Mukesh Ambani’s house, Antilia, is one of the most famous and expensive homes in the world. Located in Mumbai, this 27-floor skyscraper is not just a residence but a symbol of the Ambani family’s wealth and influence. With its striking design and countless amenities, Antilia stands as a true landmark on Altamount Road.
Built with the help of renowned architects and construction companies, the home is packed with luxuries from multiple helipads to a grand ballroom. The Ambani family, known as India’s richest, spared no effort in making it perfect. Antilia is estimated to be worth over INR 15,000 crore (around $4.6 billion), making it one of the costliest private residences on Earth.
But beneath the glamour lies a story that is less talked about—a controversy over the land it was built on.
The Land’s Charitable Roots
Long before Antilia’s towering structure rose, the land had a very different purpose. It was originally home to an orphanage called Currimbhoy Ebrahim Khoja Yateemkhana. This institution was founded in 1895 by Kareem Bhai Ibrahim, a wealthy shipowner. His goal was to support orphans and offer them education and shelter. In 1986, the land was officially handed over to a charity trust managed under the Waqf Board, intended for religious education and the care of underprivileged children.
How Did It Get Sold?
In 2002, the trust managing the land sought permission from the Charity Commissioner to sell it. Permission was granted, and the land was sold to Antilia Commercial Private Limited—a company linked to Mukesh Ambani—for about $2.5 million. Reports suggest this price was far below its actual market value.
Critics argued the sale violated the Waqf Act, which requires special approval for selling Waqf property. Allegations surfaced that the necessary permissions from the Maharashtra State Waqf Board were either missing or improperly granted. The sale sparked protests and legal challenges. Although a stay order was initially issued, it was later lifted, and the Supreme Court ultimately dismissed the Waqf Board’s plea against the sale.
Ongoing Concerns and Legal Questions
Construction of Antilia began after approvals were secured, with work starting in 2006 and the family moving in by 2010. Yet, questions about the land deal have not fully gone away. A new Waqf Amendment Bill in 2025 has reignited debate, with legal experts suggesting it could complicate claims over such land sales in the future.
Reports presented in the Maharashtra Assembly have also highlighted that the land was never meant for private sale, and that proper legal steps may not have been followed during the transaction. While the matter has been pending in court for years, it remains a point of public discussion.
The Grandeur of Antilia Today
Despite the controversy, Antilia stands as an architectural marvel. The building is designed to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 8.0 and stretches 568 feet into the Mumbai skyline. It covers nearly 4 lakh square feet, with luxury features few homes can match. The name “Antilia” itself was inspired by a mythical island in the Atlantic Ocean, reflecting the family’s desire for something truly one-of-a-kind.
In the end, while Antilia represents unmatched luxury and status, it also tells a complex story about land use, charity, and the power of wealth in shaping cities and lives.