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How much is Mar-a-Lago really worth? Unearthed news footage may make Donald Trump very happy

A 1987 clip discussing Donald Trump's acquisition of Mar-a-Lago has sparked debates on the estate's true value

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: An intriguing unearthed news clip from 1987, spotlighting Mar-a-Lago's amenities and historical significance, has reignited discussions about the estate's actual worth.

The footage, shared by journalist Dom Lucre on X, showcased the estate's grandeur, boasting a theater, over 100 rooms, and even bomb shelters.

Interestingly, it delved into the government's past use of Mar-a-Lago as a presidential retreat, citing the steep $1 million yearly upkeep that led to its discontinuation.

Unearthed news clip reveals Mar-a-Lago's $1 million rent in 1980s

The news clip's significance lies in the details: a crucial mention of Mar-a-Lago's staggering $1 million annual maintenance cost. This snippet has piqued curiosity as it hints at the property's potential value today.

Observers noted that if Mar-a-Lago's rent in the 1980s approached $1 million, accounting for real estate inflation, the property's current value might significantly exceed the conservative $18 million evaluation stated by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

While this speculation isn't substantiated by concrete evidence, it adds to the ongoing debate about the estate's actual value.

Recent legal proceedings intensify the spotlight on Mar-a-Lago's valuation

Recent legal proceedings intensified the spotlight on Mar-a-Lago's valuation.

A New York judge ruled against Trump, finding a staggering 2,300% inflation in the property's worth.

This ruling emerged within a broader context where Judge Arthur Engoron held Trump and his adult sons liable for fraud, emphasizing instances of gross inflation in the Trump real estate empire, according to Insider.

Engoron's metrics drew attention as he heavily relied on the county tax assessor's appraisal value.

According to the judge, the Palm Beach County Assessor valued Mar-a-Lago between $18 million and $27.6 million from 2011 to 2021.

In stark contrast, Trump's valuation ranged from $426.5 million to $612 million, a discrepancy Engoron described as a 2,300% overvaluation compared to the assessor's appraisal.

However, experts caution against equating tax assessor valuations with actual market values.

Eli Beracha, chair of Florida International University's School of Real Estate, highlighted the distinction, especially for unique properties like Mar-a-Lago, as per CNN.

Dina Goldentayer of Douglas Elliman in South Florida echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that tax assessments don't reflect accurate market values in the ultra-luxury marketplace.

Real estate experts stress complexity of assessing properties like Mar-a-Lago

The ongoing debate surrounding Mar-a-Lago's worth faces challenges in determining an accurate valuation.

Real estate experts stress the complexity of assessing unique properties like Trump's estate, which doesn't fit conventional valuation methods based on comparable sales.

The internet buzzes with opinions supporting Trump's contention about the property's value.

One user on X argued, "You could sell the tiles alone for 10m++. There are hundreds of priceless items there. It’s silly they said it’s worth less than some LA mansions. When yearly upkeep is 1-2m alone."

Another user emphasized the implications of historical maintenance costs, stating, "If the upkeep alone is $1M a year in 1987? That should tell you all you need to know."

Notably, even individuals not aligned with Trump voiced support. "I don't like Trump, but I fully acknowledge he is being railroaded."

Additionally, some users emphasized the artistic and historical value embedded in the property's features. "Those Spanish tiles alone are probably worth 100 million as art/history."

Highlighting the substantial increase in apparent value, another user compared the initial purchase price, noting, "Trump purchased Mar A Lago in 1985 for $10 million. Letitia James says it is only worth $18 million almost 40 years later."