Jeffrey Epstein's Real Estate Empire: Current Owners and Legal Battles
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed Jeffrey Epstein's death as a suicide, quelling conspiracy theories. But what happened to Epstein's vast real estate portfolio?
Jeffrey EpsteinReal EstatePropertyOwnershipLegal BattlesReal Estate NewsJun 05, 2025
Bongino updated Fox News on the investigation into the Epstein file, as conspiracies continue to float that he was murdered in prison, and said, 'The evidence we have in our files clearly indicates that it was, in fact, a suicide. We do have video. It’s not the greatest video in the world. I don’t want to set expectations on fire.' Bongino added, 'However, the video does show in that specific block, that he goes in, made a phone call; you’ll see 12 hours of guards going in basically check on him, come back. You’ll see nobody really comes out of that bay in that area than him. There’s no one in there. There's nothing there in the file at all that indicates anything other than in fact a suicide.'
The infamous American financier died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. But what happened to the heap of wealth he amassed? Read on to find out. Jeffrey Epstein had amassed a significant real estate portfolio over the decades. From private islands to the landmark townhouse on Manhattan – the list of his possessions and property is quite long. Following his death, these properties became central to legal battles, settlements, and public scrutiny. While some properties have been sold and proceeds allocated to settlements, others remain in limbo, awaiting resolution. Here's an overview of his key properties and their current ownership.
Little Saint James & Great Saint James, US Virgin Islands:
Epstein's most infamous holdings were his two private islands in the US Virgin Islands. Little Saint James, often referred to as ‘Pedophile Island’, was where many of the alleged abuses occurred. Great Saint James, purchased in 2016, remained largely undeveloped.
Current ownership: In May 2023, private equity mogul Stephen Deckoff, through his firm SD Investments, acquired both islands for $60 million, significantly below the initial $125 million listing price. Settlement details: As part of a settlement with the US Virgin Islands, half of the proceeds from the sale of Little Saint James were allocated to the territory. Additionally, Epstein's estate agreed to pay $450,000 to address environmental damages on Great Saint James.
Manhattan townhouse, New York City:
Located on East 71st Street, Epstein's seven-story mansion became one of the most popular landmarks in the city and was valued at $77 million in 2019. The property was raided by federal authorities in July 2019 as part of their investigation into Epstein's activities.
Current ownership: In March 2021, former Goldman Sachs executive Michael Daffey purchased the townhouse for $51 million. The proceeds from the sale were directed to the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program.
Palm Beach estate, Florida:
Epstein acquired his Palm Beach estate in 1990. The property was estimated to be worth over $12 million in 2019. In December 2021, a venture capitalist purchased the vacant lot for $25.845 million, with plans to demolish the existing house.
Zorro ranch, New Mexico:
Situated near Stanley, New Mexico, Zorro Ranch spanned approximately 10,000 acres and included various structures, such as a main residence, guest houses, and an airstrip. The ranch gained notoriety due to its association with Epstein's activities.
Current ownership: In August 2023, Zorro Ranch was sold to San Rafael Ranch LLC for an undisclosed sum. The buyer's identity and future plans for the property remain unclear.
Other properties:
Epstein also owned an apartment in Paris on the famous Avenue Foch, though details about its current status are limited. Additionally, he held a private jet, which was auctioned off in 2020.
Estate management and legal proceedings:
Following Epstein's death, his estate faced numerous legal challenges and settlements. In January 2025, the estate received a substantial tax refund, increasing its value to $145 million. However, activists and some victims' advocates argued that funds should be directed towards compensating survivors rather than benefiting individuals associated with Epstein.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino say about Jeffrey Epstein's death?
Dan Bongino confirmed that Jeffrey Epstein's death was a suicide, citing evidence and video footage from the prison.
Who currently owns Little Saint James and Great Saint James islands?
Private equity mogul Stephen Deckoff, through his firm SD Investments, acquired both islands for $60 million in May 2023.
What happened to Epstein's Manhattan townhouse?
In March 2021, former Goldman Sachs executive Michael Daffey purchased the townhouse for $51 million, with proceeds directed to the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program.
What is the current status of Epstein's Palm Beach estate?
In December 2021, a venture capitalist purchased the Palm Beach estate for $25.845 million, with plans to demolish the existing house.
Who owns Zorro Ranch in New Mexico?
In August 2023, Zorro Ranch was sold to San Rafael Ranch LLC for an undisclosed sum. The buyer's identity and future plans for the property remain unclear.
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