Forbes Global Properties marks five years of transforming real estate landscape

Manhattan, NY Forbes Global Properties, the exclusive real estate partner of media giant Forbes, celebrates its fifth anniversary this month, December 2025. Five years ago was a difficult time across the globe, but the working world still needed to function. A handful of the very top real estate professionals from the U.S., Europe, and Australia gathered to remodel the way their industry worked.

The model was to create an invitation-only network of independent real estate brokerages operating at the top echelon of the international real estate market. Five years later, Forbes Global Properties now operates in more than 650 discrete locations across the world, representing the buyers and sellers of the world’s most distinguished homes.

“In just five years, Forbes Global Properties has become exactly what our founders envisioned. We are the premier network for high- and ultra-high-end real estate. This remarkable achievement reflects the collective insight of our board and members. Their expertise and unwavering dedication to excellence define the best-in-class standards of our network,” said Michael Jalbert, CEO of Forbes Global Properties.

What’s the connection to Forbes?
As major real estate players, the founders of Forbes Global Properties were already connected into Forbes. Forbes was keen to explore the reciprocal relationship and became a shareholder in Forbes Global Properties with representation on the board of directors. Forbes connects with 167 million unique visitors every month across their platforms – and naturally that figure is growing.

“Forbes Global Properties offers a powerful platform where the world’s most exceptional homes meet the respected storytelling of Forbes. For generations, affluent readers around the world have looked to Forbes for insight and perspective, fostering a trusted environment that amplifies our members’ properties and reinforces confidence when making high-value real estate decisions,” said Nikki Koval, senior vice president and assistant general counsel at Forbes Media LLC and secretary of the board at Forbes Global Properties.

How does the connection to Forbes play day-to-day for Forbes Global Properties?
As the exclusive real estate partner of Forbes – the world’s biggest media brand – Forbes Global Properties has adopted a parallel editorial and communications strategy rooted in storytelling. When high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals buy property it isn’t an act of shelter, they’re motivated by what the narrative of this new place says about themselves. Forbes Global Properties’ editorial content reflects that.

“The magnitude of Forbes Global Properties’ global footprint offers sellers a benefit that’s truly unique. Listings are elevated through a trusted global platform, amplified by experts who know how to position properties to discerning buyers across continents. The result is a level of exposure, credibility, and market intelligence that is unmatched,” said Andy Nelson, president and owner of Willis Allen Real Estate and vice chair of the board at Forbes Global Properties.

On the company’s five-year anniversary, what have been your standout achievements?
“Five years on, I am most proud of the human and professional caliber of the members chosen to be a part of Forbes Global Properties. From the beginning, we were determined not to build just another network, but a company centered on the client and committed to long-term excellence. The strength of our partnership with Forbes, combined with the professionalism of our team, has turned that vision into a global standard. We are deeply proud of what we have built together,” said José Ribes Bas, owner and director of Rimontgó, and founding member and board member of Forbes Global Properties.

“Forbes Global Properties’ worldwide portfolio includes the most prestigious properties in every location our members represent. It is an honor to care for clients who own – and are searching for – properties of stature. The level of architectural and design integrity, whether historical or modern, is frankly nothing short of astonishing. The properties entrusted to us by our clients regularly achieve record-breaking prices,” said Michael Jalbert, CEO of Forbes Global Properties.

On the company’s five-year anniversary, what drives your future expansion plans?
Forbes Global Properties is a young company focused on the future. With the exclusive support of Forbes, we’re forging paths into new exciting real estate markets in every pocket of the world.

“Discerning clients entrust their private projects not to public platforms that process them swiftly – but to individual experts who understand them deeply. In an age increasingly shaped by AI algorithms and digital noise, high- and ultra-high-net-worth buyers and sellers are seeking something technology cannot emulate: independent advisory, localized expertise and affluent connections,” said Quentin Epiney, founder of FGP Swiss & Alps, and founding member and board member of Forbes Global Properties.

“As we look to the future, Forbes Global Properties is committed to purposeful, standards-driven growth. With selective membership, a global operational perspective, and international editorial reach, Forbes Global Properties will continue to redefine what is possible in high-end real estate, offering a network unlike any other in the world,” saidMatt Beall, CEO and founder at Hawai‘i Life and chair of the board at Forbes Global Properties.