The sale of the historic Benjamin House for EUR 5.53 million marks one of the most prominent real estate deals in central Riga of 2025. The Estonian developer Kapitel (acting through Benjaminu nams SIA) has closed the sale transaction with the buyer, The Benjamin House SIA.
The building possesses a distinguished history. Prior to the Second World War, it served as the private residence of Antons and Emilija Benjamins, regarded as the ‘uncrowned reigns’ of Latvia and owners of a press empire. They hosted and influenced the destinies of politicians, officials, and celebrities. Following the occupation by the Soviet Union, the building became the headquarters of the Union of Writers, Composers, and Artists, serving as one of the few bastions of free spirit amid the prevailing Soviet ideology. It was also one of the cradles of the National Front at the end of the 1980s.
The Benjamin House is a protected national heritage monument, built in 1876 and designed in the eclectic style. The property consists of a land plot and a building spanning 4,694 square metres, currently configured to accommodate 59 guest rooms and five reception halls.
COBALT provided legal assistance to Kapitel and advised on the sale process. The COBALT team included Partners Dace Silava-Tomsone and Sandija Novicka, Specialist Counsel Sabīne Vuškāne, Senior Associate Juta Meimere, and Associate Krista Helmūte.
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