Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost just snagged a NYC penthouse — and for a massive bargain

New York Post - Mar 31st, 2025

Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost have purchased a Manhattan penthouse for $13 million, significantly less than its initial $27.5 million listing price. The 6,000-square-foot, six-bedroom Carnegie Hill residence, which boasts luxurious features such as five terraces, eight balconies, and six woodburning fireplaces, was bought from Craig and Deborah Cogut, who paid the same amount for it in 2006. The sale reflects a broader trend of declining buyer interest in paying premium prices for Manhattan's pre-war co-ops. The couple was in the market for a larger home since 2022 and have now secured one less than 30 minutes from Jost's workplace at 30 Rock.

Scarlett Johansson, a leading actress known for her roles in the Marvel Franchise and other acclaimed films, and her husband Colin Jost, an SNL comedian, had previously sold their individual New York properties resulting in a financial loss. Their recent acquisition comes as Jost is approaching the end of his 20th year with 'Saturday Night Live,' while Johansson prepares for the promotional tour of her upcoming film, 'Jurassic World Rebirth.' The purchase highlights the couple's strategic real estate moves amid changing market dynamics in Manhattan and symbolizes a shift in buyer preferences in the luxury housing market.

Scarlett Johansson Colin Jost Manhattan Real Estate Carnegie Hill Luxury Penthouse Real Estate Market Trends

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RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-structured and largely accurate account of Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost's recent real estate purchase. It benefits from clear language and a reputable source, The Wall Street Journal, lending credibility to its claims. However, the story could improve by including a wider range of perspectives and providing more transparency about its reporting process. While engaging and timely, its impact is primarily limited to informing readers about a specific transaction rather than influencing broader discussions or policy changes. Overall, it effectively balances readability with informative content, though it remains focused on a niche audience interested in celebrity news and high-end real estate.

Accuracy

The story about Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost purchasing a Manhattan penthouse is largely accurate, with several claims supported by reputable sources like The Wall Street Journal. The article correctly states the purchase price of $13 million and notes the significant reduction from the initial listing price of $27.5 million. It accurately identifies the previous owners, Craig and Deborah Cogut, and the historical purchase price. However, while most property features and sale details are precise, some claims, such as the exact features of the penthouse, would benefit from additional verification to ensure all details are current and accurate.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the real estate transaction involving Johansson and Jost, with a secondary emphasis on their careers and previous real estate dealings. While it provides a detailed account of the property and its market context, it lacks broader perspectives on the implications of such high-profile purchases in the Manhattan real estate market. The piece could benefit from additional viewpoints, such as those from real estate experts or market analysts, to provide a more rounded perspective on the market's current state.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear and concise language that effectively communicates the main points. It maintains a neutral tone throughout and is logically structured, making it easy to follow. The descriptions of the property are vivid and detailed, enhancing reader comprehension. However, the inclusion of some technical real estate terms without explanation might be challenging for readers unfamiliar with the market.

Source quality

The story references The Wall Street Journal, a highly credible and authoritative source, particularly for financial and real estate news. This lends significant weight to the article's reliability. However, the piece would benefit from a broader range of sources, such as direct quotes from real estate agents or market analysts, to enhance its depth and credibility further.

Transparency

The article provides basic context for the real estate transaction and mentions the source of its primary information, The Wall Street Journal. However, it lacks transparency in terms of methodology, such as how the information was verified or whether attempts were made to reach out to the buyers or sellers for comments. Greater transparency about the reporting process would enhance the article's credibility.