Sotheby's International Realty
Scroll through the gallery to see some of the most expensive homes sold in 2016.
The sale of this 72,441 sq ft mansion to Chinese real estate tycoon Hongtian Chen back in July smashed records right, left and centre. 'Peach Blossom Land' or 'Utopia', as it translates, is the most expensive home ever sold in China. It has 32 bedrooms, a lake-side swimming pool, wine cellar, and several courtyards and gardens, one of which was modelled on a UNESCO world heritage site.
Jim Bartsch, via The Agency
While no one would fork out the full $200m asking price to live in the world's most famous bunny palace, it still fetched an impressive $100m back in August. This bought the new owner Daren Metropoulos a home theatre, separate guest house, a zoo license and an on-site octogenarian -- as terms of the sale included a caveat that the silk pyjama-wearing Hugh Heffner gets to live in the property until he dies.
photo by Coldwell Banker
Another big ticket deal for California, this 30,000 sq ft LA property, was sold to billionaire Tom Gores in October. Not bad for 10 bedrooms, 20 bathrooms, a basketball court, a 10 car garage and a $50m drop on the original asking price.
Douglas Newby, Real Estate Broker Architecturally Significant Homes
With sweeping lines inside and out and a monochrome marble entrance hall, this was the deep south sale of the year. The 28,000 sq ft Dallas mansion was snapped up by founder of Beal Bank, Andrew Beal in January. Don't be fooled by the fact it only has seven bedrooms. It also boasts a separate two-storey guest house. And a helipad.
DBOX for DIM Group and Macklowe Properties
A record breaker, this sale marked the biggest closed in New York City this year. The 8,255 sq ft penthouse at the top of the world's tallest residential tower, designed by Rafael Viñoly, was purchased by Saudi billionaire Fawaz Al Hokair in a deal reported to have closed in September.

Editor’s Note: The Spaces is a digital publication that covers architecture, design and art.

CNN  — 

In times of global and economic uncertainty, many chose to take stock and hold off on making major financial decisions. Like, say, dropping millions of dollars on a mansion with its own helipad.

Many, but not all.

Why China's super wealthy shun Western-looking homes

In fact, 2016 was a record breaking year when it comes to the most expensive homes sold.

Here is a list of the five most eye-watering residential property deals over the last 12 months – with octogenarian lodgers and all:

  • Taohuayuan, Suzhou ($154m)
  • The Penthouse, 432 Park Avenue, New York ($87.7m)
  • Crespi Hicks Estate, Texas ($100m)
  • 301 N Carolwood Drive, California ($100m)
  • The Playboy Mansion, California ($100m)

Head to The Spaces to see more expensive homes.