Airbnb Buys 'Anna Delvey Building' for $81.5 Million

Airbnb purchased the historic building at 281 Park Avenue South in New York City for $81.5 million this week, marking its first owned office space in the city. The company revealed itself as the buyer of the Beaux Arts landmark, a six-story property spanning nearly 39,800 square feet, located at the corner of Park Avenue South and East 22nd Street. This acquisition comes despite New York City's efforts to restrict short-term rental operations within its limits.

The building gained significant public attention after fraudster Anna Sorokin, who posed as the wealthy heiress "Anna Delvey," attempted to lease it as the intended headquarters for her exclusive social club. The property was prominently featured in Netflix's "Owning Manhattan," where the luxury brokerage Serhant marketed it. The purchase was facilitated by Ryan Serhant, founder of Serhant, and Avison Young, a global real estate advisor.

Described as "one of Manhattan’s most recognizable assets in an irreplaceable location," the building's acquisition by Airbnb signifies a permanent presence in the city. The short-term rental giant's move to acquire a physical office space in New York City, a market where its own business model has faced regulatory challenges, highlights a strategic investment in its operational infrastructure.