11 Incredible Mansions That No One Wants to Buy

Have you ever passed by a wow-worthy residence that's had a "For Sale" sign on display for what seems like an eternity and wondered why no one has scooped up the property? With real estate market trends and preferences as fluid as they are, even extravagant estates in peak condition are sometimes ignored by home buyers for a host of reasons, including price, style, and location. In the pages ahead, browse a selection of jaw-dropping mansions around the country that are surprisingly still waiting for that one special buyer after months—and in some cases, years—on the market.

By Manasa Reddigari | Updated Jul 29, 2020 01:08 PM

Golden Gate Glamour in San Francisco, California 94123

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San Francisco Mansion

In a city where more than half of all listed homes sell within a month of hitting the market, there have been notably few buyers waiting in the wings for this palatial property. On the market for 566 days, this 16,000-square-foot mansion features 7 bedrooms, 11 baths, and elevator access to every floor and the rooftop deck. An affluent buyer can scoop up the neglected nest for $29,500,000—which makes it far pricier than other neighborhood homes.

Related: Selling Your Home? 7 Things to Know Right Off the Bat

Zillow Digs home in San Francisco, CA

Stone-Walled Sanctuary in Alpine, New Jersey 07620

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Alpine NJ Mansions

You wouldn't guess from its fairy-tale-worthy stone exterior, but this estate has been unable to attract a buyer for years, during which time it has been repeatedly put on and off the market without changing ownership. Currently on sale for $39,900,000, the millionaire-ready manse was built on the estate of Henry Clay Frick II, the grandson of renowned steel tycoon Henry Clay Frick. Buyers willing to splurge on the modern-day palace will find that the 30,000-square-foot interior is rife with amenities, including a home theater, wine cellar, and an 11-car garage.


Related: 9 Quick Fixes for a Faster Home Sale

Zillow Digs home in Alpine, NJ

Nightlife-Friendly Nest in Farmington, Connecticut 06032

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Farmington CT Mansions

The built-in nightclub and home theater as well as the indoor pool and hot tub at this 51,657-square-foot estate have not yet tempted a party-hearty home buyer to move in. Over the course of nearly a decade, the 19-bedroom home has gone on and off the market without snagging a buyer, and the asking price, once set at $14.5 million, has dropped to a mere $5,995,000 during that time. The lack of interest is particularly surprising given the property's most extravagant, yet hidden, feature: a helipad. That's right, the home is one of the few in the state with an approved helicopter landing pad!

Related: 11 Myths Home Buyers Should Never Believe

Zillow Digs home in Farmington, CT

French Provincial Castle in Bronx, New York 10471

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Bronx Mansions

New York is home to many multimillion-dollar mansions, but buyers have kept clear of this $3,200,000 fortress. Dating to 1926, the French Provincial-style estate with a terraced garden, whimsical turrets, and oak floors has been on and off the market since 2009. One upside to its longer-than-average time on the market: The storied abode, designed by famed architect Frank Forster, gets only more beautiful with age.

Related: 18 Castles You Can Buy (for Less Than You Think)

Zillow Digs home in Bronx, NY

"Palazzo di Amore" in Beverly Hills, California 90210

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Palazzo di Amore

Although this 43,000-square-foot Mediterranean estate is situated on a private tree-lined road in the center of America's most star-studded zip code, none of Hollywood's elite has made a move on it. Worthy of a starring role itself, the $129 million estate offers 12 bedrooms, 23 baths, a 10,000-square-foot wine cellar, and an entertainment complex, all surrounded by a reflecting pool, waterfall, and lush garden. Yet all of these astonishing amenities have been languishing since the lavish estate was listed in 2014. Removed from the market several times since then, the home was most recently relisted in March 2017.


Related: Buyers Pay More for Homes with These 12 Features

Zillow Digs home in Beverly Hills, CA

Lakefront Manse in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302

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Bloomfield Hills Mansions

If you're looking for a humble home in Michigan, this $4,990,000 estate probably won't make your short list. But for those seeking luxury, the opulent waterfront residence could be just the ticket. The 7,740-square-foot abode situated on scenic Long Lake comes with five bedrooms, nine baths, a gym, six fireplaces, and a walkout basement with its own exercise and billiards room. After the home failed to attract a buyer in 2015 (and again in 2016), it was made available to renters for the cool price of $25,000 a month.

Related: 20 Beautiful Homes Hiding in America's Most Affordable Cities

Zillow Digs home in Bloomfield Hills, MI

Three Homes in One in Dallas, Texas 75229

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Dallas TX Mansions

Dallas's low cost of living allows home buyers to allocate more of their budget to real estate, but this high-end home, on the market since January, hasn't yet piqued the interest of a high-flying buyer. At $48,900,000, the 28,996-square-foot pad on a verdant 25-acre lot certainly has the living space to justify its price tag: The buyer who scoops up the property gets not only the main house, but also a guest house and an apartment, all located less than a 10-minute drive from downtown.


Related: 10 Small Towns with Big Home Bargains

Zillow Digs home in Dallas, TX

Private Escape in Northville, Michigan 48167

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Northville Mansions

This $9,900,00 abode on historic 8 Mile Road first went on the market more than a year ago—and at a much higher asking price. Yet, the 4,600-square-foot hidden gem, located on a lush, 4.55-acre lot, still hasn't found a buyer. Although its location on a private road may contribute to its low visibility in the Detroit metropolitan area market, it's hard to imagine that potential buyers who get close enough to see its chateau-esque exterior, stone fireplace, and grand spiral staircase wouldn't be impressed. 

Related: Living Remotely: 12 Stunning Homes in the Middle of Nowhere

Zillow Digs home in Northville, MI

Hole-in-One House in Brentwood, Tennessee 37027

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Brentwood TN Mansions

Despite the location of this six-bedroom estate, right off the 18th tee of a golf course, no golf-happy home buyer has scored the title to the property, which has been on and off the market since 2012. Even so, the $3,250,000 nest harbors plenty of visual appeal with its old-world exterior and attractive amenities. The 11,619-square-foot interior contains a media room, gym, and wine cellar, while the exterior offers a pool for those who would rather soak their cares away than golf a round.


Related: 18 American Towns Every Old-House Lover Needs to See

Zillow Digs home in Brentwood, TN

Resort-Style Residence in Brooklyn, New York 11234

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Brooklyn Mansions

Graced by an outdoor pool and an open-air pavilion that seats 40, this waterfront estate was built for entertaining. And yet the property, which has been on and off the market for four years, hasn't seen an alfresco soiree in quite a while. The pool and pavilion are just two of many striking features of the picture-perfect 22,500-square-foot residence overlooking tranquil Mill Basin. Spa baths, powder rooms, a solarium, and a chef's kitchen round out the list of luscious rooms at the $18,000,000 residence.


Related: America's 50 Most Exclusive Neighborhoods

Zillow Digs home in Brooklyn, NY

Hayes Mansion in San Jose, California 95136

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Hayes Mansion

Though the potential sale of Hayes Mansion for a value of around $47 million fell through earlier this year, its century-old charms are not lost on locals. The 41,000-square-foot Mediterranean Revival estate, built in 1905 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, features 62 rooms and incorporates over 12 different species of wood. For investors who wish to claim a piece of California's history, the stately property is back on the market for $36 million.


Related: 10 Outdoor Living Ideas to Steal from California

wikimedia.org via Sanfranman59 and flickr.com via Timothy Merrill 

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