American real estate powerhouse Douglas Elliman Realty has announced its official expansion into France and Monaco, forming a major alliance with three of Europe’s most respected luxury property figures — Philippe Curutchet, Fredrik Lilloe, and Edward de Mallet Morgan. This move has been driven by a growing demand from American investors for Monaco properties.
The partnership, revealed during Douglas Elliman’s annual sales event in Las Vegas, marks the company’s first foray into continental Europe and a significant step in its ambition to create a truly global luxury network. The firm is set to open 14 offices and employ over two dozen agents across the south of France, from Bordeaux to Monaco and Saint-Barthélemy, with further plans to establish operations in Paris and the French Alps.
According to recent market data, 30% of all transactions on the French Riviera in 2024 involved properties valued at over $5.85 million USD, accounting for $10.5 billion in sales. The surge coincides with a boom in American tourism — U.S. visitors have now overtaken British and German travellers as the largest overseas demographic in France — and a sharp rise in American demand for Riviera real estate, drawn by the region’s culture, cuisine, and quality of life.
“Today’s announcement represents a major milestone in Douglas Elliman’s vision of a global, service-driven luxury network,” said Michael S. Liebowitz, President and CEO of Douglas Elliman Inc. “Philippe, Fredrik, and Edward are leaders in their field, combining local expertise with an international perspective that perfectly complements our brand.”
Philippe Curutchet, who founded the real estate holding company Globality in 2009, has established a strong presence in key French destinations including Bordeaux, Biarritz, Paris, the Riviera, Monaco, and Megève. He is also the founder of the Residential Group, specialising in prime property operations across France and overseas territories.
Fredrik Lilloe, a Norwegian-born broker based in Nice, has more than 25 years of experience in the Côte d’Azur’s ultra-prime market. His team has handled over $2 billion in transactions and holds the French record for the highest price per square metre achieved in a sale.
Meanwhile, Edward de Mallet Morgan — one of Europe’s most recognised names in the super-prime sector — brings two decades of experience working with elite international clients, from royal families to global executives. Formerly Group Head of The Private Office, he has overseen discreet, off-market transactions across Europe, America, and Asia.
“We’re honoured to be the first to join Elliman’s new international venture,” said Curutchet and Lilloe in a joint statement. “Douglas Elliman’s reputation for excellence and innovation mirrors our own, and this partnership will allow us to offer clients unprecedented access to prime properties around the world.”
De Mallet Morgan added: “Our clients increasingly see real estate as a global asset class. This collaboration lets us deliver seamless, high-level service across continents — without losing the personal touch.”
Recent headline sales by the trio include Manoir de Pigranel in Mougins, sold for $45 million, and Villa Aquila in Cannes, sold for $42 million. Current listings include Château Louis XIII in Cannes’ exclusive La Californie district ($33.5 million) and a waterfront estate in Èze-sur-Mer ($32.5 million).
Douglas Elliman’s arrival in the French market gives its American clientele access to Europe’s most coveted coastal and alpine addresses, while French and Monegasque buyers gain direct entry to the U.S. luxury property market — from New York penthouses to Palm Beach mansions.
Unlike traditional franchise expansion models, Douglas Elliman’s European strategy prioritises selectivity over scale, partnering only with brokers whose professionalism and service standards match the firm’s own.
With its French expansion complete, the brokerage has confirmed it will announce further international openings — including Paris and the French Alps — in the coming months.
