The richest man in the world is about to snag a big chunk of prime Manhattan real estate; buying three apartments with plans to merge them into a mega home.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos snags three New York apartments in same building for more than $114 million
Brendan Casey
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has splashed out over $AUD 114 million on three New York apartments. Image: Visualhouse
The richest man in the world is about to snag a big chunk of some prime Manhattan real estate.
Jeff Bezos, the recently divorced multi-billionaire Amazon founder, is finalising a deal to buy the top four floors of a NoMad apartment building for a total price tag of more than $AUD 116 million ($USD 80 million), according to the New York Post.
MORE: Brothel sales reveal sex industry secrets
Hemsworth mega-mansion is nearly complete
Own Aussie "Lord of the Rings' style mountain
The building has sweeping views of all of Manhattan. Credit: Visualhouse
Bezos, 55, is in line to purchase the three-floor penthouse of Madison Square Park-adjacent 212 Fifth Ave., as well as the two units on the floor directly beneath it, and merge the four stories into one mega-home, according to sources familiar with the building.
"The residents are all buzzing about it," one insider said.
"They are so excited to have him as a neighbour because it means their apartment prices will go up."
Jeff Bezos founded the e-commerce colossus Amazon in 1994, and is currently the richest man in the world, with a net worth of $USD 143.4 billion, according to Forbes.
Inside the 212 Fifth Ave building. Credit: Visualhouse
The Post reported in May that the unit was in contract after Bezos had viewed it several times, but the building's developer denied that the e-commerce mogul was the buyer.
Confirmation that Bezos was, indeed, sealing the deal was first reported this week by The Wall Street Journal.
The penthouse alone spans "three magnificent floors of living space, with four extraordinary exposures," in addition to boasting five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms, according to a StreetEasy profile.
The penthouse of penthouse's @212fifthavenue with spectacular views of downtown. A unique project @visualhouse.co worked closely on producing a range of marketing collateral.
A post shared by VISUALHOUSE (@visualhouse.co) on May 29, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT
It first hit the market in 2017 for $USD 73.8 million but is now in contract for $USD 58 million.
Altogether, Bezos will lay out around $USD 80 million in a package deal for the three units, valued cumulatively at around $USD 87.8 million.
"Distinguished by majestic proportions and graceful arched windows, the Penthouses [sic] sumptuous interiors enjoy every conceivable luxury that places it in a league of its own," according to StreetEasy.
Jeff Bezos at the Washington Convention Center in May 2019. Image: Mark Wilson/Getty Images
The 936 sqm penthouse also includes a private elevator entrance and not one but two terraces, one of which has room for a pool.
SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER HERE
But the main draw for Bezos, sources said, is an unusual brick wall obscuring the outdoor spaces from prying eyes as he moves on from his highly-publicised divorce with new flame Lauren Sanchez.
Inside one of the apartments at 212 Fifth Ave. Credit: Visualhouse
The purchase also comes as Amazon is reportedly seeking to scoop up almost 10,000 sqm in Manhattan office space, despite walking away from a $USD 3 billion deal to build a waterfront headquarters in Queens in February.
A source said that Bezos made the swift move to nab all three units in one day.
"The deals all went into contract on the same day and will close soon," a source said. "You think he needs a mortgage?"
The article originally appeared in the New York Post and has been republished with permission.
What to watch next
Is this the best view in Sydney?
Restaurateur Elie Griplas sells in Darling Point
The state winning the property popularity contest
Where Sydney sellers are getting best results
Canberra's most in-demand suburbs
Bargain beaches house going to auction
Harbour darling hits market again
ACT Property News
NSW Property News
NT Property News
Queensland Property News
SA Property News
Tasmania Property News
Victoria Property News
Western Australia Property News
The Block 2019
The Block News
Disclaimer: The information published in this section is of a general nature only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Where indicated, third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it. We make no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information, nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content. We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders. We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content.
Personalised advertising:
We show you more relevant ads based on your activity. Prefer us not to? Opt Out of personalisation.
Partner sites: news.com.au seek.com.au carsguide.com.au foxsports.com.au homeguru.com.au realestate.co.nz mansionglobal.com askizzy.org.au hipages.com.au makaan.com propertiger.com