As a newly appointed Board Member of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, Jacqueline Hara brings a wealth of expertise in the luxury real estate sector. In an exclusive conversation led by Alexander Chetchikov, President of WLCC, she shares her insights on the evolving demands of high-net-worth clients, the importance of cross-industry partnerships, and how boutique agencies can leverage destination marketing to thrive in a global network. As the Co-Founder & Family Business Partner of Fine & Country Costa Blanca North, Jacqueline is renowned for delivering more than just property transactions—she curates the authentic lifestyle of the location. From financial literacy in real estate to cross-industry partnerships and the role of technology in the luxury market, she offers a compelling vision for the future of high-end property.
Alexander Chetchikov: Jacqueline, with your extensive experience in luxury real estate, what do you see as the biggest challenges real estate professionals face today when working with high-net-worth clients?
Jacqueline Hara: One of the biggest challenges is delivering an experience that genuinely goes beyond expectations. Today’s high-net-worth clients aren’t just purchasing property—they’re investing in a lifestyle, a sense of belonging, and often, a long-term vision for themselves and their families. This demands a highly personalised, discreet, and thoughtful approach rooted in deep listening and genuine understanding.
At Fine & Country Costa Blanca North, we treat every client with the same level of care, attention, and respect—regardless of any assumptions about their status or background. Wealth today takes many forms: some clients are entrepreneurs, others are legacy investors, and many are simply people who have worked hard and want to enjoy the rewards of that effort in a meaningful way. We don’t define luxury by labels; we define it by experience, aspiration, and quality of life.
Our focus has always been on building trust through exceptional service, bespoke marketing, and in-depth local knowledge—elements that are essential in helping clients make confident, informed decisions and feel truly valued throughout the journey.
AC: The luxury real estate industry thrives on exclusivity and connections. What types of networking platforms or industry committees in WLCC do you think would provide the most value to brokers looking to expand their global reach?
JH: Committees that encourage cross-sector collaboration and meaningful referrals would be especially valuable, particularly those connecting real estate with aligned luxury industries. For example, our regional office at Fine & Country Costa Blanca North is based in a marina, allowing us to collaborate with luxury yacht companies and high-end car dealerships. These partnerships often create natural client synergies, where lifestyle and property interests overlap. WLCC is well-positioned to foster similar global connections and strategic alliances across the luxury space.
AC: Given your background in financial services and real estate, what role do you think financial literacy and investment knowledge play in a luxury broker’s success? Should there be more initiatives to educate real estate professionals in this area?
JH: Financial understanding certainly plays a supportive role in the success of luxury real estate professionals. While we are not financial advisers, we work with high-net-worth clients who often view property as both a lifestyle purchase and a long-term investment. As a regulated estate agency, Fine & Country Costa Blanca North ensures that our clients are always informed about the broader financial aspects of a transaction—from being aware of associated costs beyond the purchase price, such as legal, notary, and registration fees, to being guided toward qualified tax and wealth management professionals who are properly licensed in Spain.
We ourselves are proud members of APIAL (Association of Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Agents of the Province of Alicante), which requires adherence to strict standards, including formal qualifications, legal registration, professional indemnity insurance, and a strong code of ethics. This professional framework enables us to operate with transparency and integrity.
That said, as the market becomes more sophisticated, we do believe there is room for more structured educational initiatives within the industry, particularly those that promote collaboration between real estate professionals and qualified financial advisers. Providing brokers with greater awareness of financial processes can only enhance the client experience and support well-informed decision-making across the board.
AC: Fine & Country Costa Blanca is both a family-run estate agency and part of a global network of over 300 locations. Given this unique position, how can organizations like the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce create support systems that empower boutique agencies while leveraging the advantages of a global network?
JH: Success in luxury real estate is as much about storytelling and lifestyle as it is about the property itself. At Fine & Country Costa Blanca North, we combine a personal, family-run approach with the scale and prestige of an international brand—offering our clients the best of both worlds.
Organisations like WLCC can support boutique agencies by creating platforms that foster high-level networking, encourage knowledge sharing, and facilitate cross-sector partnerships. Hosting global forums, providing marketing tools that amplify a boutique agency’s unique voice, and offering access to luxury trend insights would help smaller offices grow while maintaining their individuality.
By empowering agencies like ours to operate as lifestyle curators—not just property brokers—WLCC can elevate the client experience and strengthen the luxury real estate ecosystem globally.
AC: Technology is reshaping the luxury real estate landscape, from virtual property tours to AI-driven market analysis. What innovations do you think brokers should embrace to stay ahead, and how can WLCC facilitate discussions around these advancements?
JH: Innovation is essential, especially in how we present properties and engage with international buyers. Tools like high-definition virtual tours, drone videography, and immersive 3D experiences have become part of our everyday toolkit at Fine & Country. AI-driven data can also help us anticipate market shifts and better serve clients. WLCC can lead the way by hosting innovation labs or expert panels to explore how tech is redefining the luxury experience.
AC: You’ve spent over two decades in Costa Blanca North’s real estate market. What lessons have you learned about branding and positioning a destination as a luxury real estate hotspot? Could WLCC play a role in helping brokers market their regions more effectively?
JH: Branding a destination as a luxury real estate hotspot takes more than simply promoting properties—it requires authentic storytelling. When we launched Fine & Country Costa Blanca North in 2019, we focused on showcasing the complete lifestyle that defines our region: the Mediterranean climate, alfresco living with golf/equestrian/tennis/marinas etc., gastronomy, wellness, and both coastal and inland living. That’s why our own strapline is “We don’t just sell properties; we sell the lifestyle.”
Crucially, we take the time to personally introduce clients to the various areas in our region to ensure the location not only suits their property needs but also aligns with their lifestyle. It’s not just about selling a home—it’s about placing someone in the right environment where they can truly thrive.
WLCC can play a key role in supporting brokers globally by developing destination marketing toolkits, curated content, and collaborative campaigns that focus on the authentic lifestyle of the location—not the personality of the agent. In an era where social media is saturated with “real estate influencers,” there’s a growing demand for substance over show.
At Fine & Country Costa Blanca North, we’re proud to represent the internationally recognised Fine & Country brand. But unlike in the domestic UK market, our focus here is international. That’s why we allow the properties—and the lifestyle they offer—to speak for themselves. We introduce, but let the properties be the stars of the show.
Lifestyle marketing remains essential, but the focus should always be on the client’s aspirations and the experience of the destination—not the agent’s personal lifestyle. WLCC has a real opportunity to elevate this standard by championing meaningful, region-led storytelling that builds genuine connection and trust in the global luxury space.
AC: Beyond real estate transactions, today’s top brokers act as lifestyle consultants, curating experiences for their clients. How do you see the intersection of real estate and other luxury sectors (hospitality, private aviation, fine art) evolving, and how can WLCC foster these connections?
JH: Luxury real estate is now about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about delivering a complete lifestyle. Many of our clients are not just buying homes; they’re entering a community, a destination, and a way of life. That’s why at Fine & Country Costa Blanca North, we collaborate with luxury service providers—from yacht charter companies and private chefs to car dealerships and concierge services—to create a seamless lifestyle offering.
As homes increasingly double as showcases for fine art or platforms for bespoke experiences, brokers need access to cross-industry partnerships. WLCC can support this evolution by hosting immersive lifestyle events, building alliances between real estate and other luxury sectors, and helping brokers craft compelling narratives that resonate emotionally with clients.
By connecting these worlds, WLCC reinforces the idea that buying a home is not just a transaction—it’s an entry into a lifestyle defined by exclusivity, refinement, and experience.
AC: If you could introduce one new global initiative for luxury real estate professionals through the WLCC, what would it be and why?
JH: I would propose a “Luxury Lifestyle Circle”—a global initiative designed to bring together real estate professionals and partners from complementary sectors such as design, wellness, travel, finance, and hospitality. Rather than being exclusive in the traditional sense, this platform would focus on shared values: integrity, quality, collaboration, and a client-first mindset.
The definition of luxury has evolved—especially since COVID-19. Today, it’s not just about material wealth; it’s about lifestyle, time, well-being, and personal freedom. Whether clients come from generational wealth, entrepreneurial success, or have simply prioritised quality of life, they all deserve a tailored and respectful approach. We believe luxury should be inclusive of anyone seeking an elevated way of living.
The “Luxury Lifestyle Circle” would offer a space for professionals to share insights, collaborate across industries, and co-create experiences that truly reflect the diversity and depth of today’s luxury clients. It’s about building meaningful relationships—not just transactions—and helping clients, whatever their background, step into a lifestyle that feels uniquely theirs.
WLCC is in a powerful position to facilitate this kind of modern, collaborative platform—one that celebrates the evolving definition of luxury while maintaining the highest standards of service and ethics worldwide.
Thank you, Jacqueline!
Jacqueline Hara’s insights highlight the evolving luxury real estate landscape, where personalized service, strategic networking, and lifestyle-driven marketing are key. With WLCC fostering global connections and cross-sector collaborations, boutique agencies like Fine & Country Costa Blanca North continue to redefine luxury—proving that true exclusivity lies in experience, trust, and tailored expertise.
To learn more about Fine & Country Costa Blanca North, visit: https://www.fineandcountry.es/en/costa-blanca-north-estate-agents
