Celebrity property roundup: the winners and losers of 2019
Who made the most from their sale and who fell short?
Each month we give you a VIP pass into the homes of the rich and famous as they put their lavish properties on the market. For some, selling up is a lucrative business where they can make millions, while others struggle to shift their lavish homes and fall short of making a profit. From Gwen Stefani's colossal win to Harry Styles' substantial loss, we explore the real estate winners and losers of 2019.
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Winner: Aaron Eckhart ($1.6 million profit)
Batman actor Aaron Eckhart made a small profit of $1.6 million (£1.2m) when he sold his Beverly Hills home in July of this year. The star sold the home for $3.1 million (£2.4m) in just three months, after purchasing it for nearly half of that in 2002 for $1.5 million (£1.2m).
Winner: Aaron Eckhart ($1.6 million profit)
The three-bedroom, 3,000-square-foot property has a modern state-of-the-art finish, with carved double front doors that lead through to light-filled reception rooms. Featuring a regal stone column, the spacious living and dining area has been decorated in neutral shades with pops of colour introduced through artwork on the wall.
Winner: Aaron Eckhart ($1.6 million profit)
The kitchen features light pine cabinets and wooden flooring, with an unusual hexagonal island and a breakfast nook. Spread over one floor, there are three bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms and a luxurious swimming pool and spa outside.
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Andrea Raffin/Shutterstock/Open Listings
Winner: Kirsten Dunst ($2 million profit)
Kirsten Dunst passed her home in Toluca Lake onto actress Annie Potts for $4.6 million (£3.6m), making a profit of $2 million (£1.6m). The Spider-Man actress bought the property in 2001 for $2.6 million (£2m) and originally put it on the market for $4.7 million (£3.7m). Fronted by a spacious garden, the Cape Cod-style home is pretty as a picture with its quaint white picket fence.
Winner: Kirsten Dunst ($2 million profit)
The house has five bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms and, downstairs, the main living spaces are neutral and elegant. Decked out with pale wooden floors, pink velvet and understated floral prints, the formal reception room is airy and bright with a fireplace, vaulted ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows. Elsewhere, the master bedroom takes up the entire first floor, while the remaining bedrooms are spread out over the second floor.
Winner: Kirsten Dunst ($2 million profit)
Outside, the charming brick terrace features an outdoor kitchen and grilling area with a huge pergola. Stairs lead down to a secondary lower terrace, which features a swimming pool and a spacious deck, complete with a cosy firepit.
Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock/Movoto
Winner: Dr. Dre ($2.1 million profit)
Rapper and record producer Dr. Dre made a comfortable profit of $2.1 million (£1.6m) after selling his lavish mansion in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, for $4.5 million (£3.5m). The star nearly doubled his investment, after he purchased the home for $2.4 million (£1.9m) more than 20 years ago.
Winner: Dr. Dre ($2.1 million profit)
The 16,000-square-foot house is spread over three floors and has a total of eight ensuite bedrooms and 13 bathrooms. It's been fitted out with a whole host of luxury amenities, including an indoor lift, while opulently decorated living and dining rooms make it perfect for entertaining. The house also has a games room with a 150-gallon fish tank, plus a screening room and gym.
Winner: Dr. Dre ($2.1 million profit)
Elsewhere, there's also a Jacuzzi, changing rooms and a bar for the ultimate in relaxation and luxury. You'll also find an Olympic-sized swimming pool, as well as a firepit with a swish TV area. Not too shabby!
TNS/SIPA USA/PA Images/City Realty
Winner: Karlie Kloss ($2.4 million profit)
Supermodel Karlie Kloss and husband Josh Kushner put their stylish Manhattan condo on the market in February 2019 for $6.9 million (£5.4m). The couple, who tied the knot in October 2018, bought the modern condo in 2013 for $4.5 million (£3.5m). They eventually sold up six months later in August for $6.6 million (£5.2m), which meant they made a sizeable $2.4 million (£1.9m) from the sale.
Winner: Karlie Kloss ($2.4 million profit)
The 2,000-square-foot home has two bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. The living room features walnut wood flooring and a modern black granite fireplace, plus spectacular views out over the east of Manhattan. French doors at the back of the room lead through to the master bedroom, which comes complete with a gold Calacatta marble-clad ensuite and more spectacular skyline views.
Winner: Karlie Kloss ($2.4 million profit)
The striking kitchen has been designed with jet-black, high-gloss cabinets lined in Danish wood. A contemporary light fixture frames the space and adds an architectural touch. Outside, the condo has a 1,120-square-foot terrace with an outdoor gas fireplace – perfect for relaxing, whatever the season.
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Winner: Jodie Foster ($3.1 million profit)
Hollywood actress Jodie Foster made a huge $3.1 million (£2.4m) on the sale of her secluded Beverly Hills estate in April. The Oscar-winner bought the property in 2012 for $11.8 million (£9.2m) and sold it for $14.9 million (£11.6m), which was $1 million (£780k) below her asking price.
Winner: Jodie Foster ($3.1 million profit)
The home, which sits on one-and-a-half acres of land, is spread over two storeys with five bedrooms and five bathrooms. Recently updated by the star, the living room features a trio of French doors that open out onto a brick terrace. The grand fireplace is surrounded by traditional wood-panelled walls painted a warming shade of off-white.
Winner: Jodie Foster ($3.1 million profit)
On the first floor, each of the bedrooms is connected to a decked balcony, which benefits from panoramic views across the canyon. Outside lies a spacious garden and terrace featuring a sizeable rectangular swimming pool and a generous stretch of manicured lawn.
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Hahn Lionel/ABACA/PA/Westside Estate Agency
Winner: Gwen Stefani ($8.4 million profit)
In October, pop-star Gwen Stefani made an $8.4 million (£6.6m) profit on her boldly decorated Beverly Hills mansion. After buying the hilltop house in 2006 for $13.3 million (£10.4m) with then-husband Gavin Rossdale, the property sat on the market for nearly two years before selling up for $21.7 million (£17m).
Winner: Gwen Stefani ($8.4 million profit)
The seven-bedroom, 10-bathroom pad is certainly unique, decked out in a monochrome colour scheme with Day-Glo colour accents and retro touches that reflect Stefani's quirky signature style. The living area wows with soaring ceilings, a marble fireplace and views out to the swimming pool.
Winner: Gwen Stefani ($8.4 million profit)
The eat-in kitchen is filled with natural light thanks to a large skylight, while interior finishes range from white marble flooring to black marble countertops and walls lined in graphic black-and-white stripes. The house also has a professional screening room and a detached pavilion, which houses a fully-equipped gym.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images/Coldwell Banker
Winner: Lindsey Buckingham ($21.4 million profit)
Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham made a huge $21.4 million (£16.7m) profit on his Brentwood Estate in California. The rock star bought the 1.2-acre lot in 2004 for $6.6 million (£5.2m) and built a custom 10,000-square-foot house on the land in 2007, which skyrocketed its value. For a house that size, the star would have paid between an estimated $2 million (£1.5m) and $5 million (£3.9m), so still would have made a huge profit. The property was on the market at $29.5 million (£23m) for just three months, before it was snapped up for $28 million (£21.9m).
Winner: Lindsey Buckingham ($21.4 million profit)
The eight-bedroom, 10-bathroom estate has a grand foyer with a two-storey spiral staircase that leads through to the formal living room. With parquet flooring and a white exposed beam ceiling, it certainly makes a spectacular entrance. Bi-folding doors draw in swathes of daylight and lead through to a lush garden terrace outside.
Winner: Lindsey Buckingham ($21.4 million profit)
The most luxurious part of the house is the master suite, which is located in its very own wing and features a sitting room, walk-in wardrobes and an ensuite bathroom. Outside, the back garden has plenty of patio space, including a barbecue zone, a tennis court and a large pool with a pavilion.
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Loser: Brie Larson ($80,000 loss)
Captain Marvel star Brie Larson not only paid $50,000 (£39k) above the asking price for her mid-century Los Angeles bungalow, but she also lost $80,000 (£62k) on the sale of it in August. The actress purchased the property about three years ago for $2.25 million (£1.76m) but sold it for $2.17 million (£1.7m).
Loser: Brie Larson ($80,000 loss)
The three-bed, three-bath home spans just over 2,900 square feet and was built in the early 1950s. With high wooden-clad ceilings, the open-plan living and dining area is filled with natural light from the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that lead outside. The galley kitchen features a raised snack bar and has jet-black countertops with light eggshell cabinets.
Loser: Brie Larson ($80,000 loss)
Elsewhere, the lavish master suite includes an ensuite bathroom with marble countertops, a walk-in wardrobe and access to a secluded spa. Tucked away in the hills of exclusive Laurel Canyon, the house also has a central courtyard with a small lawn that's the perfect spot for eating alfresco.
Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock/Stribling
Loser: Justin Timberlake ($150,000 loss)
Justin Timberlake cut a loss on his three-bedroom penthouse at the beginning of the year, which had been on the market for more than 200 days. Located on top of the Soho Mews in New York City, it sold for $6.35 million (£4.9m). The star purchased the property in 2010 for $6.5 million (£5m) and just last year the singer purchased a second penthouse in Greenwich for $20 million (£15.6m).
Loser: Justin Timberlake ($150,000 loss)
Decked out in luxury finishes and all the latest technology, the 2,600-square-foot home has a wraparound glass wall that leads out to a terrace overlooking the city. The living space is bright and airy thanks to its 10-foot-tall ceilings and sleek neutral colour scheme.
Loser: Justin Timberlake ($150,000 loss)
The master bedroom's show-stopping main feature is the stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that are framed by heavy curtains to keep out the morning light. The apartment also comes complete with a 24-hour concierge service and access to a garden, with full use of the fitness centre thrown in, too.
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Loser: Lena Dunham ($270,000 loss)
Just two months after buying her condo in Brooklyn, New York City, for $2.9 million (£2.3m), Lena Dunham put it back on the market for $3 million (£2.3m). With no takers, she reduced the asking price in April 2019 to $2.65 million (£2.1m), eventually selling in July for just under $2.63 million (£2.1m) making a total loss of $270,000 (£211k).
Loser: Lena Dunham ($270,000 loss)
The three-bedroom and two-and-a-half-bath condo features 13-foot ceilings, huge windows and a bright open-plan layout. The main living room has a tiled fireplace, while the kitchen includes a swish marble-topped peninsula with an integrated breakfast bar that zones the multipurpose room.
Loser: Lena Dunham ($270,000 loss)
The two stylish guest bedrooms share a bathroom, while the master suite was built on a raised platform, allowing for stunning views across Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan skyline from bed. Imagine waking up to that view!
Lev Radin/Shutterstock/Realtor
Loser: Alex Rodriguez ($400,000 loss)
Former Major League Baseball (MLB) player Alex Rodriguez parted with his house in California's Hollywood Hills in August 2019 with a loss of $400,000 (£313k). The 44-year-old, who is engaged to J.Lo, bought the property from Meryl Streep for $4.8 million (£3.8m) in 2014, but sold it on for a mere $4.4 million (£3.4m).
Loser: Alex Rodriguez ($400,000 loss)
The LA home is known as the Honnold & Rex Architectural Research House and was built in 1954 as a design experiment by Architectural Products magazine. It was completely revamped in 2013, just before Rodriguez purchased it, and is now a stylish Hollywood home. At 3,700 square feet, the house has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, and features an open-plan living area that opens out onto a courtyard with a pool.
Loser: Alex Rodriguez ($400,000 loss)
Surrounded by glass, the master bedroom frames stunning views over the hills and the skyline of Los Angeles. A pared-back neutral colour palette keeps things minimalist and allows the breathtaking vistas to do all the talking.
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Ian West/PA Wire/PA Images/Westside Estate Agency
Loser: Harry Styles ($870,000 loss)
After more than two years on the market, Harry Styles finally sold his LA bachelor pad above Sunset Strip for $6 million (£4.7m). The singer purchased the property for $6.87 million (£5.4m) in June 2016 and spent time renovating the interior before putting it on the market originally for a huge $8.5 million (£6.7m).
Loser: Harry Styles ($870,000 loss)
The four-bedroom, six-bathroom home boasts high ceilings and open-plan living spaces with huge bi-folding doors that frame scenic views of the LA skyline. The all-white flooring and walls are illuminated by spotlights in the ceiling, completing the swish all-white minimalist scheme.
Loser: Harry Styles ($870,000 loss)
Outside, the tranquil roof terrace features a firepit, while under the terrace is a loggia with an outdoor shower, plus a spectacular kidney-shaped swimming pool and spa, protected by a privacy wall of bamboo.
Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock / Compass
Loser: Tracy Morgan ($1 million loss)
Comedian and actor Tracy Morgan finally sold his home in Cresskill, New Jersey, for $1 million (£783k) less than he bought it for, after nearly a year on the market. In 2011, the past Saturday Night Live cast member paid $2.2 million (£1.7m) for the five-bedroom home, yet he sold it on for a disappointing $1.2 million (£940k) in March 2019.
Loser: Tracy Morgan ($1 million loss)
Encompassing 4,500 square feet spread across three floors, the home offers spacious open-plan accommodation. Centered around a 28-foot stone fireplace, the living area is light and bright thanks to numerous skylights and sliding glass doors that lead outside to the back garden.
Loser: Tracy Morgan ($1 million loss)
Three guest bedrooms sit on the second floor alongside a lofted lounge space and the extensive master suite. The basement has been transformed into a games room, where Morgan installed a 3,500-gallon shark tank. The playful space also includes a screening room, games room, climate-controlled wine cellar and a gym.
Ron Adar/Shutterstock/Douglas Elliman
Loser: 50 Cent ($1.2 million loss)
After first putting it on the market 12 years ago in 2007, rapper 50 Cent finally sold his huge Connecticut mansion this year at a loss of $1.2 million ($940k). The musician purchased the property from Mike Tyson for $4.1 million (£3.2m) in 2003 and finally went on to sell it for just $2.9 million (£2.3m) after several price cuts over the years.
Loser: 50 Cent ($1.2 million loss)
Benefiting from 52 rooms, the home sits on 17 acres of lush land and has 19 bedrooms and 25 bathrooms. Located in Farmington, the new buyer might also have to spend a small monthly fortune on the property, with the house costing the rapper a reported $70,000 (£55k) a month in maintenance and utility bills.
Loser: 50 Cent ($1.2 million loss)
Decked out with a basketball court, indoor pool, 40-person hot tub, multiple games rooms, a home theatre and even a nightclub, we aren't surprised that the music star put such a high price on the mansion!
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