When rock icon David Bowie passed away on January 10, 2016, his death marked the end of an era in the music world. The legendary performer, who had been battling liver cancer for 18 months, left behind an extensive estate valued at approximately $100 million (AUD $150 million), including a diverse real estate portfolio. His properties spanned multiple continents, revealing the late artist’s lifestyle and personal tastes.
Exploring David Bowie’s Global Property Portfolio
Bowie’s real estate ventures extended across several locations, showcasing both luxury and unique flair. One notable property was a three-bedroom unit in Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, purchased in 1983 for $700,000. This residence served as his base during month-long trips to Australia in the 1980s. Characterized by its eclectic décor, including wall-to-ceiling mirrors and a glass shelf, the apartment became a reflection of Bowie’s artistic spirit. He sold it in 1992 for $1.25 million. In a remarkable turn, this property was last sold in 2023 for $8.8 million.
Bowie’s portfolio also included properties in Switzerland, the Caribbean, and the United States. In 1999, he and his wife, supermodel Iman, purchased two penthouses in New York City for $4 million (AUD $6 million), which they combined into a spacious loft. This became their residence until Bowie’s death.
In 1982, Bowie acquired a 14-room estate in Lausanne, Switzerland, which he sold in 1999 for approximately £2.5 million (AUD $5 million). His time in Switzerland ended when Iman expressed her discontent with the quiet lifestyle. That same year, he sold a property in Los Angeles for an estimated £5 million (AUD $10 million).
Another jewel in Bowie’s real estate crown was the Mandalay Estate, a five-bedroom villa in Mustique, which he built in 1989. He sold this luxurious retreat in 1995 for $5 million (AUD $7.5 million). More recently, it was available for rental at rates between $40,000 (AUD $60,000) and $70,000 (AUD $105,000) per week.
In 2011, Bowie and Iman discreetly purchased a three-bedroom house in Upstate New York for $1.98 million (AUD $2.9 million). The couple renovated the home, adding two bedrooms and bathrooms, envisioning it as their forever home. According to model and activist Bethann Hardison, this was to be the place where they would grow old together.
The Distribution of Bowie’s Estate
Upon his passing, Bowie’s estate was divided according to his will, which outlined a clear plan for his assets. Iman received approximately half of his fortune, alongside their apartment on Lafayette Street in Manhattan, reportedly valued at around $50 million (AUD $75 million). His will stipulated that Iman would receive income from the trust four times a year, with the option to request additional funds for her “health, education, and maintenance.”
Bowie’s son, Duncan Jones, inherited a quarter of the estate, amounting to about $25 million (AUD $37 million). His daughter, Lexi Zahra Jones, also received 25 percent of his assets, which were held in trust until she turned 25. She inherited the family vacation home on Little Tonshi Mountain in upstate New York.
The will also included provisions for Bowie’s household staff. His former nanny, Marion Skene, received a payout of $1 million (AUD $1.5 million), while personal assistant Corinne “Coco” Schwab, named guardian of Lexi should anything happen to Iman, was awarded $2 million (AUD $3 million).
In a significant move, Bowie’s estate sold his publishing catalogue to Warner Chappell in January 2022 for an impressive $250 million (AUD $375 million). This deal encompasses over six decades of music, including 26 studio albums released during his lifetime and an additional album released posthumously, alongside approximately 400 songs.
Bowie’s legacy continues not only through his music but also through the substantial wealth and properties he left behind, reflecting both his artistic vision and personal life.
