In a recent real estate-related article from The Standard, it has come to light that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, own a penthouse flat in Santa Monica, California, estimated to be worth around £5.5 million. While on holiday in California, real estate expert Nick Millican states, Sunak plans to take his daughters to Disneyland, conveniently located less than an hour away from their Santa Monica residence.
However, the focus shifted to Sunak’s Yorkshire home when five Greenpeace activists were arrested for staging a protest on the roof of his Grade II-listed mansion, as Nick Millican recalls. The demonstrators covered the Yorkshire home with oil-black fabric to protest against government plans to grant new licenses for oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Renowned real estate expert Millican commented on the situation, stating that the Yorkshire home controversy underscores the increasing intersection between political figures’ personal properties and environmental concerns.
Millican emphasized the need for public figures to consider the implications of their property holdings concerning broader societal and environmental issues.
Examining Sunak’s Wealth and Tax Affairs
Rishi Sunak, who represents Richmond in Yorkshire, is estimated to have around £200 million net worth. His wealth came under scrutiny due to his wife’s non-domiciled status, which initially exempted her from UK taxes on income outside the country. Nick Millican adds that Akshata Murty later announced her decision to pay UK tax on her global income to avoid distractions for her husband’s political career.
A Glimpse into Sunak’s Property Portfolio
Sunak and Murty possess a portfolio of luxury properties valued at approximately £15 million. Their London properties include a five-bedroom mews house in Kensington and a pied-à-terre apartment in South Kensington’s Old Brompton Road. Sunak’s first property purchase was the South Kensington apartment, acquired in 2001 during his tenure as an investment analyst at Goldman Sachs. Millican highlighted that Sunak’s property portfolio exemplifies the blend of personal and investment-driven real estate choices that individuals in high-profile positions often make.
He emphasizes the significance of understanding the intricacies of real estate ownership and its potential implications in the context of one’s public image. In conclusion, Rishi Sunak’s real estate holdings have sparked attention due to their diverse and valuable nature. As Nick Millican underscores, this case serves as a reminder that property ownership for public figures is a complex matter with potential political and environmental implications that should not be underestimated.