Christie’s International Real Estate has become the first major US brokerage to establish a dedicated division for cryptocurrency-based property transactions, marking a significant shift in how high-end real estate may be bought and sold in the future.
The division, led by Aaron Kirman, chief executive of Christie’s Southern California arm, is made up of lawyers, analysts and crypto specialists tasked with handling property deals conducted entirely in digital currency.
The New York Times reported the move follows a number of successful high-value sales where cryptocurrency was used in lieu of cash, including a Beverly Hills home that sold for US$65 million (approx. AUD$96 million).
“The trend was obvious, crypto is here to stay,” said Mr Kirman. “It’s only going to get bigger over the next few years.”
Christie’s decision coincides with a wave of regulatory changes in the US, where cryptocurrency has received a boost from the Trump administration.
President Trump signed the Genius Act, setting out federal rules for stablecoins, a class of digital currency designed to maintain a consistent US$1 value. Meanwhile, the House passed the Clarity Act, aimed at easing regulations on crypto businesses, which now heads to the Senate.
These legislative moves have already benefited the former President personally. Mr Trump’s crypto wealth is now estimated at US$7.1 billion (approx. AUD$10.5 billion), while his family-run business, World Liberty Financial, continues to thrive.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two major government-backed mortgage lenders in the US, have also been directed to recognise cryptocurrency assets when assessing mortgage applicants.
According to Gallup, approximately 14% of American adults now own some form of cryptocurrency.
Billion-dollar crypto portfolio
Christie’s now manages a property portfolio exceeding US$1 billion (approx. AUD$1.48 billion) in listings that are open to cryptocurrency buyers. These include:
- La Fin, a lavish Bel Air estate priced at US$118 million (approx. AUD$175 million), billed as the most expensive property ever listed for crypto.
- The Nightingale, a sleek Beverly Hills property designed by Woods + Dangaran, listed at US$63 million (approx. AUD$93 million).
- Invisible House in Joshua Tree, a minimalist mirrored home currently on the market for US$17.95 million (approx. AUD$26.6 million).
Chris Hanley, the owner of Invisible House, said accepting cryptocurrency is an effective way to attract “innovative buyers,” particularly those who have made fortunes in the digital economy and are seeking tangible assets.
Anonymity a key draw
One of the primary attractions of crypto transactions, Mr Kirman explained, is the ability for buyers to remain anonymous—an increasingly sought-after feature among ultra-wealthy individuals. Traditionally, celebrities and high-net-worth buyers have relied on LLCs to shield their identities, though sleuths and reporters often link these purchases to their famous owners.
Crypto adds an extra layer of privacy. Mr Kirman said he has already brokered multiple deals where sellers had no knowledge of who was purchasing the property. Legal representatives ensured funds were legitimate while buyers operated through LLCs funded directly with crypto.
While the use of cryptocurrency in property transactions is still a rarity, its influence is growing. Mr Kirman noted that he is in active discussions with several large US banks to facilitate crypto-backed financing, and predicts that within five years, over a third of residential real estate transactions in the US could involve digital currency.
