The real estate market has witnessed some extraordinary transactions in recent years, with properties changing hands for unprecedented sums. These record-breaking sales not only highlight the immense wealth of buyers but also underscore the growing demand for ultra-luxury estates.
The $238 Million Penthouse at 220 Central Park South, New York
In 2019, Ken Griffin, the founder of Citadel, purchased a four-floor penthouse at 220 Central Park South for a staggering $238 million. This transaction remains the most expensive residential sale in the United States to date. The property offers panoramic views of Central Park and boasts over 24,000 square feet of living space, complete with a private elevator and a wine cellar. The sale set a new benchmark for luxury living in Manhattan.
The $225 Million Naples Waterfront Estate
Florida's most expensive home sale occurred in 2025 when a 15-acre waterfront estate in Naples sold for $225 million. This transaction surpassed previous records in the state and positioned Naples as a significant player in the luxury real estate market. The estate features a private beach, multiple guesthouses, and state-of-the-art amenities, catering to the elite's desire for privacy and exclusivity.
The $210 Million Malibu Estate
James Jannard, the founder of Oakley, sold his 10-acre Malibu estate for $210 million in 2024, marking the highest residential sale in California at that time. The property includes a main residence, guesthouses, and extensive outdoor living spaces, all designed to offer unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean. This sale underscored the premium placed on coastal properties in the U.S.
The $150 Million Palm Beach Mansion
In 2024, a mega-mansion on Tarpon Island in Palm Beach sold for $150 million, setting a new record for the area. The property spans several acres and includes a main house, guesthouses, and extensive recreational facilities. Its sale reflects the growing demand for luxury estates in Florida's exclusive communities.
The $5.45 Billion Stuyvesant Town–Peter Cooper Village Sale
While individual home sales have garnered significant attention, institutional transactions have also reached astronomical figures. In 2018, Blackstone Group and Ivanhoé Cambridge acquired Stuyvesant Town–Peter Cooper Village in New York City for $5.45 billion, marking the largest real estate purchase in U.S. history. This deal highlighted the increasing involvement of institutional investors in the residential real estate market.
The $71,280 Per Square Foot Sale at 39 Conduit Road, Hong Kong
International markets have also seen record-breaking sales. At 39 Conduit Road in Hong Kong, a duplex apartment sold for a record HK$71,280 per square foot, setting a global price per square foot record. The buyer, an undisclosed mainland Chinese investor, purchased the property for HK$397 million, reflecting the intense demand for luxury properties in Asia's financial hub.
The $195 Million Palazzo di Amore in Beverly Hills
Jeff Greene's Palazzo di Amore in Beverly Hills was listed at $195 million in 2014, making it one of the most expensive residential properties in the U.S. at that time. The 53,000-square-foot estate includes 12 bedrooms, 25 bathrooms, and a 15,000-square-foot entertainment complex. While it has not yet sold, its listing price set a high bar for luxury estates in California.
The $45.1 Million "The Knoll" Mansion in Sydney
In Sydney, Australia, a six-bedroom Georgian revival mansion known as "The Knoll" sold for $45.1 million, surpassing its $30–35 million price guide. The property, overlooking the Royal Sydney Golf Course, features elegant lawns, established gardens, and a large pool. The sale was marked by spirited bidding, with four of nine bidders actively participating.