Sean “Diddy” Combs has sold his Star Island estate in Miami for $55 million, an off-market transaction occurring while the mogul serves a federal prison sentence. The property, previously pledged as part of a failed $50 million bail package in 2024, was purchased by JFStar LLC, a firm based in Virginia.
The $55 Million Star Island Transaction
The waterfront mansion, located at 1 Star Island Drive, has officially changed hands for $55 million, according to TMZ. Property records indicate the estate was acquired by JFStar LLC, a real estate holding company led by John A. Franklin of Virginia Beach, as reported by The Real Deal. The buyer financed the purchase with an $18.5 million mortgage provided by San Diego-based Axos Bank.
The sale concludes a lengthy and public period for the property, which was once a central element in Combs’ legal defense. The estate features a two-story home and a guest house spanning nearly 8,000 square feet, situated on a 1.3-acre lot with 240 feet of Biscayne Bay frontage. Combs originally purchased the home from Gloria and Emilio Estefan in 2021 for $35 million.
Legal History and the 2024 Bail Bid
Before the sale, the Star Island mansion became one of the most scrutinized residential properties in the country. Following Combs’ arrest in September 2024, his legal team proposed using the mansion as collateral to secure a $50 million bond. According to Realtor.com, prosecutors opposed the release, and federal judges ultimately denied the request, citing concerns that Combs posed too great a risk to be released while awaiting trial.
In preparation for that hearing, court filings revealed that Combs had taken steps to clear the property’s title. On August 20, 2024, he paid off a remaining mortgage of approximately $18,000,000.
“In anticipation of this bail hearing, on Aug. 20, 2024, Mr. Combs paid off the remaining mortgage of about $18,000,000 so that the home could be used to secure a bond and be free of a mortgage.”
Court filing, via Realtor.com
The property also gained notoriety in March 2024, when Homeland Security agents conducted a raid on the Star Island estate as part of an investigation into allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering. While 2 Star Island was raided, records show 1 Star Island was NOT raided and Combs retains ownership of his adjacent main residence at 2 Star Island Drive.
Prison Sentence and Ongoing Legal Status
Combs is currently serving a 50-month federal prison sentence at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey. In July 2025, a federal jury convicted him on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution, while acquitting him of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges. USA TODAY reported in June 2026 that his release date has been adjusted to February 23, 2028, citing factors such as “good conduct time” and credit for programs completed while incarcerated.
The sale of the 1 Star Island property also follows a legal dispute involving the buyer, John Franklin, who had previously alleged that Combs failed to complete the transaction, according to The Source. That litigation was reportedly resolved as part of the final sale process. Additionally, while Combs remains in custody, recent media reports have suggested he has sought a presidential pardon, though no such action has been finalized.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons continues to maintain a policy of silence regarding specific prisoner release plans, stating they do not discuss the conditions of confinement for any individual, including release plans.
Find more reporting in our Entertainment section.
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