Sales of $100M plus homes set record in 2014

Last year broke the record for most homes over $100 million sold worldwide, according to a new report by Christie’s International Real Estate, and the number is expected to keep climbing in 2015.

Five homes that broke the $100 million threshold sold last year, with Barry Rosenstein’s $147 million East Hampton buy leading the pack. The others were a $146 million villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France, a $120 million estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, a $104 million Hong Kong residence, and a $100.5 million penthouse in Extell Development’s One57, Bloomberg News reported.

With at least 20 more homes at $100 million or more on the market, the report predicts that 2015 will be another record year. In 2013, just one home sold for over $100 million, following four in 2012 and three in 2011.

“You’re looking at a universe of over 1,800 billionaires who are starting to become members of this club of collectors of the most unique and incredible real estate in the world,” Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate, told the website. “It’s something they’ll hold onto for a lifetime, the same way they’ll hold onto a Picasso or a Warhol or any number of the great pieces of art we’ve sold over the years.”

Conn also said that he doesn’t believe the record prices indicate market problems, as the people purchasing these homes are true billionaires and operate in a league of their own. [Bloomberg News] — Tess Hofmann