Arlington Lofts, London. In walking distance of Regent’s Park, this thoughtful transformation of a 1930s substation offers an excellent opportunity for a pied-à-terre in the heart of the UK capital. Consisting of 16 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each with its own outdoor terrace and integrated Siemens appliances, the building is surrounded by Victorian terraces in one of London’s most picturesque areas. marshandparsons.co.uk 

Tresco, Sydney. A waterfront property of historic significance, the Victorian Italianate sandstone manor at Tresco designed in 1868 by architect Thomas Rowe has eight bedrooms, while its sprawling grounds feature a private sea pool, boathouse, jetty, three deep-water moorings and breathtaking views across to the Manly skyline. christiesrealestate.com 

Lincoln Square, London. The first British development by Indian firm Lodha, this collection of residences in London’s historic legal quarter will include two penthouses with interiors by Bowler James Brindley and residents' amenities, such as a private club, curated by renowned Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola. lincolnsquare.co.uk

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. A notable addition to the UAE capital’s sky line, the Four Season’s first hotel venture into the emirate also brings with it a significant real estate opportunity with 71 serviced private residences (including two penthouses) in a superb location overlooking the Arabian Gulf. For more information go to fourseasons.com/abudhabi

Chelsea Island, London. A development of 89 apartments in Chelsea Riverside is in full bloom thanks to a partnership between Hadley Property Group and renowned Belgravia florist Neill Strain. The gardens are replete with bee-friendly trees and shrubs, while the standout property is the sixth-floor penthouse with garden terrace designed by Strain. For more information visit chelseaisland.com

The Manor, Los Angeles. Spread across some 2 hectares west of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles Country Club, The Manor was designed by James Langenheim & Associates in the 1980s – last renovated in 2011 – and features seven bedrooms, a double staircase, two-lane bowling alley, wine cellar and tasting room, gym, beauty salon and self-contained master suite with its own kitchen and living area. Available through christiesrealestate.com

La Maison de Verre, New Jersey. This six-bedroom mansion was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright acolyte Williams H Short as a homage to a mentor, with Wright’s devotion to a natural palette prevalent throughout. At the heart of the property is a sizeable dining room exquisitely lit by two dramatic Ingo Maurer ceiling fixtures. Available through christiesrealestate.com

Gávea, Rio de Janeiro. The views of Rio from this five-bedroom property in the hillside enclave of Gávea are striking from any angle but particularly so from the terrace and swimming pool. A media room, wine cellar and sauna are among the other amenities of a villa that also has space for nine cars, a true luxury in this heaving metropolis. For more information visit christiesrealestate.com

One Tower Bridge, London. Blessed with an exceptional location on the Thames, One Tower Bridge now boasts a show home featuring the best of British design, with interiors inspired by the likes of Paul Smith and Saville Row highlighting the potential of the development’s sumptuous apartments. For more information visit onetowerbridge.co.uk

432 Park Avenue, New York. Towering above the Big Apple and due to be the tallest residential skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere (at 426m tall), 432 Park Avenue will host 104 apartments all featuring 3.8m high ceilings and 3m by 3m windows, as well as private elevator landings. For more information see 432parkavenue.com

Lillie Square Garden Collection, London. In a famously crowded city, the Garden Collection in the Lillie Square development in Earl’s Court will provide a rarity in London: duplex apartments with private gardens created by designer and Chelsea Flower Show award-winner, Andy Sturgeon. For more information, see lilliesquare.com

Artisan, London. Spanning the upper floors of five terraced buildings right in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia, Artisan lives up to its name with its stand-out residences – three individually designed penthouses - each decorated in sweeping, spiral and floating styles. For more information visit dukelease.com

The Park Bel Air, Estate 2, Los Angeles. Offering calm away from the city, the first of a trio of planned properties located opposite the Hotel Bel Air, Estate 2 will boast a 5,295sq m residence with a full service spa providing sauna, steam room, massage and relaxation room. For more information see domvslondon.com

Merano Residences, London. Designed by renowned architect Graham Stirk of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, this development featuring 40 private residences on the south side of the Thames offers stunning river views. The standout apartment is the three-bedroom penthouse with sizeable roof terrace (pictured). For more information see berkeleygroup.co.uk  

The Hempel Collection, London. The jewel in the crown of this major development, just north of Hyde Park, is the fifth-floor, four-bedroom penthouse London. Oak flooring, bronze ironmongery and Calacatta marble show standard of quality within, the view of the private garden, shows the beauty without. Available through thehempelcollection.com

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach. Scheduled for completion in 2016, the 111 condominium and 15 villa development on Miami's Mid-Beach benefits from a host of amenities, including three hectares of gardens, pools, entertainment spaces and 36 private boat dockages. Available through theresidencesmiamibeach.com

YOO BERLIN. The German capital is an increasingly investment prospect attention, and YOO is doing more than most to raise its profile. Philippe Starck’s work on the interiors of the riverside development is getting rave reviews. For more information, see yooberlin.com