Top 10 Most Expensive Houses in The World in 2024
Whether conceptualised for full time residence or for tourism, villas wholly and utterly define the word ‘luxury’. And the luxury property market offers some of the most fascinating projects for architects and developers. Here are the top 10 most luxurious villas in the world to inspire your next build or purchase.
1. Antilia, Mumbai, India $1,000 Million
Antilia, a towering 27-story skyscraper in Mumbai, is owned by Mukesh Ambani, one of India's wealthiest individuals. Spanning over 400,000 square feet, this modern marvel boasts three helipads, a 168-car garage, multiple swimming pools, a private theatre, and a snow room. Designed with motifs of the lotus and sun, it utilizes high-end materials like crystal, marble, and mother-of-pearl. Its opulence is starkly contrasted by the surrounding urban landscape, making it both a symbol of luxury and a subject of public debate.
2. Villa Les Cedres, French Riviera, France $450 Million
Built-in 1830 and acquired by King Leopold II in 1904, Villa Les Cedres is a luxurious estate featuring 14 bedrooms, a grand library with rare books, and a ballroom. The 18,000-square-foot property, once home to the Marnier-Lapostolle family, creators of Grand Marnier, is known for its botanical gardens, ancient olive trees, and serene coastal vistas, blending historical charm and natural beauty.
3. Les Palais Bulles, Cannes, France $ 390 Million
Known as the "Bubble Palace," this futuristic residence was designed by architect Antti Lovag for industrialist Pierre Bernard and later acquired by fashion designer Pierre Cardin. The 1,200-square-meter home features interconnected bubble-shaped rooms, a 500-seat open-air amphitheatre, multiple swimming pools, and terraces with stunning sea views. Various artists uniquely decorate each room, creating a harmonious blend of art and architecture.
4. Bel Air Spec Manor, Los Angeles $250 Million
The priciest residential property to have ever been listed in the United States, valued at a staggering $250 million in 2017. Beating the $100 million Playboy Mansion to the top spot in the Curbed ’25 Most Expensive Homes’ list the year previous. This huge 380,000 square foot villa features an outdoor poolside movie theatre, a bowling alley, a helicopter landing pad, plus a $30 million car portfolio that comes with the sale. Don't miss out the impressive promotional video.
5. E Sector Villa In Emirates Hills, Dubai
This unique villa is designed by XBD Interiors. The villa comprises of four floors and boasts a selection of top-notch international brands, excellent fittings, and lavish materials. Its unique exterior features an exclusive mashrabiya facade that creates elegant light patterns, stunning floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and an impressive 11.5-meter suspended glass bridge that connects the ground floor balcony to the pavilion and two-storeyed swimming pool. Additionally, the villa operates entirely on solar power and offers ten bedrooms and thirteen bathrooms.
6. Over Yonder Cay, Bahamas $730,000 Rent For A Week
Set on a private island, this villa is one of the most expensive holiday rentals in the world. Costing around $730,000 for a week’s hire for up to 28 people, but full of perks such as a day sail on a 114 foot superyacht, scuba diving and snorkelling, access to a 9 hole golf course, and a spa with treatments.
7. Ellison Estate, California $200 Million
A $200 million mansion villa, spread across 10 separate buildings and 23 acres of land. It’s currently home to the third richest man in the world, Larry Ellison, and the estate even has its own teahouse and bath house.
8. Frond Signature Villa In Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
This remarkable villa located on the beachfront has been meticulously constructed and entirely renovated to fashion a tranquil, sophisticated, and modern family abode. The interior is fully furnished with tasteful decor and luxurious amenities that reflect the careful planning and exceptional attention to detail invested in this exceptional property. The layout is ideally suited for a refined contemporary lifestyle, featuring a capacious family living area, dining area, entrance foyer, and formal living area all conveniently situated on the ground floor.
9. Ol Jogi Villas, Kenya $229,600 Rent For A Week
Another prolific holiday home, this time on a private ranch in the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy. Costing around $229,600 for 14 people for week’s holiday. Whilst luxury features run through the villa’s interior story (such as Hermes fabrics and polished Buccellati silver), the main selling point of this estate is the surrounding wildlife, making it a truly unique destination. All profits from the rentals go to fund Ol Jogi’s black rhino conservation projects.
10. Ski Dream Home, Utah
This is the world’s ultimate ski escape, located in Deer Crest and built by Resorts West. CEO Joseph Ballstaedt describes the amazing 360 degree view, one of the property’s core USPs: “You can see storms gathering. You can see everything.” The ski villa is completely custom made, with a ski-in bar, DJ booth, heated pool with grotto, 14 seater cinema and golf simulator.
11. Villa Gajah Putih, Bali $6,000 Rent Per Night
Located in the resort village of Canggu, less than an hour away from South Kuta (yet worlds away in ambience and style). Prices start from $6000+ per night to stay at this private rental and guests will have access to their own beachfront, as well as being able to enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens, the private pool and the private tennis courts.
12. Villa Leopolda, France $500 Million
Valued at €500 million, this villa is one of, if not the , most expensive residential homes in the world. Unlike many of the millionaire luxury villas being built, this property comes with a rich history spanning the entire century. It was originally built in 1902 by Belgium's King Leopold II as a gift to one of his mistresses. The current owner is Lily Safra, widow to Lebanese banker Edmond Safra who bought the villa in the 1980s.
13. Palazzate, Barbados $125 Million
One of the most luxurious Caribbean properties, built to palatial style and elegance. Palazzate is a lavish $125 million beachfront villa commissioned for the super-rich and an important real estate asset for the Speightstown area of the island. The build stretches 75,000 square feet and has been erected into four tiers, each with its own balcony pool.
More Expensive Houses To Consider
18-19 Kensington Gardens, London, UK - USD 128 Million: Located in the prestigious area of Kensington, London, this property is owned by Indian business magnate Lakshmi Mittal. The 55,000-square-foot home, originally two semi-detached houses converted into one, features 12 bedrooms, an indoor pool, Turkish baths, and parking for 20 cars. Its location on "Billionaires Row" offers proximity to notable neighbours such as Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Beyonce & Jay-Z Malibu Mansion, California, USA - USD 88 Million: Perched on the cliffs of Malibu, this modern mansion owned by Beyonce and Jay-Z offers panoramic ocean views and luxury amenities. The contemporary design includes floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and eco-friendly materials. The property’s blend of luxury and sustainability reflects the couple’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Ellison Estate, California, USA - USD 200 Million: Nestled in Woodside, California, Ellison Estate is owned by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. Inspired by Japanese aesthetics, this 23-acre property features multiple residences, lush gardens, an artificial lake, and a Koi pond. The traditional Japanese architecture and serene landscapes create a tranquil oasis of luxury and elegance.
Last updated: August 2024