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illionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin continues to expand his real estate portfolio, but he's not just buying any property - he's drawn to deals with hefty price tags. His recent purchases could indicate where the wealthy might turn for their future real estate investments, as markets with the "Griffin bump" may be perceived as desirable.
However, it's worth noting that Griffin is not alone in his luxury real estate pursuits, and some experts warn against assuming he's the only one buying $100 million homes. Despite this, Griffin remains one of the most prolific buyers of high-end real estate.
We took a closer look at some of Griffin's recent acquisitions to see how they stack up in terms of profit, loss, or pleasure potential.
1. Palm Beach, FL
Griffin purchased 8 acres of prime property on South Ocean Boulevard for an estimated $150 million-$400 million. The planned $1 billion estate will be one of the most expensive homes in the world and feature a spa, pool, and gardens. While it's unclear if this property will appreciate, luxury real estate broker Samantha DeBianchi suggests that Griffin may not be focused on investment returns, but rather on creating an elite property.
Palm Beach has seen significant appreciation over the past five years, driven by a migration of wealthy individuals from New York and California to areas like Palm Beach, Miami, and other exclusive markets. This trend is expected to continue, making Palm Beach one of today's most coveted U.S. markets.
2. New York, NY
Griffin purchased a $238 million condo at 220 Central Park South in 2019, setting the record for the highest-priced home ever sold in the U.S. He later added two adjacent units on the 20th floor, bringing his total holdings to nearly $244 million. This acquisition cemented Griffin's status as part of Manhattan's billionaires club and gave him Sting and Trudie Styler as neighbors.
Griffin also purchased a New York City co-op at 740 Park Ave. for $45 million in February 2025. Experts suggest that prime real estate in markets like New York can be seen as a safe haven for capital preservation, making it an attractive investment for billionaires.
3. Chicago, IL
Griffin's Citadel hedge fund offices were based in Chicago for nearly three decades, and he held several impressive properties in the city. However, Griffin seems to have soured on Chicago living, selling his penthouse floors at No. 9 Walton for a 44% loss from their original price.
The Chicago area has experienced a massive slowdown in the ultraluxury real estate market, but some high-stakes players are still holding steady. Griffin's willingness to take a loss suggests that he prioritized selling over profit, and his overall portfolio can absorb the losses.
4. Miami, FL
Griffin moved Citadel's headquarters to Miami in 2022 and has since reinvested his Chicago sales into Sunshine State real estate. He purchased two bay-front houses in Coconut Grove for $106.9 million and acquired seven contiguous properties on Miami's exclusive Star Island for approximately $169 million.
Experts suggest that Griffin targets areas where he travels for work and will serve as homes for him and his family. However, climate change may be a consideration when safeguarding investments, with some experts noting that people are building their properties stronger than before to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels.
5. Saint-Tropez, Aspen, and the Hamptons
Griffin has also acquired several luxury properties in locations less focused on work, including an estate on the French Riviera for $90 million and a former Calvin Klein estate in the Hamptons for $84.4 million. He also owns a multimillion-dollar home in Aspen, CO.
Experts suggest that these purchases may be driven by a desire for prestige and luxury lifestyle, rather than purely financial returns. This can lead to taking on greater risk when acquiring properties for personal enjoyment.
