HARTFORD (Connecticut) - RAPPER 50 Cent said on Tuesday that he never would have bought a Connecticut mansion once owned by boxer Mike Tyson had he realized it would require millions in repairs and renovations.

50 Cent testified that his attorneys hired the firm to inspect the 52-room, 14,600-meter-plus mansion in Farmington, Connecticut, in 2003 before he bought it from Tyson's ex-wife. The company was to make a visual inspection to determine how much it would cost to repair the roof, decks, driveway and other aspects of the property.

The company's estimate was for about US$500,000, (S$718,000) but 50 Cent spent about $6 million on repairs and renovations. Lawyers said about $3 million of that was spent on maintenance repairs that should have been included in the firm's estimate, and the rest was spent on additional 'betterments and improvements.'

BVH attorney Michael Byrne said his client shouldn't be liable for the difference because 50 Cent wanted 'extravagant and costly upgrades.' A contractor hired by BVH to conduct the 2003 inspection, John Thomas Wilcox Jr., also testified during the first day of the hearing. Wilcox said he was asked to inspect the home, including the windows, doors, attic, roof and exterior paint, but he didn't make any exact measurements or research building records.

50 Cent sued in 2006 and the case is being heard by judge Eliot D. Prescott.

50 Cent put the mansion up for sale in 2007 for $18.5 million and allowed the MTV show 'Cribs' to film an episode to show off the details of the 19-bedroom, 37-bathroom property.

There were no buyers and 50 Cent said Tuesday the house is no longer for sale.

Testimony is scheduled to resume Wednesday morning and the trial could last into next week, lawyers said. -- AP