As a journalist, I can report that the United States has seen some incredibly expensive real estate deals throughout its history. From the luxurious apartments in Manhattan to the sprawling mansions in Beverly Hills, the country’s most expensive properties have often been the subject of intense media scrutiny.
One of the most expensive real estate deals in US history was the purchase of The Chartwell Estate in Bel-Air, California, which sold for $150 million in 2019. The property was formerly owned by the late media mogul, Jerry Perenchio, and boasts a main house, guesthouse, and a 75-foot pool. Another notable sale was the $147 million purchase of a Manhattan penthouse by hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin in 2019.
The previous record for the most expensive home sale in the US was held by the Hamptons estate, East Hampton’s Further Lane Farm, which sold for $147 million in 2014. The 18-acre property, which includes a 22,000-square-foot mansion, tennis courts, and a private pond, was bought by hedge fund manager Barry Rosenstein.
Other notable real estate deals include the $120 million sale of a Holmby Hills mansion in Los Angeles to Swedish billionaire Markus Persson, the $100 million purchase of a Palm Beach estate by hedge fund manager Steven A. Cohen, and the $88 million sale of a New York City apartment to music mogul David Geffen.
These transactions may seem eye-poppingly expensive, but they are often made by the ultra-wealthy as investments or simply to own a piece of the American dream. As journalists, it’s important to report on these deals objectively and with an understanding of the broader context of wealth inequality in our society.
