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illionaires are buying up multiple properties in exclusive areas, sending shockwaves through local real estate markets. Their presence can drive up prices and attract unwanted attention from paparazzi and fans. For instance, Jeff Bezos has spent over $200 million on three properties in an exclusive South Florida enclave, setting a new price standard for the area.

    Bezos' purchases have had a ripple effect, with nearby neighborhoods like Bal Harbour and Surfside experiencing increased property values. Taylor Swift has also invested heavily in New York City's Tribeca neighborhood, buying multiple units in the Sugar Loaf building and a townhouse next door. While her presence hasn't drastically changed the local market, it does attract attention from fans and paparazzi.

    Mark Zuckerberg is another billionaire who has made significant real estate investments, particularly in Hawaii. He owns over 1,400 acres of land on the island of Kauai, which includes a 5,000-square-foot underground shelter. While some have raised concerns about the shelter's purpose, Zuckerberg claims it's designed to protect against hurricanes.

    The presence of these billionaires can dramatically affect local real estate markets, with prices rising as they set new standards for what buyers are willing to pay. As one Miami real-estate broker noted, "We all rise together, and we sink together." The Bezos Effect has been particularly pronounced in South Florida, where his purchases have driven up property values and changed the market landscape.

    In Hawaii, Zuckerberg's presence has also had an impact on local real estate prices. A vacant lot in Kilauea, a community on the northern shore of Kauai, was listed for $16.5 million as of December 2024, a significant increase from its original price of $3.9 million in 2014. While other billionaires like Larry Ellison have also invested in Hawaii, Zuckerberg's presence is still felt in the market.

    The trend of billionaires buying up multiple properties in exclusive areas is likely to continue, driven by their desire for privacy, space, and status. As one real-estate agent noted, "Say you could be neighbors with the richest guy in the world — clearly, the land itself has more value because of the next-door neighbor being who he is."