Knight Frank, the UK independent property consultancy known for its advisory work on high-end residential and commercial property, has formed a brand alliance with Modlin Group, a luxury real estate brokerage based in New York.
Knight Frank described the partnership as a major milestone for its aspirations in the New York market.
The tie-up comes around a year after Knight Frank ended its alliance with Douglas Elliman, one of the largest independent residential real estate agencies in the US, after more than 15 years. That came as Douglas Elliman announced it was launching an international business, Elliman International, that would extend the company's service to key global markets "without limited third-party intermediaries".
The Modlin Group, founded by Adam Modlin, is a boutique luxury real estate firm specialising in the sale and acquisition of single-family mansions, townhouses, penthouses, "expansive residences and record-setting trophy properties", Knight Frank.
The British brokerage described Modlin as being "distinguished by its commitment to long-term client relationships" saying that "aligns seamlessly" with its business values.
Knight Frank added that Adam Modlin had "quietly overseen" some of the most significant transactions in New York and the Hamptons. These include the $55 million sale of 8 East 62nd Street and the $57 million penthouse at 70 Vestry Street. In the Hamptons, his recent transactions include an $115 million estate on Further Lane in East Hampton and a $72 million property on East Dune, also in East Hampton.
Paddy Dring, head of global prime sales and Knight Frank’s private office, said in a statement: “Knight Frank has a long‑established presence and track record in New York, but this partnership represents an exciting new chapter – one that responds directly to the evolving needs of our [ultra-high-net-worth] client base – toward deeper discretion, trusted advice and seamless global connectivity.”
Modlin said: “For 27 years, Modlin Group has remained intentionally boutique. We are focused on serving our private clients in New York and the Hamptons with care, discretion, and thoughtful attention. For years, we have been looking for the right global partner, one that truly shares our values and reflects our ethos."
Knight Frank’s global network takes in 50 markets and more than 600 offices worldwide. The duo said ultra‑high‑net‑worth clients in New York will now get access to Knight Frank’s private office, a specialist team providing services from sourcing international property opportunities to advising across entire real estate portfolios.
Rupert Dawes, global head of residential at Knight Frank, said: “We are committed to positioning ourselves in the locations that matter most to the world’s wealthiest individuals, and this new jointly branded alliance with Modlin Group forms a key part of Knight Frank’s expanding footprint across Europe, the US and Caribbean."
Knight Frank is one of the leading residential and commercial real estate advisers in the UK. It has a couple of significant alliances in the US, including Berkadia, a commercial real estate group venture between Berkshire Hathaway and Jefferies Financial Group. It formalised that partnership in 2023 to develop and provide capital markets services to multimarket clients globally.
It also has a relationship with US tenant representation brokerage Cresa, formed in 2021. The duo say it provides an "integrated platform of services directed at corporate end-users, providing a truly global solution for occupier clients".
Knight Frank ended its 15-year alliance with Nasdaq-listed broker Newmark in 2020. Newmark, which had been the largest US brokerage firm without an independent operation in the UK, has subsequently been on a major acquisitions drive in the UK and Europe.
Knight Frank's high-end residential brokerage peer Savills recently announced a partnership with Los Angeles-area brokerage The Beverly Hills Estates.
On its website Modlin describes Adam Modlin as having started the business in 1999 "without any experience working for a residential brokerage company".
It adds "He was determined and motivated to create his own path in the industry. Before being able to afford an office, he got dressed every day with a suit and tie and walked down Madison Avenue to meet people. His office was the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel on 57th Street. With a passion for life, enthusiasm, gratitude and love for New York City, he climbed the ladder of success in the industry the old fashion way…hard work. Today, nearly twenty–five years later, Modlin Group is recognized as the leading boutique real estate agency in New York City."
The group moved into the Hamptons market in 2023. The 10-strong team is based at 152 West 57th Street in New York.