America is a country that’s certainly not shy to a little wealth. It boasts some of the world’s most expensive tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels, and homes. Depending on where you go, some condos in the country can go for tens of thousands per year, and in many cases that’s a deal!
The American real estate market really is an abnormality, and sometimes, some of the homes that sell will have you scratching your head as to how someone could even afford it in the first place! Well, believe it or not, multi-million dollar homes are being bought and sold constantly in the U.S. Here are the top five most expensive homes, that have actually been sold in America.
#5: The 535 North County Road, in Palm Beach Florida, sold for $122.7 million
It was once a 6.26 acre-large estate owned by Former President and billionaire investor Donald Trump. Then it switched hands in 2008 when it would be sold to Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev. Eight years later, the businessman would split it into three, 2 acre large properties. The estate on 535 north county road sets a record for the state of Florida, being sold at a whopping $122.7 million in February of 2021.
The house that now rests on the land has two stories of sleek, modern design and encompasses over 21,066 square feet of space. Inside the home you’ll find nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, an backyard with a view of the ocean and a pool, a six-car garage, and a guest home.
The house was purchased by none other than famous New York investor Scott Shleifer, who bought it for almost 20 million dollars under its original listing price.
#4: Only 2 Condos at 220 Central Park South building, in Manhattan, sold for $157 Million
The gargantuan tower on 220 Central Park South has been nothing short of a New-York phenomenon since its opening to the public back in 2019. It’s home to some of the most expensive condos in the world, as was seen back in 2020 when an anonymous individual would purchase a double-story apartment duplex for $100 million. You think that’s crazy?
Well it’s nothing compared to a deal made in June of last year, when another anonymous buyer would spend a shocking $157.5 million for just two condos.
Yup, you read that right.
The man would purchase a 60th floor condo for $82.5 million and a 61st floor condo for $75 million. Many speculated that the two floors would be combined into one big townhouse, although that hasn’t been confirmed yet.
These aren’t the only unrealistically large deals made in the building however. In 2019, famous singer Sting would purchase a personal apartment for $65.7 million.
The building is certainly worth the price. Sitting in one of the city’s nicest areas, and hosting some of the cleanest, most luxurious apartments you’ll find out there, it’s no wonder all kinds of famous millionaires and billionaires flock to this tower.
#3: Beverly Hills’ massive Warner Estate was sold to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos for $165 million
Jeff Bezos has become famous for his incredibly quick rise to the top of the financial chain. The Covid-19 lockdown gave his already fast-growing delivery service and online retailer, Amazon, the major boost it needed to skyrocket both itself, and his wealth, into the folds of high society.
As is natural for someone who just garnered a jaw-dropping level of wealth, in 2020 Bezos would break a California record by purchasing a massive, eight acre estate in Beverly Hills for a whopping $165 million. The estate was originally founded by Jack Warner, part of the Warner Brothers pair, in the 1930’s. It quickly became a hub for the affluent and wealthy, from movie stars to investors alike.
After Warner’s death in 1978 the property would be given to his wife, Ann Warner, who died in 1990. It would then switch hands to multi-billionaire David Geffen, who purchased it for almost $50 million.
Then, thirty years down the line, Bezos would claim ownership of the property, as well as a $10 million home next to the estate. This record-sale would stay a record until a year later, when it would be broken by a $177 million dollar deal in Malibu.
#2: A 7-acre Paradise Cove property in Malibu, California, was sold for a massive $177 million
Marc Andreessen, a Silicon Valley-built billionaire, decided to purchase the mansion back in 2021 for a wallet-draining $177 million dollars (of course, it wasn’t wallet draining for him), setting a new California record and breaking the one Bezos had set only a year prior.
Andreessen was one of the original investors in social media companies Facebook and Instagram, and would later shift his focus towards crypto-currency. His investments and financial deals would build him a massive financial portfolio with time, allowing him to purchase the home with ease.
The beautiful modern estate was purchased from famous fashion designer Serge Azria, who purchased it from film producer Jerry Weintraub for only $41 million back in 2013.
Azria would have the estate renovated and revitalized before selling it, growing its size to over 13 independent buildings on the property. It now includes a 10,000 square-foot large home, two separate homes for guests, a massive showroom-garage, a screening room, direct beach access, and much more. The level of amenities the home contains really does demand the high price point.
#1: 4 penthouse suites at the 220 Central Park South building were sold for $238 Million
Yup, we’re going back to the 220 Central Park South tower. This building is truly full of surprises.
It was revealed that at the beginning of 2019, before the building was even complete, New York hedge fund manager Ken Griffin would purchase the top four penthouse suites for a shocking $238 million, becoming the most expensive home deal in all of American history.
That’s enough money to beat the gdp of some countries.
Ken Griffin owned his own hedge fund called Citadel, which had made him 22 billion dollars over time. He holds some of the most expensive home purchases in the U.S, including in New York and Illinois.
But $238 million… for a few unfinished apartments? This truly is the most ludicrous deal in all of U.S. history.
