KEY FACTS: Christie’s International Real Estate has launched the first U.S. real estate brokerage division dedicated to cryptocurrency transactions, to cater to affluent buyers using digital currencies like Bitcoin and stablecoins for luxury property purchases. Led by CEO Aaron Kirman, the division manages a $1 billion portfolio of high-end homes, including a $118 million Bel Air mansion and a $63 million Beverly Hills estate, and is supported by a team of lawyers, analysts, and crypto experts to ensure secure, blockchain-based transactions. This move is in line with recent U.S. legislation, such as the Genius Act and Clarity Act, which boosts cryptocurrency’s legitimacy, and follows Christie’s history of blockchain innovation, including $100 million in NFT sales through its Christie’s 3.0 platform.
The brokerage’s $1 billion portfolio of luxury homes accepts cryptocurrency. Source: Aaron Kirman
Christie’s International Real Estate Pioneers Cryptocurrency Division for Luxury Property
Christie’s International Real Estate has launched a dedicated cryptocurrency division, becoming the first major U.S. real estate brokerage to establish a specialized team for handling property transactions exclusively with digital payments. This bold step, announced on Thursday, July 24, 2025, underscores the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and stablecoins in high-value real estate deals, particularly in the luxury market. The initiative, spearheaded by Aaron Kirman, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California, aims to cater to a new wave of affluent buyers who prefer to transact using blockchain-based assets, bypassing traditional banking systems entirely.
The new division, composed of lawyers, analysts, and crypto experts, is designed to facilitate seamless transactions for buyers and sellers who opt for digital currencies instead of conventional fiat money. This development comes on the heels of several high-profile deals closed by Christie’s over the past two years, including a notable $65 million Beverly Hills property purchased entirely with cryptocurrency. This sentiment reflects a broader shift in the financial landscape, where digital assets are increasingly viewed as legitimate tools for high-stakes transactions.
Christie’s crypto division is already managing a portfolio of luxury homes valued at over $1 billion, all of which are available for purchase with cryptocurrency. Among the standout listings are the $118 million La Fin mansion in Bel Air, the $63 million Nightingale property in Beverly Hills (complete with an infinity pool overlooking the Los Angeles skyline), and the $18 million Invisible House in Joshua Tree, a modern architectural marvel. These properties represent a diverse range of ultra-luxury estates, appealing to tech-savvy, high-net-worth individuals who hold significant digital asset portfolios and value the privacy and efficiency offered by blockchain transactions.
The decision to accept cryptocurrency payments is in line with the preferences of a growing demographic of crypto-rich buyers who seek to diversify their holdings into tangible assets like real estate. By eliminating the need for bank involvement, Christie’s enables transactions to be completed swiftly and securely through blockchain technology, with robust legal and compliance teams ensuring the legitimacy of funds. This approach not only appeals to buyers seeking anonymity but also mitigates risks associated with cryptocurrency volatility by leveraging third-party processors that can instantly convert digital payments to fiat currency when desired.
The launch of Christie’s crypto division comes at a time when the U.S. government is taking steps to integrate digital currencies into the broader financial system. Last week, President Donald Trump signed the Genius Act, a landmark piece of legislation that establishes federal rules for stablecoins to maintain a consistent value. Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Clarity Act, which aims to shield the cryptocurrency industry from overly aggressive regulation, further bolstering its legitimacy. This bill is now under consideration in the Senate, signaling a potential turning point for crypto’s role in mainstream commerce.
These legislative developments have created a favorable environment for Christie’s initiative. Kirman predicts that within five years, more than one-third of all U.S. home sales could involve cryptocurrency, a bold forecast that underscores the transformative potential of digital assets in real estate. The U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has also contributed to this momentum by directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in June 2025 to explore treating cryptocurrencies as reserve assets for mortgage risk assessments, without requiring conversion to U.S. dollars. This directive could pave the way for broader adoption of crypto-backed mortgages, further integrating digital currencies into the housing market.
Christie’s International Real Estate, an independent firm affiliated with the renowned Christie’s auction house, is no stranger to embracing cutting-edge technologies. The auction house made headlines in 2021 when it became the first major auctioneer to sell a non-fungible token (NFT) artwork for a staggering $69.3 million. Since then, Christie’s has launched its own Ethereum-based NFT platform and hosted numerous digital art auctions, cementing its role as a pioneer in the intersection of blockchain technology and high-value asset sales. In 2022, the company introduced Christie’s 3.0, the first fully on-chain auction platform by a major auction house, which has processed over $100 million in NFT sales.
This expertise in blockchain-based transactions provided a strong foundation for the real estate division’s foray into cryptocurrency. The company’s experience with digital art auctions, including the groundbreaking “Augmented Intelligence” auction in February 2025, which featured AI-generated art, has equipped it with the technical infrastructure needed to handle complex crypto transactions. Christie is applying these capabilities to real estate to position itself as a leader in a premium-market niche, appealing to crypto millionaires and tech-forward investors.
Christie’s initiative adds to the trend in luxury markets, where digital currencies are gaining traction as a payment method. Dubai-based DAMAC Properties, for example, began accepting cryptocurrency for property sales in 2022, while other global markets have seen similar experiments. The growing acceptance of digital assets reflects their transition from speculative investments to practical tools for high-value transactions. As cryptocurrency continues to gain institutional support, its role in real estate is likely to expand, reshaping how properties are bought and sold.
Under the leadership of Bonnie Brennan, who assumed the role of CEO in January 2025, Christie’s International Real Estate has embraced blockchain innovations across its operations, from art provenance verification to NFT platforms. The crypto real estate division represents the latest chapter in this digital evolution, signaling a future where digital currencies play a central role in luxury markets. For now, Christie’s is leading the charge, offering a glimpse into a world where blockchain technology and real estate converge to create new opportunities for buyers, sellers, and the industry as a whole.
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