Rihanna has treated herself to an early Christmas present - she has purchased a $12 million mansion in California.

The singer was forced to sell her Beverly Hills home at a loss last year after experiencing serious defects with the property.

She subsequently filed suit against the woman who sold her the water-damaged house and has now moved to the nearby Pacific Palisades neighbourhood.

The new place boasts seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a swimming pool and sun deck and an outdoor barbecue and bar area.