Step inside Beyoncé and Jay-Z's incredible £240m property portfolio

Go through the keyhole with The Carters

Perhaps the ultimate A-list power couple, Beyoncé and Jay-Z have accumulated an eye-watering number of awards between them during their chart-topping music careers, as well as a roster of successful businesses. As a result, the talented duo has a combined net worth of over $2.6 billion (£2bn).

With some serious cash in their wallets, it's no surprise that they've picked up some incredible properties during their rise to the top, including a $200 million (£151m) mansion in Malibu and another luxury estate in Bel Air.

Read on to take a closer look at the remarkable lives and homes of Beyoncé and Jay-Z...

Setting up home together

Having tied the knot in 2008, Beyoncé and Jay-Z began building a star-studded property portfolio as their careers went from strength to strength. Their portfolio now includes opulent homes in Los Angeles, Malibu, the Hamptons and New York City.

The Carter family has also grown over the years with the birth of daughter Blue Ivy in 2012 and twins Sir and Rumi who arrived in 2017. The brood is still thought to spend most of their time in an $88 million (£69m) mega-mansion in Bel Air, despite laying down an estimated $200 million (£151m) for a new mansion in Malibu in 2023.

Despite their many luxury homes, Beyoncé and Jay-Z's property journey had rather more humble beginnings.

Beyoncé's first childhood home in Houston, Texas

For Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, born 4 September 1981, it all started in this charming brick house in Houston, Texas. Records suggest that the Knowles family purchased the three-bedroom home in 1986 and lived here until Beyoncé was five years old.

In 2019, the house changed hands for $450,000 (£343k). Tragically, five years after the sale, the property caught fire in 2023 on Christmas morning. The roof and upper floor appear to have been most affected but luckily no one was hurt and the damage appears to be rectifiable.

Beyoncé's second childhood home in Houston, Texas

In the mid-1990s, the Knowles family decamped to this grand 1930s home just over a mile away in the Houston suburbs. The impressive property features shuttered windows and a palatial two-storey portico framing the front door.

The residence has over 4,000 square feet (372sqm) of living space, including four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. The young family would've had plenty of space to stretch out and Beyoncé no doubt enjoyed a comfortable childhood in the sprawling home.

Beyoncé's second childhood home in Houston, Texas

A reporter for local news outlet Fox 26 Houston revisited the notable home in 2018 and interviewed its current owner, who revealed that fans regularly make the pilgrimage to the property to see where the star got her start in life.

While some features such as the home's original wood floors and fireplace remain unchanged from Beyoncé's tenure, numerous renovations have been carried out over the years. Pictured here is the master bedroom – the space originally comprised the childhood bedrooms of Beyoncé and her younger sister Solange before the dividing wall was knocked through.

Beyoncé's Houston roots

It's clear that Bey still has a lot of affection for her old stomping ground and the place where her music career kicked off. In 2016 the star returned to her old neighbourhood, sharing a snap with her loyal Instagram followers.

The following year, she returned to take part in volunteer work to help local families affected by Hurricane Harvey, proving that the songstress still holds Houston close to her heart.

Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind apartment in Brooklyn, New York City

In the 2009 hit 'Empire State of Mind', Jay-Z immortalised his former Brooklyn apartment. In the song, the iconic musician sings: "Took it to my stash spot, 560 State Street. Catch me in the kitchen, like a Simmons whippin' pastry." With these words, Jay-Z made the property as legendary as he is.

It's thought that the musician lived in apartment 10C at 560 State Street for some years before he got his big break.

Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind apartment in Brooklyn, New York City

The rapper and native New Yorker, born Shawn Corey Carter, reportedly moved into the building in the late 1990s, around the same time that he founded music label Roc-A-Fella Records with two friends.

Over the years, units in the apartment complex have come up for sale for markedly more than the rapper paid for his original property. In 2023, this two-bedroom apartment (pictured) in the same building hit the market for a staggering $1.4 million (£1.1m).

Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind apartment in Brooklyn, New York City

Spanning just over 1,000 square feet (92.9sqm), the unit's layout may well have been similar to the one Jay-Z lived in. The sleek space has an open-plan living area with a small kitchenette and plenty of space for a lounge and dining zone. The home's biggest selling points, however, are its elegant hardwood floors and airy 10-foot (3m) ceilings.

Speaking to teen magazine Seventeen in 2008, Beyoncé revealed that the notoriously private couple started dating in the early 2000s when she was 19, so it's conceivable that Queen Bey herself may have even spent time in the building.

Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind apartment in Brooklyn, New York City

However, Jay is adamant that the complex wasn't quite so nice when he lived there. In 2012, the musician visited his former apartment and took to the roof to soak up the view and reminisce about his time in the area. His trip down memory lane was captured by Ron Howard in the 2013 documentary Made in America. During filming, the rapper revealed that the building was once seen as an undesirable place to live, though its fortunes have clearly since changed.

Beyoncé's Manhattan condo in New York City

Having released her first solo album Dangerously in Love in 2003, Bey purchased a condo in Manhattan for just over $5 million (£3.8m) in 2005, the year Destiny's Child called it quits.

Located in the sought-after One Beacon Court skyscraper between Lexington and Third Avenue, the high-rise home is perched on the 44th floor. The 2,669-square-foot (248sqm) corner apartment benefits from breathtaking views across Central Park and the glittering cityscape of the Big Apple.

Beyoncé's Manhattan condo in New York City

When she snapped up the condo, Bey had already racked up an incredible nine Grammy Award wins, so no doubt was in need of extra space to display her accolades.

Airy and filled with natural light, the home boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, towering 11-foot (3.3m) ceilings and state-of-the-art smart home systems. Every room has been finished immaculately thanks to Parisian interior designer Jacques Grange, from the solid panel doors to the contemporary mouldings and recessed lighting.

Beyoncé's Manhattan condo in New York City

The incredible skyscraper home offers an eat-in gourmet kitchen, which is kitted out with custom cabinets, Italian Basaltina stone countertops, Brazilian granite floors and professional-grade stainless steel appliances.

There are also three ensuite bedrooms, while the master suite includes a steam shower, a bathtub with a view, his-and-hers sinks and large closets. Everything the superstar could've needed!

Beyoncé's Manhattan condo in New York City

During her tenure, Bey would also have had access to private courtyard parking, a 24-hour doorman, a personalised concierge service, a fitness centre and a valet.

It's hardly surprising then that Beyoncé held on to the condo for quite some time, only parting with it in 2017 when she placed it on the market for just under $10 million (£7.6m). Unsurprisingly, it sold in just 11 days for the full asking price.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's wedding venue in Tribeca, New York City

Meanwhile, Jay-Z's next New York City real estate purchase in 2004, the year the pair made their red carpet debut together at the MTV VMAs, would turn out to be a pretty important place for the guarded duo.

The rapper snapped up this plush Tribeca penthouse for just over $6.8 million (£5.2m), but it would be more than just a home for the couple – in fact, it was the location of Beyoncé and Jay-Z's intimate wedding when they tied the knot in 2008. A small affair with only close friends and family, phones were reportedly banned to ensure the couple's special day was kept private.

Jay-Z's plush penthouse in Manhattan, New York City

A year before their nuptials in 2007, Jay-Z began renting this 76th-floor penthouse in the Time Warner Center on New York's Upper West Side. At the time, his music career was hitting stratospheric heights, with six Grammy Awards under his belt, including two for 'Crazy in Love', his collaboration with his wife-to-be.

He leased the apartment for a number of years at a rumoured cost of $40,000 (£31k) per month, before it was sold by Douglas Elliman Real Estate for the sizeable sum of $31 million (£23.6m).

Jay-Z's plush penthouse in Manhattan, New York City

Standing proud at 4,825 square feet (448sqm), the phenomenal penthouse features everything from panoramic city views to a suspended aquarium in the living room. Every bit as extravagant as you might expect, the pad offers sleek hardwood flooring, recessed lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows, a built-in entertainment centre and a jukebox – perfect for hosting star-studded parties.

Jay-Z's plush penthouse in Manhattan, New York City

The views are without a doubt the home's pièce de résistance, with 360-degree vistas of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Hudson River. Many of the rooms, including the lounge and master bedroom, also have direct access to private exterior balconies, where Jay-Z no doubt spent many a night soaking up the iconic city skyline.

Elsewhere, the apartment offers a stylish home office and a spacious kitchen with a dining zone and marble finishes.

Jay-Z's plush penthouse in Manhattan, New York City

The master suite would've been the ideal space for the rapper to unwind, thanks to its king-sized bed, cosy lounge area and ensuite bathroom.

Following the birth of their daughter, Blue Ivy, in 2012, the A-list duo decided it was time to expand their property portfolio. The couple began searching for a permanent home but found the process surprisingly hard, despite their big budget. Bey and Jay tried to snap up a handful of different properties but lost out each time.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's rental home in Holmby Hills, California

After struggling to purchase a house of their own, they began renting this spectacular mansion for a reported $200,000 (£152k) a month in 2014.

The newly constructed Holmby Hills estate spans 16,000 square feet (1,486sqm) and comes with seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. The three-storey home features an infinity pool, a wine cellar, two libraries, a catering kitchen, a 75-foot-long (23m) art gallery, a home theatre and a tennis court.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's rental home in Holmby Hills, California

Pictured here is the home's secure entrance, shielded by tall opaque gates and dense trees and foliage.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z are said to have used the property as their base when not on tour, but in May 2014, the house hit the market for a cool $45 million (£34m). At the time, it was one of the most expensive houses for sale in all of Los Angeles and when it sold in 2015, the family was reportedly given just 60 days to find somewhere else to live.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's second rental mansion in Holmby Hills, California

Forced to up sticks from their rental, the Carters began leasing another mansion in Holmby Hills, where they stayed for a year. The property was once the home of former LA Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who sold it in 2014 for $45 million (£34m) just before the A-list family moved in.

According to TMZ, several items from the rental home came up for sale on eBay in 2023. Eric’s Architectural Salvage LA came into possession of the items after the house was renovated in 2017, which included a gilded bidet, a number of windows and a pair of arched French doors.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s church conversion in New Orleans, Louisiana

Turning their gaze from California to Louisiana, Beyoncé and Jay-Z are rumoured to have made a rather unusual purchase in 2015. The property, which is situated in the Garden District of New Orleans, was said to have been bought by the Carters in 2015. According to city records, Sugarcane Park LLC, a limited company linked to Beyoncé's mother, acquired the home.

Built in 1925, the 15,000-square-foot (1,393sqm) property is known locally as La Casa de Castille. It's been through many iterations in its lifetime, from a Presbyterian church to a ballet school and a wedding and events venue, before it was transformed into a home in 2001.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s church conversion in New Orleans, Louisiana

Up close, the ornate Spanish Baroque-style architecture is even more breathtaking.

Alongside its seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the residence includes towering 26-foot (7.9m) ceilings, vast windows and an incredible living green roof. The three-storey home blends modern touches with plenty of period features, including hardwood floors, marble accents, original columns and attractive plasterwork.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s church conversion in New Orleans, Louisiana

However, disaster struck in July 2021 when a fire erupted at the home. Thought to have been an arson attack, the pair decided to put the converted home on the market that same month. While it was said to be initially listed for $3.5 million (£2.7m), the house was mysteriously removed from the market months later in October. The couple are still thought to own the property.

Evidently shaken by the ordeal, the pair have now blurred the home on Google Maps and in images taken in June 2023, the property is encircled in metal fencing.

Beyoncé's maternity rental in Malibu, California

The Carters decided to expand their family as well as their property portfolio in the summer of 2017. Just before welcoming twins Sir and Rumi, Beyoncé and Jay-Z decided to rent a coastal villa on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, known as La Villa Contenta. The couple leased the residence throughout Bey's pregnancy, forking out a reported $400,000 (£303k) a month for the privilege.

Beyoncé's maternity rental in Malibu, California

The breathtaking beach estate comes with everything a superstar might need for a tranquil babymoon, including a main house, guest lodgings and six oceanfront acres (2.4ha) of landscaped gardens.

Featuring 16,000 square feet (1,486sqm) of luxury living space, the residence blends classic European architecture with every amenity under the sun. There's enough space to accommodate 18 people thanks to the estate's 10 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, distributed between the main house and the various outbuildings.

Beyoncé's maternity rental in Malibu, California

In terms of amenities, the opulent villa has it all, from a saltwater infinity pool, tennis court, croquet lawns and plenty of outdoor entertainment lounges to a billiards room, library, wine cellar and movie theatre.

Most notably, many fans will remember Beyoncé's iconic pregnancy photoshoot, some of which took place in the sprawling grounds of the villa.

Beyoncé's maternity rental in Malibu, California

We got a glimpse inside the opulent home when the property was used to host a Mother's Day celebration for volunteer nonprofit Best Buddies International in 2019. Pictured here, the terrace is lined with palm trees and seating areas, while covered alfresco lounges blur indoors and out.

While the home is no longer on the market, it was most recently listed for $54.5 million (£41.3m) with Christie's International Real Estate. The villa is now available to rent out for events and longer stays.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's $88m mansion in Bel Air, California

After bouncing between rentals, the growing family made an impressive real estate comeback in the summer of 2017 and closed on this newly-built Bel Air estate, which set them back a staggering $88 million (£66.6m).

Comprising six structures, the colossal residence is made from glass, steel and exquisite marbled limestone and features terraced living roofs.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's $88m mansion in Bel Air, California

Bey has posted plenty of candid Instagram shots of the jaw-dropping mansion, including this image with her vast trainer collection.

The custom-made home has eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, as well as a dramatic architectural staircase made from dark wood and Italian limestone. The windows feature bulletproof glass and there's also a state-of-the-art security system to ensure the family can relax in complete privacy.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's $88m mansion in Bel Air, California

Expansive patios, numerous sunbathing decks and four swimming pools make up the home's almost two-acre (0.8ha) garden.

The sale of the 30,000-square-foot (2,787sqm) residence was among LA’s most expensive property transactions of 2017. According to the Los Angeles Times, the couple took out a $52.8 million (£40m) mortgage to buy the pad, which equates to around $252,000 (£191k) a month in repayments over a 30-year period.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's $88m mansion in Bel Air, California

In 2019, an investigation by the Los Angeles Times also found that the couple were paying $1 million (£756k) per year in property taxes on the Bel Air mansion. Not that the King and Queen of music need to worry, given that they're among the richest celebrity couples in the world.

Unsurprisingly, the estate is packed with luxury amenities including a full basketball court, a spa and standalone staff quarters, as well as a secure garage for up to 15 vehicles.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's home in the Hamptons, New York

Around a month after they picked up their Bel Air mega-mansion, the Carters made another big real estate splurge, this time on a $26 million (£19.7m) holiday retreat in the Hamptons, New York. The pad is located in the coastal town of East Hampton, a celebrity property hotspot renowned for its pristine beaches and grand mansions. Known as Pond House, the residence sat stagnant on the real estate market for eight years until the power couple laid claim to it.

The home spans 12,000 square feet (1,114sqm) and offers a total of seven bedrooms and seven-and-a-half bathrooms. There's even a separate 1,800-square-foot (167sqm) guest cottage for visitors.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's home in the Hamptons, New York

Designed by Stanford White over 100 years ago, Pond House sits on an elevated two-acre (0.8ha) plot and was extensively renovated over two years by luxury real estate developer Jeffrey Collé. As part of the works, Collé rotated the entire property 90 degrees in order to improve the views.

The sprawling celebrity holiday home is clearly a favourite of Beyoncé's, as not long after buying the property, she took to Instagram to show off the family's new digs. Pictured here on the mansion's deck, we have a feeling it'll be a much-loved family holiday retreat for years to come.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's home in the Hamptons, New York

The couple return to the property most summers and were photographed here in June 2024 on a luxury boat during one visit to their Hamptons retreat.

As well as being ideally located to make the most of this picturesque region and its stunning natural beauty, the home is brimming with amenities to keep the family entertained. These include a screening room, a playroom, a three-car garage, an infinity-edged pool, a wraparound terrace and an outdoor kitchen. We'd never want to leave!

Beyoncé's music video rental in Beverly Hills, California

In 2020, Beyoncé released a musical film and visual album entitled Black Is King in collaboration with Disney+. For the project, the singer decided to rent a property that would do her music justice. For the job, she chose the Beverly Estate, a landmark Hollywood property that appeared in iconic films including The Godfather and The Bodyguard.

Steeped in history, the Mediterranean Revival-style mansion has played host to many famous faces over the decades. Built in 1926, it was once owned by newspaper magnate William Randolph Heart and was also where John F Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis honeymooned in 1953.

Beyoncé's music video rental in Beverly Hills, California

Encompassing 50,000 square feet (4,645sqm) of inside space, every room is overflowing with mesmerising design details, such as dramatic arched ceilings, decorative panelled walls and gilded furnishings. It's no real wonder that Bey chose the pad as the backdrop for her visual album.

The spectacular spread features 18 bedrooms, 29 bathrooms, a two-storey library, two screening rooms, a commercial-grade kitchen, a billiard room with a hand-carved stone fireplace and a formal living room finished with a painted ceiling. There's also an 82-foot-long (25m) hallway, pictured in numerous scenes in the visual album.

Beyoncé's music video rental in Beverly Hills, California

Elsewhere in the home's manicured grounds, there's an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a floodlit tennis court.

The palatial pad is one of America's most expensive homes. In 2016 it made waves when it hit the market for a cool $195 million (£149m). After struggling to find a buyer, the property was relisted in 2020 for $125 million (£95m), before eventually selling at auction in October 2021 at a reduced price of $63.1 million (£48m).

Back on the road

Beyoncé's record-breaking Renaissance World Tour ran from May to October 2023 and took her to 39 cities around the world. For several of the shows, Beyoncé delighted fans by getting her daughter Blue Ivy to join her on stage as an honorary member of her dance troupe. The superstar’s ninth concert tour pulled in $579 million (£441m), making it her highest-grossing tour and the second-highest-grossing tour by a female artist in history.

The star's entrepreneurial endeavours have made headlines too. Beyoncé owns production and management company Parkwood Entertainment and has accumulated a number of businesses in the fashion, fragrance and health sectors.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's $200m Brutalist mansion in Malibu, California

In the same month that Beyoncé was about to embark on her world tour, the couple were also poised to make their biggest property purchase yet. The A-list duo made global headlines when they snapped up their latest home for the staggering price tag of $200 million (£151m) in May 2023. At the time, it was the most expensive home ever sold in California and the second-most expensive property deal in US history.

Yet, remarkably, the pair may have bought it at a bargain price. While the home was never strictly on the open market, rumour has it the seller was originally asking $295 million (£223.5m) for the architectural gem.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's $200m Brutalist mansion in Malibu, California

Images of the home are hard to come by, but these shots of the Brutalist mega-mansion's grounds from Pacific Pervious Concrete, who carried out work on the residence in 2015, offer a glimpse inside the fortified compound.

Perched on the edge of a bluff in Malibu, the home has unimpeded views of the glittering Pacific Ocean, no doubt a key motivator behind its sky-high sale price. The 40,000-square-foot (3,716sqm) residence sprawls across eight acres (3.2ha), featuring a vast swimming pool and direct access to one of Malibu’s most picturesque beaches.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's $200m Brutalist mansion in Malibu, California

The mansion’s location isn’t its only selling point. The iconic structure is one of the few American residences designed by the revered Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The home is steeped in his signature concrete monolithic style and includes an ornamental reflecting pool, a feature that has become one of the architect’s calling cards.

Known as the Bell House, the residence was commissioned by Bill and Maria Bell in the late 1990s and took over 15 years to complete. The couple are among the world’s most prolific art collectors and the house was commissioned in part to house their large modern art collection, which is said to include works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's $200m Brutalist mansion in Malibu, California

Over the years, the mansion has drawn both praise and criticism from the public, with some deeming it an inspired work of art and others drawing comparisons with a James Bond villain’s lair.

Whatever side of the line you fall on, there's no denying that the structure's scale is impressive. From exposed block concrete walls to swathes of glass and crisp modernist lines, it's one of California's most spectacular Brutalist residences.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's $200m Brutalist mansion in Malibu, California

Pictured here is an expansive terrace that overlooks the mansion's beautifully manicured lawns and the ocean beyond. Unsurprisingly, the home's upkeep has been meticulous over the years. This image was taken following the installation of some 22,500 square feet (2,090sqm) of polished concrete across the grounds.

Despite the residence's rare architectural heritage, it isn't the only Ando masterpiece in the area. Back in 2021, embattled rapper Kanye West purchased another Malibu residence designed by the famed architect, which shares similar characteristics to Beyoncé and Jay-Z's newest home, albeit on a smaller scale.

Beyoncé's big year

Tapping into her Texas upbringing, the star's eighth studio album Cowboy Carter sent shockwaves through the music industry when it was released in March 2024. Beyoncé became the first Black woman to reach the US No 1 spot with a country song for her single 'Texas Hold ‘Em', which topped both the Hot Country Songs chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Pictured here, legendary musician Stevie Wonder presented Beyoncé with the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in April 2024 just days after the album dropped.

Jay-Z's flourishing business empire

Meanwhile, husband Jay-Z has enjoyed more than his fair share of success. Pictured here at the 2024 Super Bowl with his daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi, the rapper and his entertainment company, Roc Nation, have helped to produce the sports event's iconic halftime show since 2019. Jay-Z was even recognised with an Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for his work on Rihanna's halftime show in 2023.

Jay-Z owns a host of other companies from multimedia platforms to beverage brands. He sold his controlling stake in luxury liquor company D’Ussé Cognac to Bacardi for $750 million (£572m) in 2023, making his net worth $2.5 billion (£1.9bn) according to Forbes. No wonder he and Bey were able to buy some of the most valuable properties in the US.

The power couple of property

From humble roots in Austin's suburbia and a small Brooklyn loft to a staggering $200 million (£151m) mega-mansion on the shores of Malibu, this A-list power couple has come a long way in their property journey.

As their careers continue to go from strength to strength, we have no doubt that their real estate collection will grow and diversify. We can't wait to see where they end up next!