Los Angeles, CA – Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval, stars of the reality TV series Vanderpump Rules, have sold their shared Los Angeles home three years after their highly publicized breakup amid a cheating scandal. The property, which the couple purchased together in 2019 for $2 million, was quietly sold to new owners for $3.1 million, according to Us Weekly, which confirmed the transaction on Friday, May 8. TMZ was the first to report the sale, marking the end of a contentious chapter in the former couple's post-split saga.
The sale comes more than a year after Madix, 40, and Sandoval, 43, ended their nine-year relationship in March 2023, following revelations that Sandoval had an affair with their co-star Rachel “Raquel” Leviss. The scandal, dubbed “Scandoval” by fans and media, rocked the Vanderpump Rules cast and led to widespread fallout, including Leviss' temporary exit from the show. In the immediate aftermath, the couple's living arrangements became a point of public interest, as they continued to share the 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom home in the Valley Village neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Sandoval addressed the awkward cohabitation during an April 2023 appearance on the podcast Howie Mandel Does Stuff. “I don’t have a lot of friends I can stay with right now. … I kind of run the house,” he said, explaining his role in maintaining the property. He added, “I handle the gardening [and] the housekeeping. My assistant comes and cleans and stocks everything. I basically run everything in the house.” Sandoval described using a mediator to communicate with Madix, noting, “[Ariana’s] in the house. This is a big house. We have a go-between. We text when we’re coming and going.” At the time, he mentioned that the house was not yet listed for sale, attributing delays to Madix's burgeoning career. “The house is not listed yet, no. [Ariana’s] really busy right now, she’s obviously blowing up. I’m really happy to see that. I’ve been busy as well trying to get things together,” Sandoval said.
The shared living situation quickly escalated into a legal dispute over the property. According to court documents, Madix filed a lawsuit against Sandoval in the Los Angeles Superior Court, seeking to force the sale of the home and divide the proceeds. The battle highlighted the tensions following the affair, with both parties reportedly eager to move on but clashing over logistics and financial terms. Us Weekly reported that the couple reached a settlement on January 13, 2024, when Madix filed a notice of settlement of the entire case. The filing specified that the dismissal was “conditional” and required “the satisfactory completion of specified terms” within 30 days of the settlement date.
Prior to the scandal, Madix and Sandoval had portrayed their relationship as stable and forward-looking. They joined the Vanderpump Rules cast in November 2013, with Madix making her debut that month. The couple publicly confirmed their romance during the show's season two reunion in February 2014. In December 2018, they spoke to Us Weekly about their decision to prioritize homeownership over marriage. “To me, we’d rather put our money in that investment than, to us, marriage or a wedding and all that, an expensive ring,” Sandoval told the outlet at the time, reflecting a practical approach to their long-term commitment.
“I feel like normally when it comes to decor in a house with a guy and a girl, it can be very like, ‘Okay, the girl just kind of does everything, the guy is like, I just added this one thing,’” Sandoval told BravoTV in May 2019. “But we obviously both have very strong personalities. You see a nice mix of Ariana and myself in there.”
Madix added, “We definitely had moments where one of us is really adamant about something, and the other one is not really feeling it. You compromise on those moments.”
These earlier comments underscored the collaborative spirit that once defined their partnership, contrasting sharply with the post-split discord. The home, described as a modern Mediterranean-style residence spanning over 4,000 square feet, featured amenities like a pool, spa, and home theater—elements that reflected the couple's blended tastes. Purchased amid the height of their reality TV fame, the property symbolized their joint investment in a future together.
Following the breakup, Madix's career trajectory shifted dramatically. She hosted Love Island USA and starred in Broadway's Chicago, capitalizing on the sympathy and support from fans outraged by Sandoval's infidelity. Sandoval, meanwhile, faced professional repercussions, including the temporary closure of his Los Angeles bar, Schwartz & Sandy's, co-owned with castmate Tom Schwartz. Reports indicated that the scandal cost the bar significant business, with some patrons boycotting in solidarity with Madix.
The settlement of the home dispute in January 2024 paved the way for the eventual sale, allowing both parties to sever ties with the property that had become a reminder of their fractured relationship. According to Us Weekly, Madix expressed relief at gaining her “freedom” after purchasing a new home in Los Angeles, signaling her readiness to start fresh. Details of her new residence remain private, but sources close to the actress described it as a significant upgrade that aligns with her post-Vanderpump Rules success.
Sandoval, who has been vocal about his remorse in subsequent interviews, has focused on personal growth and his music career, releasing singles and performing at events. In a February 2024 episode of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, he reflected on the scandal's impact, stating that it forced him to confront his actions. However, he has not publicly commented on the home sale as of the latest reports.
The transaction's completion on May 8 represents a financial windfall for the exes, with the $3.1 million sale price yielding a profit of over $1 million before fees and taxes. Real estate experts note that the Los Angeles housing market has remained robust, particularly in desirable areas like Valley Village, contributing to the appreciated value. The property's listing history shows it was taken off the market multiple times during the legal proceedings, with an initial asking price of around $4 million in mid-2023 that was adjusted amid the disputes.
Leviss, the third party in the affair, has since distanced herself from the Vanderpump Rules circle. She checked into a mental health facility in 2023 and has pursued therapy, occasionally sharing updates on social media. Her involvement in the scandal amplified the media frenzy, but she has maintained a lower profile, focusing on healing rather than returning to reality TV.
As Vanderpump Rules enters its 11th season, the cast continues to navigate the lingering effects of Scandoval. Upcoming episodes are expected to delve into the emotional aftermath, with Madix and Sandoval both returning to film. Producers have teased reconciliations and new conflicts, keeping the show's drama-fueled appeal intact.
The sale of the home closes a painful loop for Madix and Sandoval, allowing them to move forward independently. For Madix, it coincides with professional highs, including her role in the upcoming film Waterworld reboot. Sandoval, too, is rebuilding, with plans for a potential solo music tour. Industry insiders suggest that while the scandal initially tarnished their reputations, it has ultimately boosted their visibility in Hollywood.
In the broader context of celebrity real estate, such sales often symbolize closure after high-profile splits. Similar to other Bravo stars like Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, who offloaded their Beverly Hills estate post-separation, Madix and Sandoval's transaction underscores the practical realities of disentangling shared assets. Legal experts emphasize the importance of prenuptial agreements—or in this case, clear co-ownership terms—to avoid protracted battles.
With the property now in new hands, the Los Angeles real estate scene continues to buzz with celebrity activity. The home's next owners, whose identities have not been disclosed, are reportedly thrilled with the purchase, citing its prime location and updated features. For Madix and Sandoval, the sale marks not just a financial milestone but a personal one, freeing them from the shadows of their shared past.