Rihanna Drops $21 Million on Sky-High Century City Penthouse

Since 2014, Rihanna’s primary residence has been a luxury condo at The Century, one of the most expensive and prestigious residential skyscrapers in Los Angeles. But with a new baby and a second child on the way, plus staff and her ubiquitous entourage, she’s feeling a bit cramped in her three-bedroom, 3,500-square-foot home.

So the Barbadian superstar has rectified that situation as the rich and very famous can — she’s splashed out $21 million to buy one of The Century’s largest condos, a penthouse spanning the building’s entire 40th floor. With more than 9,000 square feet of living space, numerous bespoke touches and incredible views, the spread is worthy of any A-lister.

The seller was Nick Molnar, the billionaire co-founder of tech company Afterpay, who originally wanted $28 million for the penthouse. But Rihanna negotiated a steep discount, and it’s likely she used L.A.’s mansion tax as a bargaining tool — the deal closed March 31st, just one day before the new tax was implemented. Should the deal have closed in April, Molnar would have owed an additional $1.1 million in taxes.

In any case, that discounted $21 million sale price represents a $600,000 loss for Molnar, who bought the condo less than two years ago from Matthew Perry. During his four-year ownership, the “Friends” actor extensively customized the place with the help of architect Scott Joyce and interior designer LM Pagano, and it doesn’t appear Molnar made any changes to Perry’s designs.

A private elevator landing opens into the condo’s entrance gallery, and guests will be wowed by the living room’s curvaceous wall of floor-to-ceiling windows flaunting skyline views. Dark brown hardwood floors flow into the dining room, which is serviced by an all-white kitchen with marble countertops, dual islands and premium appliances.

Also on the premises are a soundproof movie theater with velour couches and a master suite equipped with a curved bedroom, dual bespoke closets, dual bathrooms and its own private lounge. But the condo’s most impressive features are likely its four separate outdoor terraces, which face four different directions — north, south, east and west — and sport panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Downtown L.A. skyscrapers, the San Gabriel mountains and even snowcapped Mount Baldy.

Other notable residents at The Century include Denzel Washington and reality TV stars Terry and Heather Dubrow. And then there’s Candy Spelling, whose famed two-floor penthouse lies just above Rihanna’s, spanning the 41st and 42nd floors of the building.

Completed circa 2010 and designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, The Century has been Century City’s premier residential skyscraper since its completion. Rihanna’s penthouse includes a hefty $8,814 in monthly HOA dues — for that, she receives a host of building’s best amenities, including four deeded parking spots in its underground garage, 24/7 concierge and security guards, access to an outdoor swimming pool and lush gardens, onsite storage facilities, an in-house restaurant, conference rooms and much more.

Rihanna also owns two side-by-side mansions in the mountains above Beverly Hills, though both are reportedly leased out to tenants. According to Forbes, the “We Found Love” hitmaker is now the world’s richest female musician, with a $1.4 billion net worth.