T
he Qatari government has expanded its New York City real estate portfolio with a $9.8 million condo purchase in Greenwich Village. The 2,600-square-foot residence at 64 University Place is part of an 11-story boutique development and features three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, and a 120-square-foot terrace.

    The deal was made through a shell company, Greenwich Seagull LLC, which closed the sale on October 9. City records indicate that Qatar's prime minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, is linked to the purchase. The condo was one of five units in the building to offer outdoor space and was developed by Argo Real Estate and Bsafal.

    The Qatari government's latest acquisition fuels speculation about its future use, with some speculating it may serve as a residence for Qatar's UN representative, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani. However, neither Edan Pinkas, a lawyer representing the buyer, nor Alaeldin Dafalla, a spokesman for Qatar's UN office, would comment on the matter.

    Qatar's real estate holdings in New York City are substantial, with the royal family owning a residence at 7-9 E. 72nd St. and the sovereign wealth fund investing billions in projects like Manhattan West. The country also holds a nearly 10% stake in Empire State Realty Trust and made a $1.8 billion investment in Brookfield in 2014.

    The Greenwich Village building itself is nearly sold out, with 24 of its 28 units closed at a total value of over $135 million. Developers Argo Real Estate and Bsafal acquired the site for $30 million in 2019 and took out $47 million in loans to fund the project.