You’ve heard about 1 Euro homes and $10K Japanese akiyas, but what about the other end of the spectrum? Who’s splashing money instead of saving it, and on what?
Sydney’s property market isn’t the only one in flux, as inflation and high-interest rates create chaos worldwide. While many of us might look at the state of things and assume it’s probably not the best time to buy a mega-mansion (or eggs, to be honest), there’s still a market for 11-bedroom homes and garage-to-penthouse car elevators.
Or at least there’s Adar Poonawalla, the Indian billionaire who dropped £138 million last December for his new London pad.
From $302m Bugatti penthouses in Dubai to $437m nine-acre mansions in Naples, let’s take a tour through some of the priciest listings on the planet in 2024.
Casa Encantada, Bel Air, California — $289 Million AUD
Previously listed for $371m AUD, this Bel Air estate was once the home of Paris Hilton’s great grandfather and most recently that of late telecom pioneer Gary Winnick. Featuring 7 bedrooms and almost three times as many baths (20), the 40,000 square foot abode also boasts a subterranean tunnel connecting two holes of the neighbouring Bel Air Country Club golf course. Seems important.
Central Park Tower, New York, NY – $289 Million AUD
Another $195m USD property that underwent a cool price cut of $55m is this triplex penthouse at Central Park Tower, AKA the tallest residential building in the world. The three-storey sky mansion features 7-bedrooms, 8-baths, and floor to ceiling windows on all sides to take in the epic view.
Sky Mansion Penthouse, Dubai, UAE – $306 Million AUD
For a cool $306 mill, you too could be rapping the immortal words of Ace Hood and Future, “I woke up in the new Bugatti.” The new Bugatti residential tower, that is. The 4-bed, 8-bath abode features 2 swimming pools, a game room, movie theatre, and, most importantly, a garage-to-penthouse car elevator allowing owners to drive directly into their penthouse suite.
One Hyde Park, London, England – $329 Million AUD
There are exclusive addresses, and then there is One Hyde Park. The only thing more impressive than living here is living in a Penthouse here – which you can do for only £175 million. That price will get you five bedrooms with ensuites over two floors, a cocktail bar, home movie theatre, a gym, and a separate suite for your staff.
Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, China – $415 Million AUD
For over 400 million bucks, you’d think they could at least change the name. Alas, there’s absolutely nothing repulsive about this third most expensive property in the world (situated within the most expensive city in the world). The record-breaking marble-forward mansion boasts 11 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, an elevator, and a sprawling rooftop terrace overlooking the stunningly scenic… Repulse Bay.
Gordon Pointe, Naples, Florida – $437 Million AUD
Currently the most expensive listing in the United States, this waterfront compound in Florida is spread over approx nine-acres in the ultra exclusive Port Royal neighbourhood on a private peninsula. The eye-watering price tag covers not one but three houses – one with six bedrooms, another with five, and the other with an 11-foot dock for six boats, which seems handy.
The Holme, London, England – $465 Million AUD
What does almost half a billion dollars get you? A 206-year-old lakefront Georgian-style trophy home built by the iconic architect Jame Burton. The 29,000 square foot estate boasts 40 bedrooms, a tennis court, a sauna, and its own library, and is currently in the hands of receivers after it was repossessed due to an expired $180m USD loan taken out by its owners, the Saudi royal family. Oops.
