# Malibu cliff mansion project stalled as investor dispute deepens

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/humiliating-disaster-for-developer-building-five-mansions-atop-malibu-cliff-that-are-struggling-to-sell-as-his-ego-is-blamed-for-the-chaos/
- Published: 2026-11-09T16:29:51+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-09T16:53:49+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16278205/California-Developer-five-mansions-Malibu-struggling-sell-ego-blamed-Scott-Gillen.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Software, Technology, World

## Key points

- Four of five Malibu mansions remain unsold.
- Agents cite pricing and Gillen’s sales approach.
- Gillen faces bankruptcy filings and an investor dispute.

## Summary

Scott Gillen’s plan to build five ultra-luxury mansions on a Malibu cliff has stalled, with only one home sold after nearly a decade. The unsold properties and a legal dispute with his main investor have put the development under financial and legal pressure.

Gillen bought the 24-acre site for $50 million in 2017 and planned to sell the homes for $40 million to $100 million each. Agents who worked on the sales blamed his close involvement, strict conditions for visitors and reluctance to lower prices; they also said buyers wanted more distinctive homes. Several companies linked to Gillen have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, while investor Barry Shy’s company says it is owed $240 million.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.