The seller of a $2.9 million San Francisco home is accepting payment in Anthropic or OpenAI stock

A newly listed three-bedroom residence in San Francisco's Duboce Triangle is turning heads by accepting payments in shares of Anthropic or OpenAI. The listing, which commands a price of $2.995 million, has generated significant excitement, with agent Rachel Swann reporting a surge of inquiries within just a day of going live. "My phone has been blowing up," Swann remarked, highlighting the unique nature of this offer in the current real estate climate. This 2,495-square-foot home, previously sold for $2.126 million in 2024, boasts luxurious features such as 10-foot ceilings and remote-controlled solar skylights. However, the standout aspect of the listing is its acceptance of stock in two leading AI firms, a trend that is gaining traction in San Francisco's competitive market. The seller, identified as a local luxury developer, is a strong advocate for both Anthropic and OpenAI. Swann noted that the idea stemmed from numerous employees and investors from these companies attending open houses without viable housing options available, largely due to a tight market and their wealth being tied up in illiquid stock. Swann explains the scenario as a "perfect storm," with potential buyers expressing their frustration over not being able to access their funds. "You wouldn’t believe how many people I see who say, 'We can’t touch our stock quite yet, but we would love to buy something,'" she said. This trend is not isolated; just last month, tech banker Storm Duncan listed his Marin County estate for $4.8 million, seeking shares in Anthropic as payment. He revealed receiving multiple offers, including interest from Anthropic employees. In contrast to the sluggish national housing market, San Francisco's real estate has seen a remarkable 19% price increase year-over-year, driven by the rising valuations of AI companies. Properties are selling faster than before, with an average market duration of just 14 days, down from 20 days last year. Rising rental prices, now averaging $4,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, further compound the housing challenges in the city. As OpenAI and Anthropic move closer to going public, experts predict a further surge in home prices as employees and early investors convert their stock into real estate. "There’s a significant number of individuals earning substantial incomes yet living in modest accommodations due to their stock being illiquid," Duncan previously stated. Swann anticipates gathering all offers for the Duboce Triangle property by next week, emphasizing the innovative ways people are navigating the real estate landscape in San Francisco.