Safehold (NYSE:SAFE) is a real estate investment trust that seeks to redefine land ownership for commercial property owners. The company acquires perpetual ground leases from landowners and structures long-term leaseback arrangements, enabling building owners to unlock the value of underlying land without relinquishing operational control of their properties. By separating land ownership from building ownership, Safehold offers an alternative to traditional mortgage financing and land sale–leaseback transactions.
Safehold’s portfolio spans multiple commercial real estate sectors, including office, multifamily, industrial and retail, with a focus on high-quality properties in major U.S. markets. The company partners with developers, property owners and institutional investors, providing flexible capital solutions designed to preserve equity, reduce debt service burden and align interests around long-term asset stewardship. Its standardized ground lease platform is structured to encourage ongoing investment in property improvements and responsible management practices.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in New York City, Safehold completed its initial public offering in May 2019 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SAFE. The company was co-founded by William M. Kahane, who serves as Executive Chairman and brings decades of experience in real estate investment and management. Since its inception, Safehold has expanded its footprint across leading metropolitan areas, targeting markets with strong fundamentals and growth potential.
Safehold’s business model is built on transparency and alignment of interests: its long-duration ground leases provide predictable, inflation-linked cash flows for the company while offering property owners capital-efficient financing with fixed lease terms. Through this approach, Safehold aims to establish a scalable platform that supports sustainable growth in the commercial real estate sector.
