Christie’s SoCal launches global new development division

Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California has formed a new development division led by five top brokers and backed by more than $30 billion in inventory. The move expands the Beverly Hills brokerage’s push into luxury branded residences and international projects, including exclusive California marketing rights to Burj Azizi in Dubai.

Why it matters: - Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California is using the new division to compete for high-end new construction listings and global buyers. - The platform is built to serve developers and buyers who are prioritizing amenities, branded residences and lifestyle features. - The division gives the brokerage a bigger role in luxury projects across California, other U.S. markets and international destinations.

What happened: - Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California announced a New Development Division on July 27, 2026. - The division is led by Executive Directors Tomer Fridman, Don Heller, Amir Ensani and Aaron Kirman, with Nicole Contreras serving as Director. - The leadership team has a combined sales volume of more than $33 billion. - The division launches with more than $30 billion in new development inventory. - The brokerage says the platform is global-facing and focused on luxury new development.

The details: - The division’s portfolio includes branded residences, luxury condominiums and international projects. - Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California secured exclusive California marketing rights to Burj Azizi in Dubai. - Burj Azizi is described as the world’s second tallest building and is planned to rise 725 meters, or 2,378 feet. - The launch portfolio also includes Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills, The Harland, Privé Malibu and The Fairbank. - Other projects with exclusive California marketing rights include JEM Private Residences Miami, Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale, The Willow, The Henry and 255 East 77th Street in New York City by Naftali Group. - Tomer Fridman has more than $8 billion in career sales and has helped drive sell-outs including Beverly West and Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills. - Don Heller has more than $3.5 billion in career sales and has brought more than 120 new development projects to market in Los Angeles. - Heller’s team represented more than 70% of Westside Los Angeles new development condominium sales in 2025, for homes priced between $1.2 million and $5.5 million. - Amir Ensani worked on the $2.5 billion Century Plaza development and SHVO Development’s Mandarin Oriental Residences in Beverly Hills. - Ensani contributed to an estimated $500 million sell-out and serves as the youngest board member at Sierra Towers. - Aaron Kirman is the founder and CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California. - Kirman has more than $24 billion in career sales and closed $1.4 billion in 2025. - Kirman represented the $126 million sale of The One in Bel Air. - Kirman founded the brokerage in 2022 and grew it to 300 agents and $4.2 billion in sales volume in three years. - Nicole Contreras has more than 20 years of experience in luxury residential and new development sales. - Contreras has worked with Corcoran Sunshine, Elad Properties, Related and Thomas James Capital. - Contreras is licensed in California and New York.

Between the lines: - The launch signals a broader push to package brokerage services, marketing and project advisory under one global new development platform. - The team’s combined track record is meant to signal credibility to developers competing for affluent buyers. - Exclusive marketing rights to marquee projects suggest Christie’s SoCal is trying to turn regional reach into cross-market influence.

What's next: - The division is expected to begin marketing and supporting the listed projects immediately. - Christie’s Southern California is positioning the platform as a long-term expansion pillar in luxury brokerage. - The firm says the new division strengthens its role as a partner for luxury real estate in Southern California and beyond.

The bottom line: - Christie’s SoCal is betting that a high-profile leadership team and a $30 billion-plus inventory pipeline will help it capture more of the global luxury new development market. - More information is available at Christie’s SoCal.