D
avid Bowie’s death in 2016 left a void in music history. The 69‑year‑old icon passed away two days after his birthday, after an 18‑month secret battle with liver cancer. At the time of his death, his estate was valued at roughly US$100 million (A$150 million), including a portfolio of real‑estate holdings. Below is a concise overview of the properties Bowie owned and how his assets were divided.

    **Sydney Apartment (Elizabeth Bay)**

    In 1983 Bowie bought a three‑bedroom unit in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $700,000. The apartment, featuring wall‑to‑ceiling mirrors and a glass shelf, served as his base during frequent trips to Queensland and the outback. He sold it in 1992 for $1.25 million after marrying Iman, and it fetched $8.8 million in 2023.

    **New York City Penthouses**

    Bowie and Iman acquired two penthouses in Manhattan in 1999 for US$4 million (A$6 million). They combined the units into a loft that remained their primary residence at the time of his death.

    **Lausanne Estate (Switzerland)**

    The 14‑room property in Lausanne was purchased in 1982 and sold in 1999 for £2.5 million (A$5 million), as Iman preferred a less isolated lifestyle.

    **Los Angeles Residence**

    In 1999 Bowie sold a Los Angeles property for an estimated £5 million (A$10 million), according to the Daily Mail.

    **Mandalay Estate (Mustique, Caribbean)**

    Built in 1989, the five‑bedroom villa on Mustique was sold in 1995 for US$5 million (A$7.5 million). In recent years it rented for US$40,000–70,000 (A$60,000–105,000) per week.

    **Upstate New York Home**

    In 2011 Bowie and Iman secretly bought a three‑bedroom house in upstate New York for US$1.98 million (A$2.9 million). They expanded it with two additional bedrooms, bathrooms, and large windows to showcase the views, intending it as their long‑term home.

    **Estate Distribution**

    Bowie’s will allocated his assets as follows:

    - **Iman** received roughly half of the estate, including the Manhattan apartment, and an estimated US$50 million (A$75 million). She was entitled to quarterly income from the trust and could request additional funds for health, education, and maintenance.

    - **Duncan Jones** (son with Angela Barnett) received about US$25 million (A$37 million), a quarter of the estate.

    - **Lexi Zahra Jones** (daughter with Iman) also received 25 percent, held in trust until age 25. She inherited the vacation home on Little Tonshi Mountain in upstate New York.

    - **Marion Skene** (Switzerland‑based nanny) was awarded US$1 million (A$1.5 million).

    - **Corinne Coco Schwab** (personal assistant and guardian of Lexi) received US$2 million (A$3 million).

    **Publishing Catalogue Sale**

    In January 2022, Bowie’s catalogue was sold to Warner Chappell for US$250 million (A$375 million). The deal covered over six decades of music, 26 studio albums released during his lifetime, one posthumous album, and roughly 400 songs.

    These details outline the key properties Bowie owned and the distribution of his substantial estate.