For many, that’s meant going back to the drawing board to adjust floor plans to include office space, expand outdoor areas and add amenities like air filtration systems and touchless technology. That has meant delays.
“There’s been a slight shift in developer behavior,” according to Liam Bailey, the global head of research department at the London-based real estate company Knight Frank. “A lot of them have slowed down delivery in order to redesign facilities, maximize private space and create separate areas for working from home.”
But projects that are taking the time to rejigger design plans are attracting attention.
“Sales are quite healthy in those developments that offer the facilities people are looking for,” Mr. Bailey explained.
Luxury buyers are not shying away from investments, but they are looking for the highest level of design, finishes and execution.
“They absolutely want the best, though not necessarily the most expensive,” Mr. Bailey noted.
After a year of staying close to home, some buyers are looking for a lifestyle change that will give them more access to nature and outdoor activities. That’s meant increased interest for projects outside cities, ideally with water or mountain views.
Urban areas such as New York City are suffering from a surplus in inventory, which could create buying opportunities. But it won’t last forever.
“I think we might be surprised by the return of the city next year,” Mr. Bailey said. “Once there’s a vaccine in place, people will start to go back to the office, back to the city, at least one or two days a week.”
Here are five international projects launching sales in 2021.
150 East 78th St., New York City
This new addition to Manhattan’s Upper East Side helmed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects features a limestone facade accented with classic metal work—such as railings to Juliet balconies and conservatories—and arched windows.
Interior designer Robert Couturier has combined clean lines and classic details in the residences, which include oak flooring, casement windows and kitchens created in collaboration with custom cabinet designer Christopher Peacock. A rooftop terrace with views of Central Park is available for all residents, and limestone arches have been added to create separate entertaining areas. 
Other amenities include a lounge with a catering kitchen, a children’s art room, a squash court with a retractable basketball hoop, a multi-sport simulator and a fitness center with a private training room. The 17-story building will have 22 three- to five-bedroom residences, and the penthouses feature private terraces. Units are half-floor, full-floor, and duplex homes, each with direct elevator access to its private entry vestibule. There are also three accessory apartments available to owners. Midwood Investment & Development and EJS Group are the developers on the project. Sales are set to launch in January, with prices ranging from $5.2 million to $20 million.
Photos: Hayes Davidson
