While climbing onto the first rung of the property ladder is a tricky task for the average homebuyer, for billionaires, a sprawling mansion with an eight-figure price tag is a mere drop in the ocean.

From plush penthouse apartments in space-starved cities to dazzling estates and ornate villas, click or scroll as we take a look at what $50 million (£39.6m) can buy you around the world...

This exceptional waterfront property sits on a dramatic clifftop in Cap Martin, overlooking the glistening Mediterranean Sea.

In the heart of the French Riviera, the Belle Epoque residence is securely enclosed and guarded day and night by a team of security personnel. But that’s not even the half of it…

Villa St Tryphon spans 8,611 square feet (800sqm) and despite being historic, has a truly exceptional modern interior. From statement light fixtures to designer furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame unbelievable coastal and garden views, every single room is envy-inducing. 

The property has 12 rooms, eight of them bedrooms, as well as an open-plan lounge and dining area and a gourmet kitchen.

The master suite of nearly 1,076 square feet (100sqm) comes with a private terrace and a Carrara marble bathroom. The other spacious bedrooms are divided between the first floor, the garden level and the tower.

As well as formal living spaces, the home comes complete with plenty of amazing extras, including a glass elevator that serves each of the home’s three floors. There’s also a home theatre, a fitness centre with a sauna and a service entrance to allow staff to exit the property discreetly.

Oh, and there’s a heated outdoor swimming pool and a helipad, for easy access! It's no wonder this incredible home was listed for sale in December 2024, with Côte d'Azur Sotheby's International Realty, for just shy of €50 million, or $52.4 million (£41.3m).

Switzerland is a stunning country due to its mountain peaks, idyllic lakes and enchanting historic cities, making it the ultimate paradise for the wealthy.

Geneva is one of its finest cities and lies at the southern tip of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Surrounded by the Alps and the Jura mountains, it also provides views of dramatic Mont Blanc. It is here, in the municipality of Cologny, that this exquisite mansion lies.

Known as Maison de Maitre, the elegant villa encompasses an impressive 10,763 square feet (1,000sqm) and has three floors.

Light-filled and bursting with striking period features, the pad benefits from glossy parquet floors, generous ceilings, wrought-iron details, carved wooden fireplaces and shuttered windows. 

There are several reception rooms, a dining room, a kitchen, 10 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms.

As well as the main house, there are several annexes, plus a double garage and parking for 18 cars. In addition, almost every window benefits from exceptional views of Lake Geneva and the mountains, while the city centre is just a five-minute drive away.

Outside, you'll find 2.45 acres (one ha) of land. There's a densely wooded park and landscaped gardens that are waiting to be explored.

While we don't know the exact asking price of the home, according to Sotheby's International Realty's listings, the property was for sale in December 2024, via Cardis Immobilier Sotheby's International Realty, for between $58.9 million (£46.4m) and $59.5 million (£46.9m).

Golden Beach in Florida is one seriously coveted neighbourhood. The town is residents-only and offers exclusive beaches, sports courts and other facilities for those lucky enough to call it home.

It’s inside this private and ultra-elite community that you’ll find this unique waterfront mansion.

Despite looking extremely contemporary, the crisp white residence was actually built in 1941. But thanks to a recent renovation, you’d never know.

Every single room is immaculately presented, with modern furnishings, high ceilings, glossy natural stone floors, marble fireplaces and arched timber doors that connect the interior with the stunning garden.

The ultra-pricey American home stretches 11,599 square feet (1,078sqm) and features lovely living areas, a formal dining room, a spacious kitchen, six bedrooms and seven bathrooms.

Luxurious amenities include a gym, movie theatre and guest house, with a living room and kitchen. 

What’s more, the property enjoys 150 feet (46m) of ocean frontage, with a pristine private beach, extensive outdoor living spaces, an oval swimming pool and a poolside cabana with a bar, catering kitchen and alfresco dining area.

Fallen in love? Well, you'd need deep pockets to pick this property up. It was listed in December 2024, via ONE Sotheby's International Realty, for a cool $49 million (£38.6m).

London is bursting with historic and regal residences, but not all of them date back centuries. This brand-new townhouse was inspired by classic Georgian architecture and was thoughtfully designed to match the other homes found in this part of Chelsea – one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in England’s capital.

So, it isn't surprising that the home comes with an impressive price tag to match. It was listed in December 2024, with United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty, for $59.8 million (£47m) and we're sure it would be worth every penny. Let's head inside...

Set on Whistler Square, overlooking blossom-laden trees, the 13,067-square-foot (1,214sqm) townhouse is laid out over six floors and boasts both formal and informal reception rooms that are perfect for quiet nights in and entertaining on a grand scale. 

The entrance hall is the perfect welcome point and has a stunning natural stone floor that sets the stage for the rest of the house. The reception rooms are 30 feet (9m) wide and benefit from high ceilings and the finest fixtures and finishes.

The ground floor is where you’ll find the designer Halstock kitchen, featuring integrated appliances from Sub-Zero and Wolf. The entire second floor is devoted to the master suite, with a grand bedroom, an expansive dressing room with custom joinery, an inset with leather panels, integrated lighting and a bathroom with marble walls and a free-standing bath.

Each additional bedroom includes its own ensuite bathroom, finished with premium natural stone and hand-polished brassware.

On the lower ground floor, there’s a spa with a swimming pool, steam room, sauna and gym. There's also a cinema room, a wine room and a beautiful roof terrace with charming views. Outdoor space is hard to find in London, but this home features a lovely, private garden that’s connected to the kitchen and dining area. Laid out over tiered terraces and paved with natural stone, the backyard provides flexible spaces for dining, relaxing or hosting.

What’s more, residents of Chelsea Barracks benefit from 24-hour security, 13 acres (5.3ha) of land dotted with beautiful garden squares, a 16-seat cinema and an on-site members’ club, The Garrison, which features one of London’s most opulent private spas.

Over on the Spanish island of Ibiza, you'll find this enchanting Mediterranean estate, which enjoys a strategic position that is both secluded and within easy reach of the island’s many dreamy beaches.

Known as Los Olivos, the near 20-acre (8ha) property lies in the village of San Rafael and was named after the ancient olive trees that adorn the land.

The elegant pad was for sale in December 2024, with Ibiza Sotheby's International Realty, for €43.5 million. That's $45.6 million (£35.9m). And we can certainly see why!

The main house extends 22,604 square feet (2,100sqm) over three floors, with five bedrooms, a kitchen, two living rooms, a French billiards room, two libraries and a wine cellar on the lower level. But there are 11 bedrooms and eight bathrooms in total, spread across several other buildings on the estate.

Despite the home’s historic aesthetic, it was actually built in 2000. With a distinctive Spanish style, the rooms benefit from exposed timber beams, tiled floors, grand fireplaces and antique light fixtures.

Plus, many of the rooms frame incredible views of the nearby coastline.

Of course, the grounds feature plenty of places for relaxation, including idyllic gardens, a swimming pool with a waterfall and an orchard.

Plus, the compound is also renowned for being the home of the Los Olivos Spanish purebred horse stud, which is recognised as one of the most famous in Spain. The equestrian estate can accommodate over 100 horses, with 55 stables and an 8,611-square-foot (800sqm) dressage arena.

This mesmerising Belle Epoque castle can be found between Nice and Monaco on the French Riviera.

Dating back to 1911, the property exudes period charm and boasts a grand entrance with a sweeping driveway, a stunning façade topped by a tower-like dome and the largest private plot in all of Villefranche-sur-Mer, spanning more than four acres (1.6ha).

The castle-like villa, known as La Rêve d'Azur, once belonged to the Voisin brothers, famous pioneers of French aviation, and was completely renovated in 2016 by the Italian architect, Alberto Mariotti.

Blending historic details with modern interventions, every single room features shimmering parquet or marble floors, elegant light fixtures, ceiling mouldings and beautiful casement windows.

Measuring 8,611 square feet (800sqm), the villa is arranged over three levels and offers a dining room, a double living room, six bedrooms (including four master suites), a kitchen and four bathrooms. 

All the living rooms have a magnificent view of the sea and the property also benefits from a caretaker’s house and a veranda with a gym.

If all that wasn’t enough, the historic castle boasts several beautiful terraces with stunning sea views, a huge wooded park, an outdoor pool and a magnificent rooftop deck, with a summer dining room.

It's no wonder that this mesmerising residence was for sale in December 2024 for €47 million, which is $49.3 million (£38.8m), with Côte d'Azur Sotheby's International Realty.

In some parts of the world, you can buy an incredible, sprawling estate for $50 million, but in certain places, your money won't stretch so far.

Singapore was named one of the most expensive places to live in 2024, as this listing shows. For $40.7 million (£32.1m), you could bag this luxurious bungalow on Sentosa Island.

In fact, for your cash you’ll gain not one, but a pair of bungalows. Situated in a tranquil enclave, they come with a private berth and were designed to cater to the needs of discerning buyers seeking privacy, security and exclusivity.

Crafted from high-quality materials, each home also comes equipped with the latest smart home technology, to provide the lucky owner with a comfortable and convenient living experience.

The bungalows boast contemporary architecture with clean lines, spacious interiors and modern finishes.

There are 14,826 square feet (1,377sqm) of inside space in total and each bungalow features five ensuite bedrooms, a spacious living area, an open-plan kitchen, a private swimming pool and a well-manicured garden.

They also offer exterior balconies, for relaxing while soaking up the scenery. Sentosa Island is one of the most coveted addresses in Singapore, thanks to its luxury amenities, including shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment options.

The bungalows are also close to world-class golf courses and beautiful beaches.

As spacious and regal as it is stunning, this incredible waterfront estate is almost too good to be true.

Located in Greenwich, Connecticut, with views of the Long Island Sound and New York City’s iconic skyline, the 12,492-square-foot (11,61sqm) residence has bags of historic appeal but was actually built in 2014.

The distinguished Georgian-inspired home was inspired by the original 1928 stone house that sat on the site. As well as being nestled next to a peaceful cove with its own private beach, waterfront pool and dock, the magnificent manor also boasts a jaw-dropping interior.

From bold wallcoverings to the finest materials and fixtures, every room is immaculately presented. The centrepiece of the house is this double-height living room, with its dramatic barrel ceiling and mezzanine balcony.

The home’s first floor offers a classic foyer with an onyx tile floor, a beautiful reading room, a panelled library, a formal dining room and a spacious eat-in kitchen.

The second floor benefits from four ensuite bedrooms and the master suite, which lies in its own wing. It has two dressing rooms clad in Venetian plaster, a vaulted tray ceiling, a private balcony overlooking the water and a lavish marble bathroom with a built-in sauna, steam shower and soaking tub. 

There’s also a third floor, which houses a sixth ensuite bedroom and a playroom, while in the basement there's a mudroom, three-car garage, wine cellar and gym.

Perfect for indoor/outdoor entertaining, French doors open from the family room to the terrace, where there’s an outdoor kitchen, with a pizza oven, built-in grill and dining area. It's no wonder the home was listed in December 2024 for $49.5 million (£39m), with Sotheby's International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage.

With its glistening skyline, dreamy coastline and enviable climate, Dubai is fast becoming a real estate paradise, with homes to match.

While the city does offer lavish villas and mansions, it also has a wide array of remarkable apartments, including a sky-high penthouse that lies inside the Baccarat Hotel and Residences in the heart of the city.

With a 13,078-square-foot (1,215sqm) floorplan, the lavish penthouse is arranged over two levels and from top to bottom, boasts superb design, excellent attention to detail and breathtaking views over the Business Bay marina.

From some spaces, you’ll also be able to spot the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa.

As well as stunning living spaces, the home provides an impressive kitchen, a formal dining room, four bedrooms and six bathrooms. The grand master suite comes with a powder room, a walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom.

The tub sits right in front of the window, allowing for incredible views while you bathe. There’s also a maid’s room that’s perfect for live-in staff.

Of course, the property also has large private balconies that take in unrivalled city views. Residents of this building also get to enjoy access to a swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym, a kid’s play area, business facilities and a serene wellness centre with a spa. Residents will also be treated to round-the-clock, five-star service, so will truly want for nothing.

However, you’d need $48.9 million (£38.5m) in the bank to be able to buy the property, as that’s how much it was listed for in December 2024, with Dubai Sotheby's International Realty.

Did you know that the Caribbean island of Grand Cayman is considered to be the most expensive place to live in Latin America? In fact, according to Expatistan, it is the second-most expensive place in the world. To put this into context, in 2023, there were 176 single-family homes for sale in Grand Cayman, with an average listing price of CI$3.9 million, which is $4.7 million (£3.7m). 

Of course, the island is home to much larger and pricier properties, too. Enter this lavish waterfront estate in South Sound. For sale in December 2024 via Cayman Islands Sotheby's International Realty for a snip under $50 million (£39.4m), the pad is utterly spectacular.

Named Castillo Caribe, the property was described as “one of the finest beachfront estate homes in the world” by the listing agents. It offers every luxury for modern-day life, as well as all the perks of living in the Caribbean – year-round sunshine and a temperate climate.

Step inside and you'll find a truly breathtaking interior. The main living space is all open-plan, with a soaring ceiling that seems to go on forever. From this space, you can see all of the home's floors, thanks to the balconies that wrap around the room.

As well as a huge living room, formal dining room, kitchen, eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the home also comes complete with an array of luxe extras, including a games room, speakeasy-style bar, wine cellar, gym and spa.

The master bedroom is stunning, with its timber ceiling, platform bed and gorgeous coastal scenery.

The house occupies a 1.38-acre (0.6ha) plot that's mere feet from the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The grounds come with landscaped gardens, a pristine white sandy beach, a tennis court, a swimming pool, a cave grotto and various spots for sunbathing.

Plus, the Cayman Islands have no taxes whatsoever, which means no property tax, no income tax, no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax, making it an absolute haven for the super-rich. We're not jealous at all...

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