Overview
At the time of his 2019 arrest, Jeffrey Epstein held one of the most extensive private real estate portfolios of any individual in the United States. The seven known properties — spanning New York City, Palm Beach, New Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Paris, and Michigan — had a combined estimated value that federal prosecutors cited as exceeding $500 million. The portfolio was the physical infrastructure of both his financial empire and his trafficking network.
9 East 71st Street, New York City
Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse — a seven-story limestone mansion in the Upper East Side — was the largest private residence in Manhattan when it was conveyed to him by Les Wexner in the early 1990s in a transfer that remained controversial given subsequent evidence that Wexner had not authorized it as described. The property had approximately 21,000 square feet of interior space and was reportedly worth $77 million at the time of Epstein’s arrest.
The mansion was the location of numerous victim encounters and was searched by federal agents in July 2019, when a safe was found containing the fake Austrian passport and other valuable items.
Palm Beach Estate, El Brillo Way
Epstein’s Palm Beach home at 358 El Brillo Way was the primary site of the crimes that led to his 2008 Florida conviction. The house was the location documented in Palm Beach Police Department reports from 2005–2006. Epstein eventually sold the property after his conviction.
Zorro Ranch, New Mexico
The approximately 10,000-acre New Mexico ranch near Stanley. Epstein purchased it in 1993 and developed it extensively including a private airstrip and large main residence. The ranch was the site of trafficking allegations and was subject to the New Mexico Attorney General’s investigation.
Little Saint James, USVI
Epstein’s private island of approximately 75 acres in the U.S. Virgin Islands was purchased in 1998 for approximately $7.95 million. At the time of his death it was estimated to be worth over $63 million. The island was the most operationally significant property in terms of victim trafficking and the most physically isolated from outside observation.
Great Saint James, USVI
Epstein purchased the adjacent island of Great Saint James in 1999 for approximately $22.5 million. The larger island — approximately 165 acres — gave Epstein control of a substantial area of the USVI coastline and provided additional buffer from surveillance and access by outsiders.
Paris Apartment
Epstein maintained an apartment on Avenue Foch in Paris, one of the most prestigious addresses in the French capital. The Paris property was part of his international social apparatus, allowing him to operate and entertain in Europe. It was the subject of some scrutiny in connection with European investigations following his death.
Ann Arbor, Michigan Property
Less widely reported than his other properties, Epstein also held real estate in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which has been connected to his relationships with academic institutions including those affiliated with the University of Michigan.
Estate Disposition
Following Epstein’s death in August 2019, his estate entered probate proceedings in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The estate was estimated to be worth approximately $577 million. Properties were listed for sale as part of the estate liquidation process to fund the Victims’ Compensation Program established by the estate’s executors under legal pressure from victims’ attorneys.