Scarlett Johansson Acquires $13M Manhattan Triplex at Significant Discount
Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost have purchased a 6,000-square-foot Manhattan penthouse for $13 million, as Realtor.com reports. The sale price represents a steep decline from the property's initial 2018 asking price of $27.5 million. The deal secures a Rosario Candela-designed residence featuring six bedrooms and extensive private outdoor space across three levels.
Context from Industry Pulse
The acquisition of the Rosario Candela-designed triplex highlights a significant pricing adjustment in the luxury Manhattan segment. Initially listed for $27.5 million in 2018, the property eventually sold for $13 million in 2025, matching its 2006 purchase price. This 52% reduction from the peak asking price reflects the challenges sellers face with high-maintenance, large-scale prewar units that remain on the market for extended periods. Johansson’s preference for full-time security, as evidenced by her rejection of a London rental lacking a doorman, underscores how safety infrastructure remains a primary driver for celebrity real estate decisions, often outweighing the appeal of suburban privacy.
The real estate transaction for the New York native and her husband, Saturday Night Live performer Colin Jost, closed in March 2025. According to Realtor.com, the couple secured the triplex for less than half of its original list price after the property spent several years on and off the market. The residence is located within a classic 18-story building dating back to the 1930s. The former owners originally bought the unit for the same $13 million price point nearly two decades ago.
The layout of the prewar penthouse emphasizes luxury and privacy across three floors. Realtor.com notes that the residence includes six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, supplemented by eight balconies and five terraces. Internal features include an oak-paneled library with views of Central Park and Midtown, a living room with floor-to-ceiling French doors, and a kitchen equipped with white subway tile and dual professional-grade refrigerators. The top level is dedicated entirely to a primary suite featuring a private terrace, a dressing room, and a marble-clad bathroom.
Johansson’s recent housing choices have been influenced by security and familial needs. While filming abroad in the United Kingdom, the actress opted for a high-end hotel suite at Claridge’s instead of a planned rental home in a London suburb. According to Realtor.com, this decision was driven by the lack of a liveried security doorman at the suburban property, which was a priority for the actress while traveling with her children and staff.
The move to the Manhattan triplex provides the family with the permanent security infrastructure they sought. The building features a full-time doorman, addressing the safety concerns that previously impacted Johansson's choice of accommodations during international film projects. The purchase marks a significant addition to the couple's real estate portfolio within their home city.
The Industry Pulse Bottom Line
Johansson’s $13 million purchase demonstrates that even iconic prewar architecture requires significant price corrections to move in a selective market where security and modern amenities are non-negotiable for high-profile buyers.