Zara owner Amancio Ortega becomes the world's biggest real estate tycoon

Published on 15/04/2026 - 13:23 GMT+2

One of the richest men on the planet, Spanish businessman Amancio Ortega, has reached a new milestone in his career by becoming the world's largest real estate owner, according to recent industry estimates.

This achievement consolidates his expansion outside the textile business to an investment model focused on high-value real estate assets.

The founder of Inditex, owner of brands such as Zara, Pull&Bear and Oysho, has built over the years an extensive network of properties in different countries.

His portfolio exceeds 200 acquisitions and is valued at around $25 billion (€21.2bn), which allows him to surpass other large international investors in the sector, while his total net worth is estimated by Forbes at $148bn (€125.45bn), making him the tenth-richest person in the world.

Much of this expansion has been possible thanks to the dividends generated by his majority stake in the textile company, which he has subsequently reinvested in emblematic buildings, offices and commercial spaces in strategic locations in large cities.

In recent years, the 90-year-old Ortega has intensified his buying activity, incorporating large, internationally relevant assets.

These include corporate headquarters, commercial complexes and properties linked to large technology companies, which reinforces his profile as a conservative investor who prioritises consolidated properties over riskier operations.

Moreover, his strategy is not limited to the real estate sector. Through his investment company, the businessman has also diversified his presence in areas such as energy, telecommunications and infrastructure, thus broadening his influence in different economic areas.