Minecraft Creator Notch Lists Beverly Hills Mansion for $70 Million
Markus Persson sells his luxury estate amid California's contentious billionaire tax vote.
1High-Profile Property Listing
Markus Persson, the creator of Minecraft, has listed his 22,300-square-foot Trousdale Estates compound for $70 million. This matches the exact price he paid for the property in 2014. The listing is managed by Aaron Kirman, Katia De Los Reyes, Branden Williams, and Rayni Williams, representing a significant move in the luxury market.
2Market Cooling Realities
The $70 million asking price reflects a shift away from aspirational pricing in the luxury sector. While it would be the priciest Beverly Hills sale this year, the market has cooled significantly. Sellers nationwide are currently forced to slash prices, signaling that even trophy assets are not immune to broader economic stagnation trends.
3Historic Purchase Context
Persson acquired the mansion shortly after selling Mojang to Microsoft for $2.5 billion in 2014. The purchase famously outbid celebrities like Beyoncé and Jay-Z. The property features extravagant amenities, including a $200,000 candy room, a 2,500-bottle wine cellar, an 18-seat screening room, and a car lift for his private gallery showroom.
4Political Timing Concerns
The listing coincides with California's vote on Proposition 40, a 5% tax on billionaire net worth. While other tech figures like Larry Page and Travis Kalanick have relocated to avoid such measures, there is no public evidence linking Persson's sale to the tax. The proposal specifically excludes direct real estate holdings from calculations.
5Residency and Tax Dynamics
California's proposed tax measures have prompted significant migration among the ultra-wealthy. Google cofounders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, along with Uber's Travis Kalanick, have adjusted their residency status. However, Persson's agents maintain that he simply does not spend time in Los Angeles anymore, dismissing claims that the sale is a tax-driven flight.
6Evolution of Tech Views
Beyond real estate, Persson recently reversed his stance on AI-generated code. After initially labeling proponents as incompetent or evil, he embraced vibe coding by September. He cited difficulties in hiring talented programmers as a primary reason for his change of heart, admitting he was slightly wrong about the utility of these modern tools.
7Comparative Market Standing
If sold at the current asking price, this estate would rank as the second most expensive home sale in Los Angeles County this year. It trails only the $130 million Casa Encantada estate, which Peter Thiel purchased at a foreclosure auction in September. This highlights the current volatility within the high-end California market.
8Strategic Asset Management
Persson's decision to list the property underscores the challenges of maintaining trophy assets in a shifting economic landscape. By removing the mansion from his portfolio, he aligns his holdings with his reduced presence in Los Angeles. The sale serves as a case study in how billionaire wealth management intersects with regional political shifts.
Original article: Fortune — Minecraft Creator Notch Lists Beverly Hills Mansion for $70 Million