For many Americans, homeownership has become a daunting goal. High mortgage rates, limited housing inventory, and skyrocketing prices make it feel almost unattainable. But for billionaires? Buying homes — not just one, but dozens — is more like a hobby.

For some of the wealthiest people in the world, collecting homes is as ordinary as collecting vintage cars or rare stamps. Let’s take a closer look at some billionaires who own jaw-dropping real estate portfolios.

Why do billionaires love real estate?

Before getting to all that who’s who of home ownership, it’s worth taking a closer look at exactly why billionaires love real estate. First and foremost, there are few asset classes as stable and profitable as real estate. Unlike stocks or cryptocurrency, which can so often be a little unpredictable, property will tend to increase in value over time while simultaneously generating either regular rental income or advantageous tax benefits.

It’s not all about financial returns, though. For the ultra-wealthy, real estate is a statement of status, and ownership of iconic properties in prestigious locations signifies success and, often, exclusivity. Then there is the added benefit of privacy: sprawling estates or private islands shield them from prying eyes and media scrutiny.

Another factor in play would be diversification. Even billionaires have to diversify their portfolio in different investments, and real estate provides a more tangible and secure form. In many cases, these homes aren’t just investments; they’re also personal sanctuaries or vacation retreats that provide a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury.

Let’s take a sneak peek at the billionaires who have mastered the art of property collecting:

Larry Ellison

Oracle founder Larry Ellison has a $133 billion net worth, making him the 10th richest person in the world, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. What’s even more impressive? His penchant for real estate.

He owns a full 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, which he purchased in 2012 for approximately $300 million. Talk about a private getaway! According to Forbes, his total real estate portfolio comes out to a whopping $1 billion. But while most individuals are happy to have one or two homes, Ellison boasts at least 36 properties, ranging from swell mansions to sprawling estates.

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Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and the second-richest person on Earth, worth $211 billion, goes big when it comes to his houses, too. Bezos reportedly owns a minimum of nine homes, each more over-the-top than the last. Without doubt, one of his most recent purchases is a luxury estate on Miami’s very exclusive “billionaire bunker” island.

Bezos surely has a sweet spot for Indian Creek Island, where he now has three properties, among them a couple of multimillion-dollar estates acquired this year. As Forbes reports, Bezos’ real estate portfolio is valued at $500 million and consists of some outstanding properties: the $78-million Hawaiian compound, the 30,000-acre Texas ranch, and the very stunning Manhattan mega-mansion.

Ken Griffin

The CEO of hedge fund Citadel, Ken Griffin, may not be as famous but surely has a real estate portfolio that is the stuff of legend. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Griffin’s net worth stands at $37.9 billion.

In 2019, he made headlines with the purchase of 3 Carlton Gardens in London for $122 million. Reality: In fact, that was just one of at least 13 properties he owns-or rather, many of which are in Florida. Griffin has spent $450 million acquiring old oceanfront mansions in Palm Beach, only to raze them in a plan to erect a mega-compound fit for a king.

Eric Schmidt

Former Alphabet CEO Eric Schmidt, the parent company of Google — has some pretty serious passion for real estate. According to Forbes, with a net worth of $20 billion, Schmidt owns at least 13 homes.

Standing out among the many offerings is his mansion in Atherton, California-the most expensive zip code in the U.S.-currently listed for $24.5 million. But that is not all: His other properties include a $61 million estate in Los Angeles and a spattering of high-end homes across the country.

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Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey certainly has proof that her giant-sized estates are simply a projection of how well she has done in life and career. This media mogul, worth an estimated $2.5 billion, boasts at least a total of 10 homes, each with a story. Her crown jewel? The “Promised Land” estate in Montecito, California. 

The 40-acre spread boasts a beautiful main house, guest home, tennis court, and pool. While the estate was purchased for a whopping $52 million, it is now valued at a cool $100 million, according to House Digest. But that’s not all: Oprah also has a Chicago duplex, a home in Antigua, and an ultra-luxurious ski chalet in Telluride, Colorado. 

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