Wealthy buyers in the United States are increasingly purchasing adjacent properties to expand their private estates, a trend that has reshaped the luxury real estate market in early 2026. This practice, often referred to as "landmaxxing," involves acquiring additional land surrounding a primary residence to enhance privacy and create exclusive compounds with expanded amenities.

A report released midyear by Coldwell Banker revealed that searches for luxury properties in the U.S. have doubled during the first five months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Specifically, searches for buildable land increased by 97%, while interest in unique properties such as private islands and large estates more than doubled year-over-year.

Unlike broader housing market trends, which may focus on single-unit purchases, affluent buyers are aiming to consolidate neighboring properties. This approach allows for the development of extensive private spaces that can include specialized recreational facilities, additional parking, and other personalized enhancements. Prominent figures such as hedge fund manager Ken Griffin and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison are among those known for acquiring contiguous parcels of land to create expansive personal compounds.

In one notable example, David MacNeil purchased half of an undeveloped lot adjacent to his existing home, with Larry Ellison acquiring the remaining portion. Such transactions illustrate the competitive nature of acquiring surrounding land to extend private estates and secure exclusive living environments.

This consolidation trend underscores a growing preference among the superrich to invest not only in luxury homes themselves but also in the surrounding real estate to tailor their properties to highly individualized lifestyles. The demand for larger, more secluded holdings points to a shift in buyer priorities, emphasizing land ownership as a key component of luxury living.