The leader of the online business- to-business marketplace operator splashed out about HK$300 million for the 7,088 sq ft duplex on the 52nd floor of Branksome Crest in Mid-Levels.

The unit has five bedrooms, and includes a garden on the roof occupying 2,771 sq ft. Ma bought the property directly from developer Kerry Properties (0683), sources said. Ma was not available for comment when approached by The Standard.

The deal broke the record for not just Hong Kong, but the whole of Asia. The previous record was held by the purchase of House 1 at 8 Severn Road on The Peak, when a businessman paid about HK$41,000 psf for a 5,100 sq ft semi-detached townhouse.

Top rents at Branksome Crest, completed in 2004, are stable at HK$70 psf, and are on par with houses on The Peak.

Deborah Ho Chiu-hung, daughter of Macau gaming magnate Stanley Ho Hung-sun, lives on the 51st floor.

Ma's personal worth is estimated at HK$12.7 billion following the listing debut of Alibaba, whose stock tripled in value in the first day of trading. The profit and earnings ratio also multiplied 300 times.