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tech billionaire has reportedly purchased one of the UK's most expensive homes for a staggering $172.83 million, nearly half its original asking price of $314 million. The buyer is believed to be an American or possibly a young Hong Kong-based crypto billionaire.
The 207-year-old Georgian mansion, known as London's "White House," sits on 4 acres overlooking a lake in Regent's Park and features an impressive array of amenities, including an underground pool, ballroom, tennis court, and eight garages. The property was previously owned by the family of Saudi prince Khalid bin Sultan al-Saud, who bought it for around $42 million in the late 1980s before losing it to creditors.
The sale marks the second-most expensive residential deal ever recorded in UK history and highlights Americans' growing interest in London's luxury real estate market. According to industry experts, a strong US currency and lower home prices have made London an attractive destination for American buyers seeking a blend of Old World charm and modern luxury.
The buyer's identity remains unclear, but it is believed that Americans are now the dominant force in the London real estate market, surpassing Russian oligarchs, Middle Eastern princes, and Chinese moguls. The sale comes as Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, recently purchased a trophy office building in London from a fugitive Hong Kong-based tycoon.
The mansion's sale also highlights its rich history, having been once dubbed "a definition of Western civilization in a single view" by British architectural critic Ian Nairn. With 40 bedrooms and over 29,000 square feet of living space, the property features millions of dollars' worth of gold leaf and other luxurious amenities.
