Christie’s Launches Crypto Real Estate Division for High-End Transactions

Christie's International Real Estate has established a specialized division to facilitate property purchases entirely 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 like a $65 million Beverly Hills transaction settled exclusively in digital assets.

The new unit assembles legal, financial, and blockchain experts to enable peer-to-peer transactions without bank intermediation. This caters to affluent buyers seeking privacy—transactions often route through LLCs funded directly with crypto, obscuring ownership trails more effectively than traditional banking.

With 14% of Americans now holding digital assets, Kirman predicts crypto could underpin over a third of U.S. residential deals within five years. His crypto-compatible property portfolio, valued above $1 billion, includes trophy assets like Bel Air's $118 million La Fin and Joshua Tree's $17.95 million Invisible House.