TL;DR : Here is the 2025 ranking of the 10 most expensive residences (palaces, villas, penthouses) in the world with verified photos (stable Commons links), key figures (estimated/known prices, areas, owners) and reliable sources. The valuations are evolving estimates, specified with their context.
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Definition & Scope
By “most expensive residences,” we mean properties for residential use (or historically residential): royal palaces, private villas, mega-mansions, exceptional penthouses. Some are not for sale (e.g., royal palaces); their “price” then corresponds to a value estimate widely discussed by specialized press and/or reputable organizations. The amounts remain indicative, volatile, and dependent on the market situation, included artworks and land, local taxation, and the condition of the property.Note: this ranking mixes confirmed sales (public price) and market valuations (credible sourced estimates). We indicate the status on each profile.
2025 Ranking – Detailed Top 10
1) Buckingham Palace – London (United Kingdom)
Status: estimate (state property, not for sale). Why so expensive? Absolute prime location, area (~77,000 m²), 775 rooms, symbolic and heritage significance, collections. Many recent publications still place Buckingham at the top around 4.9 billion dollars (order of magnitude). Multi-year renovation works also enhance the heritage value.
2) Antilia – Mumbai (India)
Status: estimate. 27-story residential skyscraper (~173 m), ~37,000 m² livable, private services (spa, ballroom, cinema, “snow room,” heliports). In 2023–2025, several media sources mention a value of ~$2 B to $4.6 B, consolidating its 2nd place worldwide.
3) Istana Nurul Iman – Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei)
Status: historical cost/estimate. Completed in 1984, ~200,000 m² floor area, 1,788 rooms, mosque, air-conditioned stables, garages, multiple pools. Often presented as the largest residential palace by livable area; the implicit valuation far exceeds one billion dollars.
4) Villa La Léopolda – Villefranche-sur-Mer / Cap-Ferrat (France)
Status: estimate/aborted transactions. Mythical property of the Riviera (several hectares on terraces), Belle Époque architecture, prestigious history (Leopold II, Agnelli, Safra). In 2008, a purchase offer (~370 M€ + furniture) did not materialize (deposit retained by the seller). The value range cited by specialized press remains very high (≈ $500–750 M).
5) One Hyde Park – Penthouse(s), London (UK)
Status: confirmed sales (multiple records). Ultra-prime complex facing Hyde Park (86 units). Historic sales between £136 M and £140 M fascinated the London market (cost excluding subsequent fittings). Even today, the asset remains a global reference for the “super-prime” segment.
6) Tour Odéon – Sky Penthouse, Monaco
Status: market price/estimate. Penthouse of ~3,300 m² over 5 levels, terrace with panoramic infinity pool. Symbolizes Monegasque ultra-luxury, often called the “most expensive apartment in the world” at launch.
7) Witanhurst – London (UK)
Status: estimate. Second largest private residence in London after Buckingham, Witanhurst embodies London’s residential hyper-luxury: spectacular volumes, underground facilities, city views. Estimates have hovered around £300 million for years according to the press.
8) The One – Bel Air, Los Angeles (United States)
Status: confirmed sale (2022 auction). 105,000 ft² (~9,755 m²) livable, 5 pools, 360° views, monumental entertainment rooms. The judicial sale (2022) fixed a public price of $126 M (+ fees).
9) Villa Les Cèdres – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (France)
Status: confirmed sale 2019 at €200 M (official statement). Iconic residence in the heart of a private 14-hectare botanical garden with 25 greenhouses, former property of Leopold II then Marnier-Lapostolle. One of the rare public sales at this level in Europe.
10) Taohuayuan (“Peach Blossom Land”) – Suzhou (China)
Status: market listing price/local records. This villa-garden (32 rooms) on an island in Lake Dushu was publicized as one of the most expensive residential listings in China (~$154 M), inspired by the UNESCO classical gardens of Suzhou.
Summary Table (Indicative order 2025)
| Rank | Property | Location | Type | Price / value (order of magnitude) | Area / Features | Status (sale/estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buckingham Palace | London, UK | State Palace | ~$4.9 B (est.) | ~77,000 m², 775 rooms | Estimate (not for sale) |
| 2 | Antilia | Mumbai, IN | Private residential tower | $2–4.6 B (est.) | ~37,000 m², 27 floors | Estimate |
| 3 | Istana Nurul Iman | Brunei | Royal palace | Cost 1984: ~$1.4 B | ~200,000 m², 1,788 rooms | Cost/estimate |
| 4 | Villa La Léopolda | French Riviera | Historic villa | $500–750 M (est.) | Large terraced park | Estimate |
| 5 | One Hyde Park (penthouses) | London, UK | Penthouses | Record sales: £136–£140 M | Ultra-prime complex | Confirmed sales |
| 6 | Tour Odéon – Sky Penthouse | Monaco | 5-level penthouse | ~$335 M (asking price/est.) | ~3,300 m², rooftop pool | Estimate |
| 7 | Witanhurst | London, UK | Manor | ~£300 M (est.) | Volumes + amenities | Estimate |
| 8 | The One, Bel Air | Los Angeles, US | Megamansion | $126 M (2022) + fees | ~9,755 m², 5 pools | Confirmed sale |
| 9 | Villa Les Cèdres | Cap-Ferrat, FR | Villa + botanical garden | €200 M (2019) | 14 ha, 25 greenhouses | Confirmed sale |
| 10 | Taohuayuan | Suzhou, CN | Villa-garden | ~$154 M (market listing) | 32 rooms, private island | Estimate/listing |
Reading tip: to compare such different properties (state palace vs. private villas), focus on three indicators: known public price (when available), area/land, and rarity (location, view, history, artworks, urban planning constraints).
Why do these valuations vary?
- Ultra-opaque market: a large part of transactions occurs off-market via vehicles (trusts, SPVs). Prices circulate through leaks or estimates.
- Unique heritage: works, historic gardens, easements, Historic Monument classification, residual building rights, etc. have a strong influence.
- Currency & taxation: currency conversion, registration fees, wealth taxes, “mansion tax,” etc.
- 2023–2025 economic context: rising rates, caution among UHNWI, geopolitical sanctions; but trophy assets remain resilient in “prime” locations.
FAQ
What is considered a “residence”?
A property for residential use (private or royal), even if it hosts ceremonial functions. Pure offices/hotels are excluded.
Why is Buckingham Palace included if it is not for sale?
Because it is a heritage benchmark: its estimated value (order of magnitude) sheds light on the high end of the global residential market.
Which property has the highest proven price in the ranking?
Among the confirmed public sales here: Villa Les Cèdres (2019, €200M) in Europe and The One (2022, $126M excluding fees) in the United States. Other amounts are estimates or listing prices.
Will the amounts change in 2026?
Very likely. Rates, UHNWIs’ liquidity, geopolitical flows, and the extremely rare supply in these micro-markets change valuations year to year.
Can these places be visited?
Some yes (partial openings, e.g. visiting periods at Buckingham, gardens or museums), others no (secured private residences). Check official sites before traveling.
External sources (selection)
- Antilia (updated sheet, 2023 value cited) — Wikipedia EN: Antilia (building)
- Istana Nurul Iman (dimensions and cost, Guinness) — Wikipedia EN: Istana Nurul Iman + Guinness: Largest residential palace
- Villa La Léopolda (history, 2008 attempt) — Wikipedia EN: Villa La Léopolda
- One Hyde Park (records £136–£140M) — The Guardian: Akhmetov £136m; Penthouse £140m
- Tour Odéon Sky Penthouse (asking price) — Forbes: $335M
- The One Bel Air (public sale) — L.A. Times / Business Insider: Sale $126M, Buyer & details
- Villa Les Cèdres (sale 2019 at €200 M) — Campari Group (press release): Sale completed; Forbes/Bloomberg (context articles)
- Buckingham Palace (order of magnitude) — recent summaries (mainstream press).
- Taohuayuan (market launch 1 Bn CNY) — Mansion Global: Listing $154 M