Christie’s launches new unit for real estate deals paid fully in crypto

Christie’s International Real Estate has launched a crypto-focused division, becoming the first major US brokerage to create a dedicated team for digital-only property transactions, according to the New York Times.

The new unit includes a dedicated team of lawyers, analysts, and crypto specialists focused exclusively on deals conducted in digital currency.

The division was announced by Aaron Kirman, CEO of Christie’s Southern California, following several high-profile closings, including a $65 million Beverly Hills property sold exclusively in crypto.

“The trend was obvious, crypto is here to stay,” Kirman said. “It’s only going to get bigger.”

Christie’s now holds a portfolio of over $1 billion in luxury properties available to crypto buyers. These include the $118M La Fin mansion in Bel Air, the $63M Nightingale home in Beverly Hills, and the Invisible House in Joshua Tree, all of which accept digital assets in place of fiat.

The launch comes as federal housing policy shifts toward crypto. In June, regulators directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to draft guidelines allowing buyers to count crypto held on regulated exchanges as mortgage reserves, potentially eliminating the need to cash out.

Christie’s move aligns with a broader Washington push, as Trump-backed bills like the GENIUS Act and CLARITY Act, focused on stablecoins and crypto oversight, open new doors for businesses transacting in digital assets.