Ellen DeGeneres Leaves The U.S.: What It Means For Her $96 Million House-Flipping Hobby

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's reported move to England's Cotswolds could shift their real estate ventures, potentially ending a highly successful run of California property deals that recently culminated in a $96 million home sale.

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The couple, who purchased their latest Santa Barbara County beach property for $70 million before selling it at a profit, joins a growing exodus of entertainment industry figures exploring international real estate following the presidential election. Their departure reflects broader trends of wealthy Americans seeking properties abroad, particularly in European markets.

However, the Cotswolds’ unique real estate landscape poses distinct challenges to DeGeneres’ established flipping strategy, according to Harry Gladwin, head of the Cotswolds at the Buying Solution, who spoke with Mansion Global. “Whilst some savvy purchasers have been buying smaller cottages in good villages around honeypot locations such as Kingham and Burford and doing them up, the cost of renovation now means that owners will be unlikely to make huge returns,” Gladwin said.

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The region’s high-end market operates differently from Southern California’s luxury sector. Sebastian Hipwood, cofounder of Blue Book Agency, told Mansion Global that properties valued around £20 million (US$25.2 million) rarely change hands, with “a handful of houses a year” becoming available at that price point.

Historic property restrictions present additional hurdles. Listed properties require permissions for renovations, with approval processes stretching three to six months or longer. Even minor changes to windows and flooring demand regulatory oversight, extending project timelines.

According to Gemma Maclaran, residential property advisor at Middleton Advisors, construction costs have also soared. “A good-quality renovation would now cost about £400 per square foot, when before you could’ve done it for £200. On the higher end, that can go up to £1,000 per square foot,” she said.

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Recent tax changes further complicate matters for international buyers, who now face up to 17% in purchase taxes. Last month’s stamp duty increase added another 2% for second homes, potentially squeezing profit margins for property investors.

The couple’s relocation reflects a broader trend of high-profile Americans exploring international markets. Immigration attorneys report increased inquiries about overseas relocation options, with celebrities like Sharon Stone and Whoopi Goldberg publicly discussing similar moves. Actress Minnie Driver recently announced plans to return to the U.K. after nearly three decades in California.

DeGeneres and de Rossi still maintain several California properties, including their primary Montecito residence, though reports cited by Mansion Global indicate plans to list it soon. Their transition to the Cotswolds suggests a shift from quick-turn property investments to the region’s more traditional approach of long-term estate ownership.

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