Christie’s Launches Crypto Division as Digital Real Estate Deals Surge
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
Christie’s International Real Estate has officially entered the crypto era, becoming the first major brokerage to launch a dedicated division for cryptocurrency-based property transactions.
The new unit, led by Aaron Kirman, CEO of Christie’s Southern California, is made up of attorneys, analysts, and crypto specialists who will manage deals conducted entirely in digital currency. Christie’s already has over $1 billion in crypto-eligible listings, signaling a monumental shift in how luxury properties are bought and sold.
Kirman, who recently closed a $65 million crypto sale in Beverly Hills, said the demand was undeniable.The trend was obvious. Crypto is here to stay. It’s only going to get bigger over the next few years.
Crypto Goes Mainstream
The move comes amid sweeping regulatory support in the U.S., as lawmakers embrace digital assets.
President Trump recently signed the Genius Act, establishing federal guidelines for stablecoins, while the Clarity Act, which aims to ease restrictions on crypto businesses, has passed the House and is moving to the Senate.
Trump’s personal crypto portfolio is now estimated at over $7.1 billion, and his private firm, World Liberty Financial, is thriving in the booming decentralized economy.
Major lenders are adapting too. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been instructed to recognize crypto holdings during mortgage assessments—ushering in a new era of financing. According to Gallup, 14% of American adults now hold some form of cryptocurrency.
Christie’s Billion-Dollar Digital Portfolio
Among Christie’s high-end crypto listings:
La Fin, Bel Air – $118M: One of the most expensive properties ever offered via crypto.
The Nightingale, Beverly Hills – $63M: A sleek, ultra-modern estate by Woods + Dangaran.
Invisible House, Joshua Tree – $17.95M: A minimalist mirrored masterpiece featured in major publications.
Chris Hanley, owner of Invisible House and a longtime creative in Hollywood, said accepting crypto brings in a new class of buyer—those who built wealth in the digital space and now want to anchor it in real-world assets.
Anonymity: The New Luxury
Privacy is a key driver for many crypto clients. While traditional high-net-worth buyers have relied on LLCs to shield their identity, crypto offers an additional layer of anonymity.
Kirman said he’s brokered deals where the seller had no idea who the buyer was. Funds were verified, attorneys handled compliance, and LLCs were funded directly with cryptocurrency. In the world of high-end real estate, it’s a game-changer.
The Future is Digital
Kirman is now in talks with multiple U.S. banks to create crypto-backed financing options. He believes the shift won’t just be limited to luxury sales.
Within five years, over a third of all residential real estate transactions in the U.S. could involve crypto.
Christie’s has made its move—and the rest of the market is officially on notice.
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