Live-Streamed to the World from Hong Kong, Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions Celebrates Sotheby’s 50th Anniversary in Asia with Historic Auction

Sotheby's Hong Kong proudly hosted Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ Exceptional Global Properties auction, a groundbreaking event that honored both Sotheby’s 50th anniversary and the first-ever exhibition of real estate to gavel live in Asia. Featuring a curation of Sotheby’s International Realty offerings, the inaugural real estate auction, held on 3 October, set new benchmarks for the industry.

Continuing online, the sale’s Important Global Properties collection spans North America, Asia, and Europe, with bidding closing between 12–31 October.

The sale took place as part of Sotheby's Hong Kong’s Autumn sale series. Displayed alongside fine art, jewelry, watches, designer handbags, and more, this unique integration highlights the seamless blend of modernity and tradition that defines the Sotheby's brand.

Chad Roffers, CEO of Sotheby's Concierge Auctions, looks to the future with optimism, saying, "Through our revolutionary auctions, we continue to redefine the luxury real estate landscape, connecting discerning buyers with remarkable properties while ensuring sellers experience the utmost reach and efficiency in their transactions. As both Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ and Sotheby’s first-ever live sale of real estate in Asia, this moment in time is a testament to our dedication to excellence, our commitment to breaking barriers, and our collective continuance to make history."

Live Auction Highlights
Conducted by Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions’ head auctioneer, Frank Trunzo, the Exceptional Global Properties live auction garnered competitive bidding, highlighted by $210 million in total aggregate bids placed and a selection of offerings in Texas, including a more than 97% increase above average Starting Bid price achieved for an equestrian retreat near Dallas, and an over $14 million sale price for a prime waterfront estate on coveted Westlake Drive in Austin, Texas.

Ongoing Auction Highlights
Known as one of Colorado’s most significant equestrian properties, The Red Barn set in the Roaring Fork Valley in Carbondale, near Aspen, saw bidding open live in the room, and will continue with online bidding through 12 October as part of the Important Global Properties sale.

Additional offerings include:
• An historic Washington, D.C. estate spanning across three homes, each brimming with rich narratives from iconic figures like First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Thomas Beall
• A sustainable luxury island in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Finland, with breathtaking acres of pine forest and gold-sand beaches
• A Washington retreat overlooking the Puget Sound with sweeping Mount Rainier views, for a breathtaking Pacific Northwest experience
• An innovative enclave on a private island, surrounded by the Long Island Sound in New York; and
• A historical estate in Japan built in the Meiji era by a wealthy merchant.

Highlights from the sale will be on view through 8 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Krystal Aeby, President of Sotheby's Concierge Auctions, expressed her satisfaction, stating, "Our sales with Sotheby’s continue to be in high demand for sellers and representing real estate agents, who are searching for unparalleled reach, combined with the certainty of a closed transaction in 60 days or less. Last September in New York, we celebrated the first exhibition of real estate to gavel live with Sotheby’s since its inception in 1744, and now we’re proud to celebrate another monumental achievement with Sotheby’s Hong Kong.”

Through Sotheby's Concierge Auctions' Key for Key® giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes, closings will help fund new homes built for families in need.

December Sale
Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions sale series continues with its final sale of the year, slated for 14 December, at Sotheby’s New York during Luxury Week. Simultaneously showcased with similar marquee offerings on sothebys.com and conciergeauctions.com, Sotheby’s International Realty properties hand-picked for inclusion will benefit from international reach and positioning alongside the finest art and luxury goods in the world via the firm’s partnership with Sotheby’s.