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hristie's International Real Estate has made a groundbreaking move by establishing a dedicated division for cryptocurrency-based property transactions, marking a significant shift in the high-end real estate market. Led by Aaron Kirman, chief executive of Christie's Southern California arm, this division will handle deals conducted entirely in digital currency.

    The decision follows several successful high-value sales where cryptocurrency was used instead of cash, including a Beverly Hills home that sold for $65 million. "The trend is clear: crypto is here to stay and will only grow over the next few years," said Kirman.

    Regulatory changes in the US have also contributed to this shift. The Trump administration's Genius Act sets out federal rules for stablecoins, while the Clarity Act aims to ease regulations on crypto businesses. These moves have already benefited President Trump personally, with his estimated crypto wealth now at $7.1 billion.

    Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will now recognize cryptocurrency assets when assessing mortgage applicants. Approximately 14% of American adults own some form of cryptocurrency, according to Gallup.

    Christie's manages a property portfolio exceeding $1 billion in listings open to cryptocurrency buyers, including La Fin, a lavish Bel Air estate priced at $118 million, and The Nightingale, a sleek Beverly Hills property listed at $63 million. One of the primary attractions of crypto transactions is anonymity, which is increasingly sought after by ultra-wealthy individuals.

    Crypto adds an extra layer of privacy, allowing buyers to remain anonymous while still ensuring legitimate funds are used. Kirman has already brokered multiple deals where sellers had no knowledge of who was purchasing the property. He predicts that within five years, over a third of residential real estate transactions in the US could involve digital currency.