Question
Who owns Epstein’s properties now?
Answer
After Epstein’s August 2019 death, his estate began the process of disposing of his major properties. Most were sold, with proceeds funding victim compensation and settling institutional lawsuits.
Manhattan Townhouse (9 East 71st Street): The nine-story, 21,000+ square foot mansion — the largest single-family home in Manhattan — was sold in 2021 to Michael D. Daffey, a Goldman Sachs executive, for approximately $51 million. The sale occurred after a period during which the property was held by the estate and marketed for over $80 million before a reduced sale price was accepted.
Little St. James Island (US Virgin Islands): The private island was part of a complex legal proceeding involving the USVI government’s lawsuit against the estate. The $105 million settlement in 2022 included provisions related to the island. The island was also marketed for approximately $125 million. As of the most recent available reporting, the island remained subject to estate administration proceedings.
Zorro Ranch (New Mexico): The approximately 10,000-acre New Mexico ranch was listed for approximately $27.5 million. Sale proceedings were part of the estate administration.
Palm Beach mansion: The original Palm Beach property where the initial investigation was centered was already sold before Epstein’s death.
Paris apartment: The Paris apartment in the 16th arrondissement was subject to French judicial investigation procedures after his death and was eventually addressed as part of estate disposition.
Current status: The estate administration has been winding down, with the largest settlements completed by 2023. The co-executors have been managing the orderly disposition of remaining assets.
Sources
- New York City real estate records (2021)
- Estate probate filings, USVI court (2019-2023)
- Media reporting on property sales (2021-2022)