Exploring a Luxury House in Encino: The Real Cost of Ownership

Exploring a Luxury House in Encino: The Real Cost of Ownership

Introduction to the Encino Luxury House

The video takes us on a tour of a stunning luxury house in Encino, Los Angeles. This brand-new property boasts an impressive 8,200 square feet, featuring six bedrooms and eight and a half bathrooms. Located just north of Ventura Boulevard, it's about 10 miles from Beverly Hills, offering much better value compared to similar properties in Beverly Hills.

The Economics of Owning a Luxury House

The video delves into the financial aspects of owning such a luxury property. The house, priced at $7.5 million, represents the high-end real estate market in Los Angeles. The discussion includes the implications of current mortgage rates and the overall cost of ownership.

Mortgage and Down Payment

• A 20% down payment is required, amounting to approximately $1.5 million.
• With current interest rates around 8% (as of November 2023), monthly payments would be around $48,000.
• This is a significant increase compared to the lower rates of 3.5-4% in 2019-2020.

Economic Context

• The video highlights the economic challenges, including high debt levels in the U.S. and the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.
• The rise in interest rates is a response to these economic conditions.

House Features and Amenities

The house is equipped with luxurious amenities and modern design elements:

Living Spaces

• Formal living room, often underutilized in such large homes.
• Spacious family room with a cozy, contemporary vibe.
• A large kitchen with one of the biggest islands seen in similar properties.

Additional Features

• A guest bedroom with a lovely backyard view.
• An office space with a simple and clean design.
• A downstairs area with fancy amenities.
• A safe room with its own air conditioning and internet feed.

The Cost of Running a Luxury House

• Monthly utility bills can be extremely high, with the video host sharing a personal bill of $5,500 for one month.
• The size of the house necessitates multiple air conditioning units, contributing to high energy costs.

Income Requirements for Ownership

• To comfortably afford the house, one would need to earn a minimum of $1.8 million per year.
• The video discusses the reality that most owners of such properties do not rely on mortgages but rather pay in cash.

Conclusion: The Reality of Luxury Real Estate

The tour concludes with reflections on the current economic situation and its impact on the affordability of luxury real estate. The video provides insights into the true cost of owning and maintaining a high-end property in Los Angeles, considering both the purchase price and ongoing expenses.

（video from： https://youtu.be/8uE8sM-JWFA）