Billionaire Bling: Inside the world’s most expensive homes

Pricey pads from around the world

With eight- and nine-figure price tags guaranteed to make your jaw drop, the world's most costly residential properties are the ultimate billionaire playgrounds – millionaires need not apply.

From a Mediterranean palace the size of a football pitch to an Armani-designed penthouse in Dubai, read on for a luxury overload and feast your eyes on the most expensive homes that money can buy...

*Prices and sale status correct at the time of publishing.

Villa Versailles, Ticino, Switzerland: £54 million ($66m)

Known as Villa Versailles, this spectacular home in the Ticino region of Switzerland is located in what the listing describes as the “most exclusive area” of Lugano and offers breathtaking views across the lake.

The 16,328-square-foot (1,516sqm) property boasts six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, as well as spectacular manicured gardens, patios and terraces. Designed for entertaining on a spectacular scale, this magnificent home is built to impress even the most discerning guests.

Villa Versailles, Ticino, Switzerland: £54 million ($66m)

The Greek Revival-style property has a classical exterior with two tiers of white columns, large windows and even a rotunda overlooking the back gardens and the lake.

Inside, the property is more reminiscent of a French château, with a sweeping grand staircase, polished marble floors, crystal chandeliers, moulded walls and coffered ceilings.

Villa Versailles, Ticino, Switzerland: £54 million ($66m)

The neo-classical touches continue inside, with crystal chandeliers, gilded panelling and fine antique furniture running throughout the communal spaces, which include an opulent living room, formal dining room, lounge and chef’s kitchen.

Guests and residents can traverse the ground floor through marble-column lined hallways, reminiscent of those in a library or museum, and add a heightened sense of grandeur to the home.

Villa Versailles, Ticino, Switzerland: £54 million ($66m)

The home’s listing provides little information about the property’s amenities and indicates that the price is only available on request, indicating that the target audience for the listing is an elite subsection of potential buyers. We do know that it was previously listed at £54 million ($66m), however, Sotheby's will be happy to disclose the most up-to-date sum upon application.

Sandwiched in as it is between Switzerland and Italy, the home’s Lugano lakeside location is unquestionably sought after.

Equestrian estate, Perl-Borg, Germany: £55 million ($72m)

It's easy to see why this extraordinary estate is one of the most expensive properties in Europe. Standing close to the beautiful Upper Moselle River, Gestüt Peterhof is home to a world-renowned dressage stable and stud farm.

The lavish facility hosted the qualifiers for the 2016 Rio Olympics and is home to the three-time World Championship-winning stallion, Sezuan. But, as you'll see, it's also a luxury residence in its own right.

Now, it's for sale with Unicorn Real Estate Luxembourg for a cool €65 million (£55m/$72m), so let's saddle up and take a tour...

Equestrian estate, Perl-Borg, Germany: £55 million ($72m)

While the 74 acre (30ha) estate can accommodate 38 horses in gleaming loose boxes, Gestüt Peterhof's human residents haven't been forgotten.

The refined two-storey clubhouse includes an 80-seat restaurant, two catering kitchens, several VIP lounges, two fireplaces and four terraces. We can only imagine the glitzy parties a lucky buyer could hold here.

Equestrian estate, Perl-Borg, Germany: £55 million ($72m)

The imposing baroque-inspired main house, a manager's house and five additional guest cottages have 14 bedrooms in total, all decorated to a high standard.

Unsurprisingly, the décor is distinctly equestrian themed, with horse sculptures, paintings and photos adorning almost every room – and it's all included in the sale, along with all the furniture, appliances and even the farm machinery.

Equestrian estate, Perl-Borg, Germany: £55 million ($72m)

Of course, the real attraction of this incredible estate is the plethora of world-class equestrian facilities. Not only is there this Olympic-standard dressage arena but there's also an indoor arena, lunging ring and an all-wether gallops, as well as the most beautiful tack room you've ever seen, decorated by Ralph Lauren Home.

However, we think the cherry on the cake is the equine wellness centre, which has an aqua-trainer, spa and an infrared heat cabin that provides inhalation treatments. Forget the horses, where do we check in?

Marbella mansion, Málaga, Spain: £56 million ($73m)

Marbella in Málaga, Spain, has long been considered one of the world’s top holiday locations, with gorgeous beaches, beautiful weather and plenty of upscale bars, restaurants, and shopping destinations.

With 13 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, and more than 64,500 square feet (5,992sqm) of space across three storeys, this magnificent property offers buyers a host of luxury features that might tempt them to stay home. While its current price isn't revealed on the listing, it was previously on the market for an impressive £56 million ($73m).

Marbella mansion, Málaga, Spain: £56 million ($73m)

The home’s first floor offers ample space for entertaining, with elegant formal dining and living rooms, the latter with two open marble fireplaces. You'll also find a more casual family room and a spacious terrace area perfectly designed for dining al fresco, with a fully equipped barbecue zone with a Josper oven and a wood-fired pizza oven.

Other cooking facilities include a primary gourmet kitchen and a secondary staff kitchen for catering larger events.

Marbella mansion, Málaga, Spain: £56 million ($73m)

Up a sweeping double staircase, the home’s master bedroom features two separate his-and-hers ensuites and walk-in closets, as well as a private terrace with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Guests will also be able to enjoy a slice of luxury in one of the seven additional guest suites, each equipped with its own ensuite, walk-in closet, lounge area and terrace.

The home is also far from short on entertainment but to discover its host of high-end amenities, we’ll have to move into the basement...

Marbella mansion, Málaga, Spain: £56 million ($73m)

The property’s subterranean level is kitted out with a vast array of features to keep both guests and residents satisfied. These include a fully equipped industrial kitchen, a 21-seat cinema room, a spa area with a heated indoor wave pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna, a Turkish bath, a gym and a beauty salon.

There's also a two-lane bowling alley, a games room with a billiard table, foosball, air hockey and a children’s play area. For the adults, there are two conditioned wine cellars for red and white wines along with a tasting area and a luxurious Italian wood bar.

Royal-inspired palace, Caesarea, Israel: £69 million ($90m)

This striking home is certainly fit for royalty. Inspired by baroque and rococo architecture, the mesmerising mansion sits on 2.7 acres (1.1ha) of land in the town of Caesarea in Israel and benefits from breathtaking views across the Mediterranean Sea.

Originally listed for £192 million ($250m), the price was eventually dropped by £78 million ($101m) to the slightly more reasonable £85 million ($110m). It was more recently cut again to £69 million ($90m), we assume because it failed to attract a buyer.

Royal-inspired palace, Caesarea, Israel: £69 million ($90m)

As expected, the incredible home has a number of high-end amenities including a private spa, fitness room and an indoor pool, to name just a few. Heading upstairs, the new owners will find five bedrooms and 15 bathrooms.

The sprawling master suite boasts not one, but two ensuite bathrooms, two walk-in wardrobes and two dressing areas.

Royal-inspired palace, Caesarea, Israel: £69 million ($90m)

Inside, the one-of-a-kind home is nothing short of amazing with natural marble and onyx mosaics, 14-karat-gold mouldings, silk carpets and custom-made furnishings.

With over 75,000 square feet (6,967sqm) of interior space, the grand hallway sets the tone for the rest of the interior with crystal chandeliers and grand marble columns.

Royal-inspired palace, Caesarea, Israel: £69 million ($90m)

Outside, the grounds are a world of their own, offering landscaped gardens, two fountains with Roman sculptures and an outdoor pool with a built-in audio system and outdoor television.

Additional amenities include a wine room, billiard hall, a 4K movie theatre and eco-friendly energy-saving systems.

Armani Beach Residences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: £101 million ($131m)

This eye-catching building is the Armani Beach Residences on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's prestigious palm-shaped archipelago. Designed by Tadao Ando, the ultra-luxurious property is spread over nine storeys and houses 60 apartments, all of which have panoramic views of the sea and will be decorated by Armani Casa Interior Design Studio.

While it's due to be completed in 2026, its stunning presidential penthouse apartment is already for sale with Sotheby's for AED 482.5 million (£101m/$131m).

Armani Beach Residences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: £101 million ($131m)

The contemporary yet elegant 43,830-square-foot (4,071sqm) penthouse has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms and a gourmet kitchen, which is – as you'd expect – full of all the very latest appliances.

The listing describes the home as 'a slice of tranquil luxury' and, with its neutral colour palette, flowing architecture and enormous windows, we couldn't agree more.

Armani Beach Residences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: £101 million ($131m)

As the very best address in the building, the apartment comes with a large roof terrace with its own pool and jacuzzi, as well as an al fresco dining area and breath-taking views over the Arabian Gulf and Dubai's distinctive skyline.

As you'd expect, there's more to discover in the rest of the residence...

Armani Beach Residences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: £101 million ($131m)

The building's high-end homeowners will have the use of an exclusive private beach (with lounger service, naturally), a contemplation courtyard designed by Tadao Ando, a luxury spa with a sauna and ice bath, an indoor pool, a movie theatre and an impressive infinity swimming pool.

As there are very few plots yet to be developed on Jumeirah Palm, the Armani Beach Residences will be one of the very last projects to be built on the archipelago, making it all the more special.

Palais Vénitien, Cannes, France: £102 million ($132m)

Known as Palais Vénitien, this fabulous estate is located moments from the enticing coastline of Cannes, a glistening resort town on the French Riviera, famed for its international film festival.

Listed with Knight Frank for €120 million (102m/$132m), the pad was recently redesigned by the interior experts at COGEMAD, resulting in dramatic living spaces overflowing with high-end fixtures.

Palais Vénitien, Cannes, France: £102 million ($132m)

The historic estate is one of the finest in the region and its impressive interior stretches a staggering 32,291 square feet (3,000sqm). Every single room is lavish beyond belief. There are sprawling formal living areas (eight to be exact), dining spaces and sleeping quarters.

In fact, there are a total of nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms, as well as a seriously huge kitchen that could have been plucked from a top restaurant.

Palais Vénitien, Cannes, France: £102 million ($132m)

From monumental columns and exquisite mouldings to gilded Venetian details and crystal chandeliers, this mansion reflects the very best of traditional French design.

There are plenty of modern elements in this home, too. For example, the mammoth, luxurious basement is akin to a nightclub, with its dancefloor, bar, velvet seating and professional lighting.

Palais Vénitien, Cannes, France: £102 million ($132m)

Outside, things are just as magical. The garden is home to almost six acres (2.4ha) of terraced grounds that have been meticulously crafted.

There's also a huge swimming pool, a sunbathing deck, a tennis court, a lake and secluded woodland. How's that for awe-inspiring?

Casa Encantada, Los Angeles, California: £150 million ($195m)

Casa Encantada is an impressive home with a history to match. Standing on 8.4 acres (3.4ha) in Bel Air, Los Angeles, the mansion was built in 1937 and was once owned by Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton Hotels chain and great-grandfather of DJ and socialite Paris Hilton.

When it hit the market for £176 million ($225m) back in October 2019 it was the most expensive home to be publicly listed in the whole of the USA, according to the Los Angeles Times. Since then, the price has taken a cut – but at £150 million ($195m), it's still one of the priciest properties in the States. Let's see what all the fuss is about...

Casa Encantada, Los Angeles, California: £150 million ($195m)

The Georgian-style home was bought by financier Gary Winnick in 2000 for $94 million – that's about $172 million (£135m) today. He reportedly poured millions of dollars into restoring the home, returning the interiors to their original style, as created by the designer of the 1930s and 40s, TH Robsjohn-Gibbings.

Gibbings' trademark look was one of "refined austerity", according to the New York Times. His love of simple lines "rendered by beautiful materials" can certainly be seen in this elegant drawing room.

Casa Encantada, Los Angeles, California: £150 million ($195m)

This 18-seat dining room hints at the scale and grandeur of the rest of the house. As well as an entry hall with 14-foot (4m) high ceilings, a walnut-panelled library and multiple formal and informal living and dining rooms, the mansion boasts seven bedrooms, 20 bathrooms and a bar made entirely from sterling silver.

Casa Encantada, Los Angeles, California: £150 million ($195m)

Although it's less than a 10-minute drive to Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills' most exclusive shopping destination, Casa Encantada is hidden away among the fairways of the Bel Air Country Club's prestigious golf course.

Its acreage contains landscaped lawns, formal rose gardens, veg beds, a tropical botanic garden, a 60-foot (18m) swimming pool, a tennis court with its own viewing pavillion and garage space for 15 cars. We're starting to think this estate deserves its hefty pricetag!

Duplex penthouse, London, UK: £175 million ($228m)

A surprising number of the world's priciest properties aren't mega-mansions but prestigious penthouses, floating above our capital cities like castles in the sky. This duplex penthouse at One Hyde Park: The Residences at Mandarin Oriental overlooks – you guessed it – Hyde Park, as well as ritzy Knightsbridge.

On the market for £175 million ($228m), the five-bedroom, eight-bathroom home makes the most of its location with wrap-around terraces – but we think it's the interior that makes it stand out from the crowd...

Duplex penthouse, London, UK: £175 million ($228m)

Imagine kicking back and relaxing in this double-height formal reception room. With a 26-foot (8m) high ceiling, glass fireplace and double-height windows, we'd never want to leave.

Elsewhere, there's a pool table and home cinema to keep the family entertained, while two sleek studies and meeting areas would make working from home positively enjoyable.

Duplex penthouse, London, UK: £175 million ($228m)

The master suite sprawls over 2,300 square feet (701sqm) and features not one, but two ensuite bathrooms, each with Jacuzzi-style jet pools and spacious dressing rooms.

Naturally, the home also has it's very own state-of-the-art gym, as well as a private spa with a treatment room, sauna and steam room.

Duplex penthouse, London, UK: £175 million ($228m)

The Japanese-inspired kitchen features matching black forest granite countertops and floors, as well as high-end Gaggenau appliances.

The duplex comes with four storage units, so you don't have to worry about your clutter ruining the minimalist aesthetic. It also has four parking spaces, two additional entrances and a staff suite, as well as 'back-of-house' areas your staff can use to run your new home like clockwork. What more could a billionaire need?

The Holme, London, UK: £250 million ($325m)

Nestled on the waterfront in the midst of London's Regent's Park, this magnificent mansion occupies one of the most sought-after locations in the UK capital. The Regency-era estate was hailed as "one of the most desirable private homes in London" by architectural scholar Guy Williams, and if rumours are to be believed, it certainly has a price tag befitting of that moniker.

According to The Telegraph, the sprawling property, known as The Holme, quietly hit the market in 2023 for £300 million ($390m), though conflicting reports claim the asking price is from £250 million ($325m).

The Holme, London, UK: £250 million ($325m)

Dating back to 1818, The Holme was built by James Burton, a developer famed for his collaborations with the acclaimed architect John Nash, the mastermind behind Regent's Park. Constructed as the family seat of the Burtons, the house was appropriately designed by James' son, Decimus Burton.

The three-storey palatial property is staggering in scale, featuring an ornate columned entrance, 40 bedrooms and a basement. Touted as London's most valuable house, it's no surprise that this rare real estate opportunity comes at such a hefty cost.

The Holme, London, UK: £250 million ($325m)

The Holme eventually passed from the Burton family and was leased for a time by Bedford College, before reverting to a private residence once more. The home was reportedly remodelled in 1935 by American architect Paul Phipps, though the revamp was said to remain faithful to Burton's vision.

An icon of the capital, the mansion has been a fond fixture on the lake for centuries and has played host to an array of prominent figures. German-American actress Marlene Dietrich is pictured here giving a speech outside the house as part of a charity event in July 1954.

The Holme, London, UK: £250 million ($325m)

While the house has been a private retreat in recent years, the public has occasionally been given access to its beautifully manicured grounds as part of the UK's National Garden Scheme. The estate's pristine four acres (1.6ha) were designed by Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe and include the grand terrace, the rose garden and extensive shrubberies.

If The Holme was snapped up for its staggering reported asking price, it would claim the title of the most expensive home sold in London.