These Are the Most Expensive Houses in the World!

By Orgesta Tolaj

19 January 2024

We all dream of living in luxury and owning a mansion that’s fit for a king or queen. But have you ever wondered what the most expensive houses in the world actually look like? These properties are not just homes, but architectural masterpieces, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and boasting luxurious amenities. From mansions owned by famous celebrities to properties with breathtaking views in the most exclusive locations, the world’s most expensive houses showcase the pinnacle of wealth and luxury.

Get ready to be amazed as we explore the top contenders for the title of the most expensive houses in the world!

Top Ten Most Expensive Houses in the World

Ready to experience the life of the rich? Here is a list of the ten most expensive houses ever:

10. The Elliston Estate – $200 million

Billionaire Larry Ellison owns an impressive Japanese-style estate in Woodside, California, known as the Ellison Estate. The property is a collection of houses situated around a man-made lake and features a tea house and a bathhouse. Designed with a lodge-style aesthetic, the estate includes comfortable velvet sofas, and fireplaces, and is located within a gated community. It is considered a remarkable lake house and provides a serene setting for a relaxing holiday.

9. Beyoncé and Jay-Z – $200 million

In 2023, Jay-Z and Beyoncé acquired California’s most expensive house, a minimalist architectural marvel overlooking Malibu’s coastline. The expansive property spans over 30,000 square feet. It was purchased for $200 million, a reduced price from its initial listing of $295 million. The high cost is attributed to the prime location above Paradise Cove. Additionally, it offers unobstructed ocean and coastline views. It also includes the world-class architectural design by award-winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Moreover, the concrete-clad compound boasts spacious hallways, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and manicured lawns.

8. 18-19 Kensington Gardens – $222 million

Located on one of the most exclusive streets in the UK, 18-19 Kensington Gardens, known as Nour Palace, stands out among millionaire properties in Kensington Gardens. Moreover, it was purchased for five million dollars in the 1990s. The neo-Georgian mansion then underwent extensive restoration. This included a $90 million investment, transforming it into a luxurious residence with a significantly increased value. The mansion features stunning rooms with traditional charm, surrounded by manicured gardens. Moreover, it is owned by Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal. The property’s renovations incorporated marble used in the construction of the Taj Mahal, earning it the nickname Taj Mittal. Noteworthy amenities include a hairdressing salon, indoor swimming pool, spa, steam showers, saunas, and parking for 20 cars.

7. Four Fairfield Pond – $250 million

Situated in the Hamptons, Four Fairfield Pond, owned by American billionaire businessman Ira Rennert, stands out as one of the most expensive houses in the United States. This Italian Renaissance–style mansion, named after the adjacent body of water, offers sweeping grounds and a plethora of amenities. Additionally, the 63-acre beachfront property includes 18 bathrooms, 21 bedrooms, three swimming pools, a private basketball court, a two-lane bowling alley, and a 164-seat theater. Recognized as one of the largest homes in the country, it features 12 chimneys, a private cinema, a 91-foot-long dining room, a billiards room, two tennis and squash courts, and its own power plant. Moreover, the property also boasts a massive garage capable of parking up to 100 cars, making it ideal for a collection of the most expensive cars in the world.

6. The Odeon Tower Penthouse – $330 million

The Odeon Tower Penthouse, situated atop a 560ft skyscraper in Monaco, is renowned as the world’s most expensive flat. Although lacking a garden, it offers breathtaking views of Monaco and the Mediterranean Sea. The luxury penthouse spans 38,000 square feet across five levels, featuring a 360-degree infinity pool with a private water slide. The property includes five kitchens spread throughout each floor, a dance floor, a luxurious bathroom, and staff bedrooms. Notably, a parking space for the penthouse is estimated to cost around $330,000.

5. Les Palais Bulles – $420 million

The Palais Bulles, also known as the Bubble Palace, stands out as one of the most extravagant homes on the French Riviera in Théoule-Sur-Mer near Cannes. Moreover, designed by Hungarian architect Antti Lovag, the luxury property is shaped like a massive, terracotta-colored bubble, featuring circular buildings and rooms. The interior continues the circular theme with cylindrical beds, swimming pools, and artwork.

Additionally, the mansion boasts ten suites decorated by different contemporary artists and includes a sprawling, open-air 500-seat amphitheater on the hillside grounds, offering views of the Mediterranean Sea. Previously owned by the late French fashion designer Pierre Cardin, it served as a luxury holiday home and hosted various fashion and celebrity events. Since Cardin’s death in 2020, the entire estate is available for rent, though not yet accessible to the public.

4. Villa Les Cèdres – $450 million

Built around 1830, Villa Les Cèdres is an 18,000-square-foot luxury palace in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, South of France, set across 35 acres of land. Moreover, it was originally owned by King Leopold II of Belgium. It was acquired by Italy’s Campari Group in 2016 and later sold to Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov in 2019. The historic mansion features numerous bedrooms and communal spaces, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a ballroom, and a stable for 30 horses. Additionally, the property is adorned with 15,000 plants, 20 greenhouses housing tropical flowers, and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, boasting multiple balconies adorned with palm trees.

3. Villa Leopolda – $750 million

Villa Leopolda, the most expensive private residence in Europe, is located on the French Riviera between Monaco and Nice. Originally owned by King Leopold II of Belgium, it has a regal past and has been owned by various elite individuals. Additionally, the villa, featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s “To Catch a Thief,” was bequeathed to Lily Safra by her late husband, Lebanese-Brazilian banker Edward Safra, in 1999. The luxurious property includes a large swimming pool and extensive gardens that reportedly require over 50 gardeners daily. Moreover, with a total of 80,000 square feet of space, Villa Leopolda is known for its sumptuous and stylish design.

2. Antilia – $2 billion

Antilia, the world’s most expensive private residence owned by Mukesh Ambani, the richest person in India, is located in the prestigious area of Mumbai. This 400,000-square-foot building spans 27 floors, with each double-height ceiling counting as two floors, designed to withstand earthquakes. The residence incorporates traditional and natural elements and includes six floors dedicated to parking for the family’s extensive car collection. Moreover, Antilia features a temple, luxurious guest suites, three helipads, a health spa with indoor pools, a ballroom, a yoga studio, an ice-cream parlor, a private movie theater, and a unique snow room to counter high temperatures in India.

© Jhariani, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1. Buckingham Palace – $4.9 billion

Buckingham Palace, with an estimated value of $4.9 billion, is considered the most expensive house in the world, although it is unlikely to be put up for sale. Moreover, it is home to the British Royal Family and open to the public for guided tours. Additionally, the palace features 240 bedrooms, including 188 staff rooms and 52 royal and guest bedrooms. With a swimming pool, doctor’s surgery, and a total of 775 rooms, including 19 staterooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms, the Crown property spans around 77,000 square meters. It also boasts beautiful gardens and a substantial staff. Moreover, there are rumors of secret rooms scattered throughout the expansive luxury mansion.