World's Most Expensive Real Estate, Ranked
Learn about the world's priciest family homes and how their owners created, built and improved them over the years, decades and even centuries.
25 Priciest Family Homes Around the World
Having a house you love can be a source of great joy in life. It's where we store our things, sure, but we create our best memories with friends and families at home. By adding extra spaces to our houses, we're able to facilitate even more fun at home.
The world's wealthiest families live this more than the rest of us. Not only do they have massive estates that are so famous they have their own names, but these families seemingly never stop adding amenities. Read through to learn about 25 of the world's priciest family homes and how their owners created, built and improved them over the years, decades and even centuries.
25. Michael Jordan's Illinois Estate
Price tag: $15 million
Location: Highland Park, Illinois
The man, the myth, the legend has an enviable estate that is simply referred to as Michael Jordan's Illinois Estate.
The Highland Park home features more than 50,000 square feet of living space that includes 7 acres of land and a regulation-size basketball court and a putting green.
The History
Jordan has had the home on the market since 2012 and recently dropped his asking price and agreed to throw in a complete set of Air Jordans with the purchase of the house. ESPN and Netflix recently released the documentary “The Last Dance,” which they filmed much of in the estate.
There is hope that the popular miniseries will renew interest in the house.
24. Clarence House
Price tag: $76 million+
Location: London
The royal family has several expensive homes, but the Clarence House was built in 1827 and is one of the last family homes to serve its original purpose of housing royals.
Like many of the houses on this list, the value fluctuates but is typically in the $76 million to $105 million range.
The History
Clarence House used to be the Queen's primary residence, but nowadays, it is home to the future monarch.
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, currently call Clarence House home.
23. The Bel Air Home of Jay-Z and Beyonce
Price tag: $88 million
Location: Los Angeles
The Bel Air Home of Jay-Z and Beyonce doesn't have its own name, but it is still beyond impressive.
The 30,000-square-foot indoor space and 10,000-square-foot outdoor living space include four pools, a tennis court, an entertainment complex and a spa (to name but a few amenities).
The History
When the famous couple bought the house in 2017, they set a record for the priciest home sold in Bel Air.
The modern architecture makes the massive property visually pleasing, especially since the design incorporates the outside elements, which can always be used in SoCal's nearly year-round perfect weather.
22. Taj Mittal
Price tag: $89.4 million
Location: London
London's Kensington Palace Gardens is the most expensive street in the United Kingdom. It is monitored by guards since just behind it sits Kensington Palace, the home to Prince William and his family.
One house on Kensington Palace Gardens is worth nearly $90 million. It is jokingly referred to as the Taj Mittal by its owner, Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal.
The History
Mittal purchased the mansion from English business mogul Bernie Eccclestone in 2004 and reportedly included marble from the same quarry as the Taj Mahal in his renovations of the property.
The house consists of 12 bedrooms, a swimming pool, a ballroom and a Turkish bath.
21. The Playboy Mansion
Price tag: $100 million
Location: Los Angeles
The Playboy Mansion became famous when the late Playboy magazine founder, Hugh Hefner, hosted endless, lavish parties for Hollywood's elite.
The 1927 Tudor Revival has 29 rooms, a tennis court, a swimming pool and the fabled grotto.
The History
Arthur J. Letts Jr. initially owned the Holmby Hills house before Louis Statham purchased it in 1961. Not long after, Hefner became the owner. Though Hefner kept most of the original architecture in place, the home needed many repairs, which were started when he passed away in 2017.
Hefner sold it to billionaire Daren Metropoulos before his death based on the agreement that he could live there the rest of his life. Metropoulos has vowed to restore the mansion to its original glory.
20. Promised Land
Price tag: $100+ million
Location: Montecito, California
America's most famous talk-show host has one of the world's most expensive homes.
Oprah Winfrey's Promised Land situated along the California coast has stunning views of the Pacific, expands across 70 acres and includes various properties she's acquired over the years.
The History
While Winfrey is famous for enjoying her privacy, she is very candid about her love for her garden. She regularly shares images of things she grows in her garden on social media.
Plus, she did an exclusive interview with Veranda to discuss her extensive rose garden. "Sometimes, I stand under the arbor, close my eyes and allow myself to take in as much as I can: I hear birds splashing in the fountain and literally smell the roses. This garden makes me present," she says.
19. Xanadu 2.0
Price tag: $125.5 million
Location: Medina, Washington
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his family call Xanadu 2.0 home in the ultra-wealthy neighborhood of Medina. The 66,000-square-foot smart complex sits on Lake Washington and is built into the side of a hill.
Xanadu 2.0 received a lot of press for its tech features, including pins visitors wear, prompting the house to provide people with their preferences for things like temperature, lighting and art.
The History
The second-richest man in the world spent seven years crafting his perfect high-tech palace.
The name Xanadu comes from the fictional estate in the film “Citizen Kane,” but the real estate features buildings bigger than most homes, including the pool building, gym building and library with a dome ceiling.
18. Palazzo di Amore
Price tag: $129 million
Location: Los Angeles
Another famous Beverly Hills mega-mansion is the Palazzo di Amore, a Mediterranean-style villa that sits on a 25-acre estate. The 53,000-square-foot property includes an entertainment complex, 12 bedrooms, 23 bathrooms, a theater and a bowling alley.
And don’t forget the tennis courts, swimming pools, waterfalls and reflecting pools that make up the grounds.
The History
Billionaire developer Jeffrey Greene owns Palazzo di Amore. He remodeled the property to include today's decadent features, including the vineyard on site that produces wine.
The house is currently for sale. Greene first listed the house for $195 million, but he has dropped his asking price down to $129 million in recent years.
17. Beverly House
Price tag: $135 million
Location: Los Angeles
Beverly House in Beverly Hills sits three blocks from Sunset Boulevard and is worth about $135 million.
The main house is Italian- and Spanish-inspired, but the 6-acre property features several smaller homes, too, in addition to countless amenities, including spa facilities, an art-deco nightclub and a terrace that can seat 400 people.
The History
Architect Gordan Kaufmann designed the house for its original owner, banking executive Milton Getz. William Randolph Hearst moved into the home in 1946 and remained there until he died in 1951.
While financier and attorney Leonard M. Ross has owned the property for more than 40 years, the Beverly House belongs to Hollywood in a way. It is often the backdrop for films, including “The Godfather,” “The Bodyguard”and Beyonce's “Black Is King.”
16. Balmoral Castle
Price tag: $140 million
Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland
The British royal family owns many properties in England, but they've also held on to various castles throughout the U.K.
One such estate is Balmoral Castle in Scotland. It boasts 775 rooms, including 19 staterooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms,188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms — you know, just so everyone can get some space.
The History
The castle was constructed in 1390 and purchased by Prince Albert for his wife, Queen Victoria, in 1852.
Over the decades, it has grown into a sprawling estate. Royals usually visit the beloved castle for the summer holidays.
15. Seven The Pinnacle
Price tag: $150 million
Location: Big Sky, Montana
The Seven The Pinnacle estate is part of the massive Yellowstone Club in Montana.
The resort is famous for providing skiing and golf to the mega-rich, who don't want to associate with folks outside of their bubble.
The History
Timber baron Tim Blixseth owns the estate, which comes with various amenities, including a wine cellar, its own ski lift, several pools and a gym.
Oh, and for those cold Montana winters, there are heated floors throughout.
13. Sandringham House (tie)
Price tag: $160 million
Location: Norfolk, England
Though it doesn't have the title of a castle or palace in its name, Sandringham House is still quite regal and expensive as one of the private estates of Queen Elizabeth II.
The estate sits on a 20,000-acre plot that is known to cater to horse riding and hunting. The Norfolk house was built in 1870, which makes it one of the newer royal properties.
The History
The house has quite a history with the British royal family. In fact, two kings, George VI and George V, died in the home.
It's typically used for more joyful events, though, including annual Christmas celebrations for the extended royal family. They spend time with the queen and attend a holiday mass at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
13. Spelling Manor (tie)
Price tag: $160 million
Location: Los Angeles
The Spelling Manor (sometimes referred to simply as “The Manor”) in Holmby Hills was once the largest home in Los Angeles County.
The 56,000-square-foot estate has 14 bedrooms, 27 bathrooms, a wine cellar with a tasting room, a beauty salon and a 40 foot-high foyer designed after the plantation from "Gone with the Wind."
The History
Television Producer Aaron Spelling built the lavish home in 1991 for his wife, Candy Spelling.
After becoming a widow, she sold it to its current owner, Petra Ecclestone, daughter of Formula One billionaire Bernie Ecclestone.
12. Ellison Estate
Price tag: $200 million
Location: Woodside, California
The Ellison Estate, located in Silicon Valley, is named after its owner, co-founder of Oracle, Larry Ellison.
The property is 23 acres and includes 10 structures, a human-made lake, a koi pond, a tea house and a bathhouse.
The History
Ellison is known for his vast collection of real estate, but the Ellison Estate is one of his top possessions. He built the Japanese-style estate in 2004.
The reason for his real estate obsession? Apparently, he needs places to store his artwork collection. "I'm going to start these art museums that are basically converted homes," he told CNBC. "I have one for modern art, and I have one for 19th-century European art and one for French impressionism."
11. Villa Les Cèdres
Price tag: $221 million
Location: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
The historic Villa Les Cèdres in southeastern France is a 14-room mansion with 35 acres of gardens. The estate sits in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, aka France's Peninsula of Billionaires.
In addition to its gorgeous views of the Mediterranean, the home also has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a ballroom and stables.
The History
The house was built in 1830 and belonged to the mayor of Villefranche and King Leopold before ending up in the hands of the Marnier-Lapostolle family, famous for their Italian beverage company, Campari.
The family held onto the property from 1924 to 2019, when they sold it to Ukraine's richest man, billionaire Rinat Akhmetov.
10. Windsor Castle
Price tag: $236 million
Location: Windsor, England
Another stunning property that belongs to the most famous family in the U.K. is Windsor Castle, located just outside London. It is often called the second home of the royal family.
The massive estate, 484,000-square-feet to be exact, has 1,000 rooms and sits on 13 acres of land.
The History
The castle was built in 1070 and inspired the royal family's house name, Windsor, which King George V chose.
Royals still stay at Windsor Castle often, including Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. He spent most of the quarantine there.
9. Central Park South Penthouse
Price tag: $238 million
Location: New York
The 220 Central Park South Penthouse in New York is famous for its price, size and design.
The 70-story building was designed by Robert A.M. Stern and made of sheathed Alabama Silver Shadow limestone, and its penthouse is 24,000 square feet.
The History
Hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin bought the place for $238 million, making it the most expensive home sold in the United States at the time.
Griffin is the richest man in Illinois but often is in New York for business. The building is known for its amenities, including a spa, athletic facility, private dining options and entertainment options.
8. Four Fairfield Pond
Price tag: $248 million
Location: Long Island, New York
Four Fairfield Pond is a massive mansion in the Hamptons. The 63-acre multiple-building estate spans 110,000 square feet and happens to be one of the largest homes in the United States.
The beachfront property has 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, a basketball court, a bowling alley, swimming pools and its own power plant — what?!
The History
The mega-mansion is worth $248 million, but real estate experts say it would be priced at $500 million if it were listed today.
Ira Rennert, a junk bond billionaire, started building Four Fairfield Pond in the 1990s and hasn't stopped adding to it ever since.
7. Mesa Vista Ranch
Price tag: $250 million
Location: Pampa, Texas
The Mesa Vista Ranch started as 2,900 acres located along the south side of the Canadian River in Roberts County, Texas.
Over the years, it has grown into a sprawling 100 square miles of ranch that includes a private airport, a pub, a lodge, a chapel, golf fairways and greens, and nearly 20 human-made lakes.
The History
Oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens started building his dream ranch in 1971. In addition to spending millions on creating the various buildings, Boone also moved his childhood home to the property from Oklahoma in 2008.
Nowadays, the prairie-like ranch hosts influential business moguls and political leaders for various forums and conferences.
6. Le Palais Bulles
Price tag: $390 million
Location: Théoule-Sur-Mer, France
The hefty price associated with the Le Palais Bulles isn't even the most exciting thing about this sprawling mansion. Its unique architecture is the real drawl.
The Bubble Palace features a collection of round rooms that are cave-like in their appearance. Plus, since the home sits on Théoule-Sur-Mer in the rocky Massif de l'Esterel, Le Palais Bulles faces the Bay of Cannes and is famous for its stunning views of the Riviera shoreline.
The History
Pierre Bernard built the home in 1984, but it was transformed in 1992 when the fashion designer Pierre Cardin purchased it and worked with architect Antti Lovag to create the unique estate.
Cardin has used the home, and its three pools and 500-seat amphitheater, to host countless fancy events, including fashion shows for Dior.
5. Witanhurst
Price tag: $450 million
Location: London
Witanhurst is the second largest estate in London after Buckingham Palace. It is 90,000 square feet and includes at least 25 bedrooms.
The massive mansion has been undergoing renovations for years to add a second, three-story villa and a 40,000-square-foot basement.
The History
Between 1913 and 1920, Witanhurst was built for the soap magnate Sir Arthur Crosfield. The home was sold to various folks between then and now, but most didn't do any significant repairs or renovations.
For years, folks speculated who most recently owned the estate since newspapers were having a hard time confirming land ownership. Finally, the New Yorker investigated and discovered that Andrei Guriev, a 55-year-old Russian billionaire, owns Witanhurst.
4. Kensington Palace
Price tag: $600 million+
Location: London
Not far from Buckingham Palace is another expensive home that belongs to the British royal family: Kensington Palace. It was created in 1605 and was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria.
Like most royal homes, estimates vary, but the palace has been valued between $600 million and $800 million.
Its History
Over the years, various royals have called Kensington Palace home, and it remains one of the most popular residences for the family.
The most notable current royals living there are Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children. The family has a 20-room apartment.
3. Villa Leopolda
Price tag: $750 million
Location: Villefranche-sur-Me, France
Villa La Leopolda is a detached estate situated on the French Riviera. The massive home has 11 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms.
The main house is 29,000 square feet, while the estate includes an additional two guest homes. At least 50 gardeners work to keep the 18 acres pristine.
Its History
The home was named after King Leopold II of Belgium, who acquired the property in the late 1890s. The villa has had a variety of owners in its many years of existence. During the First World War, it was used as a military hospital.
The philanthropist Lily Safra is the current owner of Villa La Leopolda. She and her late husband, Lebanese-born Brazilian banker Edmond Safra, purchased the estate in 1987.
2. Antilia
Price tag: $1 billion
Location: Mumbai, India
You'll find one of the world's most expensive private homes in Mumbai. It's called Antilia, and The New York Times described its modern architecture as "a Blade Runner-meets-Babylon edifice."
The 400,000-square-foot, 27-story estate includes a 50-seat movie theater and a whopping six parking floors.
The History
Antilia belongs to Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries and one of the wealthiest people in India. Ambani reportedly named the house after a mythical island in the Atlantic Ocean.
He employs 600 people to keep Antilia running smoothly.
1. Buckingham Palace
Price tag: $1.55 billion+
Location: London
The British royal family dominated our piece on the priciest family jewels. And when it comes to real estate, they are once again in the ranking.
Considered by many money experts to be the most expensive estate in the world is Buckingham Palace, valued at at least $1.55 billion.
The History
In addition to being the home of Queen Elizabeth II, the residence is also in one of the world's most expensive cities. Half a billion does get you a lot, though, including 775 rooms, 52 of which are bedrooms for the royal family and their guests. There is an additional 188 bedrooms for employees, 78 bathrooms and 92 offices in Buckingham Palace.
Since the royal family is often hosting countless events, the palace also has 19 staterooms, including a dining room, music room and throne room. Experts consider the addition of the ballroom that celebrated the end of the Crimean War in 1856 to be a recent upgrade. Outside of the grand spaces, 40 acres make up the palace's gardens.