5. Outlook & Buying Plans
Looking ahead, 40% of HNWIs planned to buy more art in the next 12 months (down slightly from 43% in 2024 and 54% in 2023). Selling intentions, by contrast, eased to 25% (from 55% in 2024), suggesting greater market stability. A quarter also planned to donate works, continuing a broader trend toward philanthropic giving.
HNWI Intentions for Purchases and Sales of Art in the Next 12 Months by Generation
Almost half of those with buying plans hoped to buy a painting, with other popular sectors including sculpture (37%), digital art (23%), and photography (21%). There was a substantial increase year-on-year in those hoping to buy design and collectible items, with 37% planning to buy antiques; 33% decorative art; 32% jewelry and gems (double the share reported in 2024); and 27% watches. Gen Z collectors had the most active buying plans across nearly all collectibles, including around a third planning to buy watches, design works, or collectible wine, whisky, and spirits.
HNWI Intentions for Fine Art Purchases in Next 12 Months
While geopolitical and economic concerns dominated in 2025, collectors’ specific concerns for the art market were anchored on a few main issues, including barriers to cross-border trade; art market fluctuations; transparency; legal issues; and the security of personal information when purchasing art online. However, most HNWIs surveyed remained positive about the future of the global art market: 84% were optimistic about the market’s performance for the rest of 2025 (down from 91% in mid-2024), while 81% were optimistic about the next 12 months.