Christie’s Launches Crypto Real Estate Division, Facilitating High-End Transactions in Digital Assets

Christie’s International Real Estate has established a specialized division to handle property transactions exclusively in cryptocurrency, according to a New York Times report. The initiative, led by Aaron Kirman of a Christie’s-affiliated Los Angeles firm, builds on recent high-profile deals, including a $65 million Beverly Hills purchase completed entirely in crypto.

The division brings together legal, financial, and blockchain experts to enable peer-to-peer transactions without traditional banking intermediaries. This caters to affluent buyers and sellers prioritizing privacy, leveraging digital assets for seamless real estate acquisitions.

With approximately 14% of Americans holding cryptocurrency, Kirman predicts digital currencies could account for more than a third of U.S. residential real estate transactions within five years. The opacity of crypto transactions—often routed through LLCs funded directly with digital assets—enhances buyer anonymity compared to conventional banking methods.

Kirman’s crypto-compatible property portfolio, valued at over $1 billion, includes landmarks like Bel Air’s $118 million La Fin and Joshua Tree’s $17.95 million Invisible House. The MOVE signals growing institutional acceptance of digital assets in high-value tangible markets.