Punta Cana represents a move toward ownership structures that support lifestyle without friction—no property manager drama, no constant oversight, just time well spent.

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3. Kimberley, British Columbia

The four-season alternative gaining quiet momentum

Kimberley is the emerging story most people aren't tracking yet. This British Columbia mountain town offers true four-season living—skiing, hiking, biking, lakes, community—without the pricing pressure of Whistler, Banff, or Sun Valley.

What's drawing attention isn't hype. It's relative value combined with limited premium inventory and a quality of life that favors substance over flash. West Coast and international buyers thinking long-term are recognizing what local enthusiasts have known: this is a place built for living, not performing.

The shift we're seeing: A broader movement toward livable mountain towns where year-round usability and authentic community outweigh pure name recognition. Kimberley is benefiting from buyers who've done their homework.

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The Two Markets Cooling (For Now)

While opportunity is forming in the markets above, others are showing signs of pause—which doesn't mean they're bad investments, just that timing may be shifting:

Traditional Colorado ski towns (outside Aspen and Vail) are facing oversupply in the mid-luxury segment. Demand has softened, and inventory is sitting longer. For buyers with patience, better entry points may emerge over the next 12 to 18 months.

South Florida coastal markets are experiencing uncertainty tied to insurance costs, regulatory changes, and climate-related considerations. This doesn't mean the market is broken—it means the smartest buyers are watching closely and waiting for clarity before committing capital.

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The Larger Pattern We're Tracking

Across every market, the same priorities keep surfacing in buyer conversations:

Year-round usability is replacing seasonal novelty. Buyers want places that integrate into their lives across multiple seasons, not just one or two weeks a year.

International diversification is increasing. More buyers are thinking about portfolio geography—not just for financial reasons, but for lifestyle optionality and long-term flexibility.

The rental income mindset is fading. The era of buying based on Airbnb projections is quietly ending. Buyers want their place—somewhere that supports how they live, not how they monetize.

Second homes are being evaluated as life architecture. This isn't about financial engineering or trophy assets. It's about designing a year that feels intentional, building memories in places that matter, and thinking generationally.

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If You're Thinking About Any of These Markets

We're tracking these trends closely and working directly with buyers navigating Deer Valley, Punta Cana, and emerging mountain markets like Kimberley.

If you're curious how any of these locations could fit into your life—or you want perspective beyond headlines and hype—we're always happy to share what we're seeing on the ground.

The best second home decisions aren't made by following crowds. They're made by understanding market fundamentals, knowing yourself, and having clarity about what role a place will actually play in your life.

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That's the work we do, and we'd be glad to have the conversation.