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Category: New York Real Estate

Discover everything about New York Real Estate, market updates, trendy properties and new developments opportunities you shouldn’t miss. New York Real Estate can be a rollercoaster, and you need to be on top of it. Read our articles presenting you all the recent developments in tern of Real Estate news in new York and things you should absolutely be aware of.

Why should you search for a home in Westchester County?

By Annie Newman

Westchester is actually one of the first suburban areas to be developed outside of New York City. It is located just north of New York and is quite accessible as the distance is a reasonable drive to the city. It is located in the Hudson valley and consists of cities, towns and villages. It is surrounded by beautiful nature, a peaceful environment and is a haven for New Yorkers who are looking for a more suburban type of lifestyle. It has notable residents and was once home to the former US President, Bill Clinton. Yonkers is the most populated city in that region and the entire county attracts residents from all over Manhattan who are looking for more spacious and livable homes.

Westchester as a first choice suburb of New York

The Westchester County is a central suburb in the greater New York City region and began its history as an attractive place for upper middle class families due to its proximity to the Big Apple. Its many roads and public transport services are an attractive factor for commuters especially in a city where traffic can sometimes become a significant obstacle. The southern area of Westchester is rapidly becoming densely populated and more city-like than other parts of the county. Upstate New York is also closely accessible from Westchester and is an attractive factor in choosing a home there for those who like to go to the countryside on a more regular basis. Aside from the villages and towns that are found there, the main populated cities are: Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, White Plains, Peekskill and Rye.

A suburb with economic influence 

Most suburbs in the United States consist of mostly residential properties but the Westchester area is so close in proximity to New York City, one of the financial capitals of the world, that it attracts many Fortune 500 companies. Buyers who purchase a home in Westchester can have close access to jobs that have high earning potential without having to necessarily commute all the way to Manhattan. Some of these major companies include MasterCard, PepsiCo, IBM and Universal American. It is a great advantage in a city like New York that is densely populated, expensive and deals with major traffic to have suburbs that also offer great business opportunities. Unlike Manhattan, one can buy a home in Westchester that is spacious, has a big garden, easy parking and more without the daily stresses of a bustling metropolis. Just like California has Silicon Valley, eastern New York State has Tech Valley. The Westchester homes for sale are worth the investment as they are located in a region that has growing business opportunities and the demand keeps growing.

A damn in Westchester county, during the fall with orange and brownish leaves starting to fall.

The Westchester county charm

Westchester has a lot of historic buildings and beautiful sceneries. It is a charming and wonderful place to own a home. The architecture of the houses is known to be beautiful, with wide spaces and plenty of greenery. The oldest building there was built in 1670. There are libraries, museums, cultural arts centers, and many parks and recreation areas. Scarsdale is one of the closest districts to New York City and offers a lot of business opportunities and cultural attractions. The area may be historic but it also includes many newly built homes and luxury apartments across Westchester.

The real estate market in Westchester

The real estate market in Westchester is growing and the median prices for homes are in the higher ranges. It offers many luxurious properties that are significantly more affordable than in Manhattan, where an apartment can cost as much as a large house in Westchester. There are many cities and towns to choose from and some homes are located in areas that are so quiet and retreated that they are not even considered part of any town. The residents there can enjoy a more private life and choose a dream home close to one of the most popular cities on earth. One particular home in Westchester had gone on the market for $100 million, which many U.S. suburbs could not offer because of location. Being in driving distance to Manhattan naturally raises the value of homes in a suburb such as Westchester. Westchester houses for sale include waterfront homes, mansions, castles, and restored historic buildings. The standard of life is considered one of the highest in the country. There are many hills and rivers that mix farm life, suburban life and city life due to its status as a New York City suburb. The county continues to move forward and attracts many people from across the East coast to its beautiful landscapes. For home buyers who like nature, they can purchase a home that is close to many nature activities such as hiking, biking, watersports, and outdoor recreation. It has much to offer for its residents during both the summer and winter seasons. It also offers a meaningful sense of community compared to the big city. Those who are looking for rural homes with a large property can find such houses in the area. Many people rarely expect to find so much farmland just north of a city with millions of people. Some New Yorkers who purchased a second home in Westchester made it their primary residence during the pandemic months when many businesses and schools were closed in New York City. For those who are looking for Westchester apartments instead of the responsibility of a big property, they can also find many choices in one of the more populated districts of the county. Westchester offers a wide array of choices for your needs.

BARNES Westchester is at your disposal to help you search for your dream home in Westchester thanks to a team of experts that is available to guide you in your real estate goals.

Buying real estate in New York: expert advice

Bien Vivre aux États-Unis:
the 1st digital show for French people in the United States

BARNES New York & Westchester invites you to the conference dedicated to the New York real estate market, “Buying real estate in New York”, on the occasion of its participation in the online exhibition “Bien Vivre aux Etats-Unis”.

This digital event will take place on Monday, September 13 at 12.00 pm (EST time zone). The fair will then run throughout the week until September 17, presenting a series of conferences with expert speakers to support expats in the United States, whether you have been settled there for a long time or still dreaming of living there.

Yann Rousseau, Managing Partner of BARNES New York & Westchester, will join the discussion with Betty Benzakein of HSBC and Amélie Deschênes of OFX, addressing in particular:

  • The New York Acquisition and Leasing Process
  • Update on the state of the real estate market in New York & Westchester for Q3 2021
  • Settlement or “relocation” formalities
  • Preferred neighborhoods
  • The different real estate products available
  • The role of the real estate agent

Monday September 13 at 12.00 pm EST / 6.00 pm CEST

SIGN UP FOR FREE

This event is sponsored by USAFrance Financials and organized by French Morning.

Why should you consider buying a dream property in the Hamptons?

By Annie Newman

Did you ever find yourself thinking about purchasing your dream home? We often hear of names of cities and areas across the United States that are synonym with beautiful beaches, sceneries, celebrity homes, luxurious manors and fancy streets. Some of the most popular places in the United States that come to mind when thinking of those dreamy places include Beverly Hills, Miami Beach, Manhattan and most definitely the Hamptons in New York State. When one thinks of expensive oceanfront homes, places like South Florida and California come to mind but make no mistake, the Hamptons can live up to the highest expectations for offering some of the most breathtaking beachfront properties that the East Coast has to offer. The Hamptons real estate market is worth exploring for your choice of a primary or second home.

Luxury properties in the Hamptons

Real estate prices in the Hamptons rank among the most expensive zip codes in the United States. Buyers can expect to find houses for sale in the Hampton Bays that range from 40 to 100 million dollars. The high value of these homes can be attributed to their proximity to Manhattan, one of the most sought out places to live in the world, and the desirable beachfront location. The Business Week magazine cites Sagaponack, Water Mill and Bridgehampton as being the first, sixth and eighth most expensive zip codes in the U.S. The southern tip of Long Island is comprised of the different neighborhoods of the Hamptons that can be accessed easily from New York City. The population of the Hamptons increases greatly during the summer as well as during many weekends throughout the year. Theatres, golf courses, and shopping in the area are considered exclusive and highly regarded. Most people in the country have heard of the Hamptons but due to its exclusive nature, many have not yet even visited the region. There are more affordable homes in the Hamptons, but it is very common to find residences there in the higher price ranges.

A favorite vacation spot for New Yorkers

Many New Yorkers who are looking to buy a second home often consider the Hamptons as a close-by and first choice peaceful escape from the big city life. It is refreshing for people who live in the densely populated metropolis to view oceanfront homes that are spacious, quiet and incomparable in size to residential properties in the Big Apple. Even with a budget for investment in the millions of dollars, homes in New York City are bound by the limited space that is available and one cannot even dream to have a home in Manhattan as large as can be found in the Hamptons. Houses for sale in Southampton are particularly desirable because they are part of the commercial center of the region. It also includes the largest communities in this part of the Long Island strip. Hard working New Yorkers who have the budget to purchase a second home in places like Florida don’t always have the luxury of time to travel often to those places. Those other locations may require a flight or longer vacations and time off to be accessible. On the other hand, the Hamptons is just a drive away for New Yorkers and they can enjoy going there even for weekends if they cannot take a lot of time off to travel to more far away vacation destinations. It is truly a great choice for people all across the New England area who are looking for a private and upscale setting for their second home.

The Hamptons are no longer known just for vacation homes

During the Covid Pandemic, many people across the United States and especially in big overcrowded cities like Manhattan started to head out temporarily to more quiet regions where they didn’t have to be concerned with densely populated buildings and big crowds. Now, many of those big city residents are starting to find a new appreciation for regions that are more livable yet still quite close to the attractions of a metropolitan area. For many New Yorkers, their second home in the Hamptons have now become their first choice of residence throughout the year. Those who appreciate luxury and a more extravagant yet quiet lifestyle flock to places like the Hamptons that have so much to offer. Some wealthy residents of places like Manhattan still find themselves investing a lot of funds into tiny condos or apartments that are highly priced solely because of their location near Wall Street or Times Square. In the Hamptons, buyers can obtain more amenities and living space in return for their investment. The prices that are high reflect more value in the actual property itself. A two bedroom apartment in Manhattan can have the same asking price as a home in the Hamptons that is many times the size. Private beaches, celebrity sighting, peaceful and less crowded streets, picturesque views, proximity to the big city for work, are all part of the reasons why the communities in the Hamptons are becoming increasingly popular. The architecture in the Hamptons is pleasant to the eye and many homes built across the country even describe themselves as being built with a ‘Hampton Style.’ That style includes natural looks, wide spaces, sunlight, color, and relaxed living styles. The Hamptons include historic and charming buildings, old farming communities as well as the most modern and up to date architecture and decor. This coastal area has some of the most stylish and grandiose homes one can find in any beachfront community in the nation. It is most likely that sales in the area post-pandemic will only increase in the near future.  

BARNES New York is at your disposal to help you choose your dream property in the Hamptons due to a strong team of experts that are available to guide you in your search for your perfect residence.

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Why is the real estate market in Queens worthwhile to explore?

By Annie Newman

When buyers and investors think of New York City and its boroughs, they often imagine or assume that the homes or apartments for sale are small and lack the quiet qualities of suburbs. Houses for sale in Queens may just be a great surprise for anyone involved in the real estate market in New York. One of the special qualities of this New York City borough is that it includes many regions that have quiet towns with single family homes that are incredibly spacious and spread out in comparison to the big city life or to the overly urbanized landscapes of other boroughs in the area. Long Island is an area that is adjacent to Queens and offers this small town lifestyle that is rare to find in a populous metropolitan area. If the borough of Queens would be a city, it would be considered the 4th most populated city in the United States. It offers a high quality of life, big backyards, shopping and entertainment, as well a bustling economy. Amazon considered Queens among its top choices for headquarters in the borough. The two main airports of New York City are located in Queens, it is a great convenience to live next to the John F. Kennedy and La Guardia airports that are located there. Massive properties and mansions in Queens can be found scattered around the borough in popular towns or in more hidden and peaceful neighborhoods. One is more likely to find large homes and a suburban lifestyle in this huge borough.  It offers high end and luxurious settings for those who want to live near New York City without the pressures of big city daily life.

Homes for sale in Queens

Just like all New York City boroughs, Queens is located next to Manhattan, one of the most desirable and popular locations on earth and therefore it is common to find homes that vary in the higher price ranges. Unlike other boroughs though, Queens and Long Island offer spectacular homes for sale that are either brand new constructions or much more recently built compared to areas like Brooklyn that have buildings that often date from the post-war period. The apartments for sale in Queens as well as the houses there can offer a suburban type of life that cannot be found in Manhattan or in the busy districts of many New York City boroughs. The real estate in Queens is characterized by a much bigger variety of choices of home sizes and styles than other places around the Big Apple. The condos in Queens can be found on the market for lower prices than those in the more metropolitan districts but can be as beautiful and modern. Queens is so big and offers such varied types of cultural and economic facets that it is definitely worth being explored for your choice of a dream location.

Astoria is one typical neighborhood of Queens that offers the less intimidating types of buildings and architecture compared to Manhattan and Brooklyn. It includes less skyscrapers and high rise buildings and has a more familiar and warm environment to live in. The area is trendy and multicultural and offers different types of restaurants and entertainment venues. There are museums and other attractions for the local residents and tourists. It is the third most expensive neighborhood in the borough as it is becoming increasingly popular.

Houses for sale in Long Island

Even longtime residents of Manhattan and Brooklyn can be taken by surprise by the lush green and quiet homes that can be found in the Long Island region. Long Island homes for sale can range in the millions of dollars but are worth the investment especially for residents who want to raise a family in a region like New York that can be sometimes considered too densely populated or overwhelming as an environment to bring up children. Yet, it is not just families who can appreciate this area adjacent to Queens and close to Manhattan. The Long Island real estate market offers homes that are spacious in peaceful settings. The condos for sale are often situated in upscale settings. In Long Island, buyers and investors can find mansions for sale that would not even exist in Manhattan even with the available budget due to lack of space in the big city. The townhouses and homes in Long Island are especially large, luxurious and modern in comparison to many houses or apartment buildings inside the metropolis. Many residents who invest large amounts of money into homes in New York City complain about the lack of space for parking and recreation, while in Long Island, one can have a two or three car garage that fit comfortably in the design of the homes there. Even though it can be exciting to live in Manhattan or right across in downtown Brooklyn, there are many reasons to believe that it is advantageous to invest in a home in a place like Long Island that has all the suburban qualities of life yet so close to the great things that New York City has to offer and can be accessed so easily.

During the Covid Pandemic, areas such as Long Island and Queens saw less of an exodus of residents as its spacious towns offered less crowded buildings and a strong diversified economy. Many new contracts for properties were signed in Queens during and after the pandemic and it did not lose its attractive character. The future of the real estate market there is promising.

BARNES New York is here to help you choose the right neighborhood in Queens for your real estate project to buy your dream home, thanks to a great team of knowledgeable experts that are present to assist you in your investment goals.

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The New Manhattan – REAL ESTATE IN DEPTH

By Mary Prenon. Source: www.realestateindepth.com/news/the-new-manhattan

Despite the recent uptick in Delta variant COVID cases in the New York metro area, New York City is essentially open for business. Most Broadway theaters are reopening in September, restaurants and bars are now allowing vaccinated patrons to dine indoors and the residential real estate market is back in full swing.

New developments are soaring—from Hudson Yards to Penn Station to Roosevelt Island—and both the sales and rental markets in Manhattan are experiencing an influx of young professionals, as well as empty nesters, who are ready to call the Big Apple their home.

Brian Tormey, President, TitleVest

Over the past year, Brian Tormey of TitleVest in Midtown Manhattan has had his hands on the pulse of the residential real estate market, hosting a series of “Be Your Best” webinars on “Getting the Deal Done”, sponsored by the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors and OneKey MLS, throughout the length of the pandemic. Awarded the “Best Title Agency” by the New York Law Journal reader rankings since 2013, TitleVest and Tormey have been at the forefront of a topsy-turvey real estate market since March of 2020.

“I’ve been impressed with the resilience I’ve seen from real estate professionals throughout the New York area,” said Tormey. “The pandemic has proven again one of the strengths of our region—we know how to take care of one another.”

On September 9, Tormey will host another one of his popular webinars, this time with the topic of “The New Manhattan.” Tormey and a panel of real estate experts will discuss how the once seemingly abandoned “city that never sleeps” is making its official comeback from a harrowing year with streets teeming with moving vans barreling toward the suburbs.

Now, new civic and private developments seem to be fueling a newfound interest in New York City, and Manhattan, especially. “To quote a good friend and past panelist, Bruce Cohen, ‘for every sale, there is a purchase.’ Now we’re starting to see time on market shorten and prices rising—both indicators of a strengthening market,” said Tormey.

As a result of increased seller concessions, low interest rates and available inventory during the height of the pandemic, Tormey and his team began to see an interest from buyers who may not have ordinarily been able to afford Manhattan. “People from all walks of life have taken advantage of that to shift from renting to owning, upsizing, downsizing or, for the first time, snagging their own slice of the Manhattan pie,” he noted. “I believe that we will see a vibrant Manhattan again, and soon, but it may look and feel a bit different than before, with adjusted work schedules, new commuting patterns and a renewed appreciation of alfresco living.”

Brian Phillips of Douglas Elliman Real Estate in the Bronx agrees that New York City real estate is back. “I’m definitely seeing people moving back in and I’ve noticed a lot of younger people—especially those without children,” he said. “While the post-pandemic prices are lower, I think they’re going to start slowly creeping back up.”

Phillips, who lists and sells throughout the five boroughs, noted that studios and one-bedrooms are being snatched up very quickly. “I’m also finding that there’s a lot less loyalty to specific neighborhoods—people are looking in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens or wherever they can find good deals,” he added.

Some of his clients are traveling from as far away as Florida, while others tend to be from Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut. “People still want to be in New York City—offices are reopening, Broadway is coming back, and restaurants and bars are opening again. There’s definitely a new influx into the city.”

Currently, in upper Manhattan, one-bedroom co-ops are starting at about $300,000 for a walk-up building, where an elevator or doorman building starts at about $400,000. Two bedrooms are much higher, averaging $500,000. “The further north you go, the less expensive it gets, and the more space you have,” added Phillips.

A 3,436-square-foot, five bedroom, five-and-a-half bath two-family townhouse in Hamilton Heights, Manhattan, offered for sale by the Brian Phillips Team of Douglas Elliman for $2,450,000.

A lot of his clients are also requesting terrace space, as well as a washer and dryer located in the unit. “After COVID, I think everyone is more concerned about having their own personal laundry appliances rather than using a public laundry room in the building,” he said.

As for rentals, Phillips sees landlord concessions starting to fade away. “During the pandemic, a lot of landlords had been offering one month free on a one-year lease and two months free on two-year leases,” he explained. “Also, we’re starting to see the real estate fees being paid by the tenant again, as opposed to the landlord paying them.”

Because of Phillips’ diversified listings, he didn’t experience a downturn during the pandemic. He found properties under $500,000 were moving in all five boroughs. “Since last year, transactions are faster now as well,” he noted. “There are electronic signatures and other forms of technology that make the deals go much quicker and smoother.”

Magdalena Ferenc of Corcoran on Manhattan’s West Side has seen a huge jump in sales and rentals this summer. Handling rentals in 10 buildings in Morningside Heights, she credits returning Columbia University students with helping her business soar. “July has been the craziest month of my real estate career,” she revealed. “I rented over 50 apartments and it felt like I was working day and night due to the time differences in other countries.”

Many of her rental clients are returning college students from India and China, who often share larger apartments to keep the costs affordable. Ferenc expects to rent at least 200 apartments by the end of the year. “I’m basically playing catch up from 2020, when things were a lot slower,” she added.

Like Phillips, Ferenc has also experienced the trend of landlords now cutting back on incentives. In the Morningside Heights area, two-bedroom rentals can typically start at $2,200, while three bedrooms can fetch $2,700 or more and four-bedrooms, $3,000 and up.

On the sales side, she’s also witnessing a sort of Renaissance in Inwood and the Bronx with Origin North, a collection of nine restored affordable co-op buildings. All of the renovated units have new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, electrical work, and the buildings also offer new lobbies and outdoor landscaping.

“People are starting to discover upper Manhattan or Bronx neighborhoods like Bedford Park, Norwood and University Heights,” she said. “They’re getting priced out of other areas and are beginning to realize the value of home ownership in good areas with generous space and easy commutes to Midtown Manhattan. One-bedroom units at some Origin North locations start at just $265,000.

Ferenc said the response has been great and she has completed almost 20 deals already. “When I’d hold open houses in these areas before, it was only curious neighbors who often showed up,” she said. “Now, it’s very encouraging to see a lot of people who are interested.”

A one-bedroom, one-bath co-op in Bedford Park, Bronx, listed for sale by Corcoran for $265,000.

Yann Rousseau, of BARNES New York in Midtown Manhattan, found that higher end rentals were hit the hardest during COVID times. “Business did start to pick up at the beginning of 2021 and right now, we’re starting to see rental prices that we haven’t seen in a couple of years,” he said.

For Rousseau’s team, the Financial District and Midtown were the most affected for sales and rentals, while Soho, Greenwich Village and parts of Brooklyn remained strong. In 2020, some landlords were offering up to four months free, but now, he said, there are hardly any concessions.

In Midtown, and Manhattan’s upper east and west sides, studio rentals can range from $2,000 to $4,000 per month, while one-bedrooms can demand monthly rentals of $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the neighborhoods and age of the buildings. The average starting sales price of a studio in these areas is $500,000.

“I think the market for rentals will always be there because New York City can be transient,” explained Rousseau. “People may come here for a while to work, then move to the suburbs when they’re ready to start a family.”

Many of his co-op and condo sales are to foreign investors who are looking for a home base when they travel to the U.S. Others are purchasing properties to rent out. Rousseau is also seeing an influx of young professionals as well as some empty nesters who want a secondary home in Manhattan. “New York will always be New York, so to say that the real estate market is finally coming back is a little overstated,” he said.

BARNES New York is also opening its first Westchester office in Larchmont to deal with its European clients seeking a second residence in the suburbs. “The French American School in Mamaroneck is a big attraction, along with proximity to New York City, added Rousseau. BARNES International Real Estate operates a third U.S. location in Miami and offers more than 100 locations in 20 countries worldwide, with more than 1,000 agents.

Read the article on REAL ESTATE IN DEPTH

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Is investing in Brooklyn real estate a good choice?

By Annie Newman

Is Brooklyn the next Manhattan? When you hear of Brooklyn, you may think it’s only one neighborhood but Brooklyn comprises of many different neighborhoods with various cultures, lifestyles and architecture for you to choose from.  Some areas have become very exclusive and expensive. Brooklyn is geographically larger than Manhattan and many areas have wonderful water views and sceneries. Even though some parts of Brooklyn include post war buildings, there are many new developments and high rises that are newly built and offer all the modern facilities that you may need. Brooklyn is a short drive from Manhattan and many people work and commute every day between those two boroughs. One can live in Brooklyn and have an apartment that faces the Manhattan Skyline without the prices of living directly in Manhattan itself. Some Brooklyn apartments for sale may actually be as expensive as some Manhattan condos and some houses for sale in Brooklyn may be even more expensive than some found in Manhattan. Brooklyn is becoming more popular and trendy amongst young people, investors and those who desire to work in Manhattan but prefer the more quiet or affordable neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

Luxury condos in Brooklyn

One Brooklyn neighborhood that is developing quite quickly and is becoming popular among investors and residents is Williamsburg. Some people may not realize that Brooklyn also offers luxury real estate but some homes and apartments are priced and sold reflecting a true luxury market. There are luxury condos in Williamsburg that face the water and have beautiful views of the city and nicely built boardwalks and parks with access to ferries at all times of the day. Some other communities also offer single family homes or semi-detached houses that are surrounded by beautiful nature and peaceful settings. Some apartments in Brooklyn are very spacious and you can choose a brand new construction or a completely renovated historical structure. One historic Brooklyn mansion in Prospect Park went on the market for $30 million. Not many suburbs of big cities offer such exclusive properties.

The future of Brooklyn Real Estate

A view of buildings of different styles in Brooklyn, with historic style, red-brick low-rise building in front, and modern, glass buildings in the background.

During the Covid pandemic, some investors realized that due to certain business closures, some of the Manhattan real estate had temporarily dropped in value or prices but the Brooklyn real estate market maintained a more balanced and stable demand during that challenging period. Over time, Brooklyn homes and townhouses increased in value and the last couple of years have seen an even bigger increase in the value of real estate in Brooklyn. Many millennials keep moving from the densely populated and expensive Manhattan districts to the nearby neighborhoods in Brooklyn that are up-and-coming. Brooklyn has just as much access to public transport and subway systems as Manhattan and it is therefore very easy to reach Manhattan from there. It encourages more people to live in Brooklyn and go to Manhattan for business or entertainment. Brooklyn itself though has enough public places and entertainment venues that are attractive enough to compete with the Big Apple.

How to choose a property and neighborhood in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is one of the 5 boroughs of New York City and is an area in demand when it comes to real estate and purchasing land or residences. Brooklyn is the fastest growing borough in terms of population. There are so many condos in Brooklyn as well large homes and even mansions that offer great views, exciting lifestyles and proximity to the glamor of Manhattan. There are dozens of Brooklyn neighborhoods and choosing the right place to live is an important decision. One has to decide if they prefer to be as close as possible for work purposes to the big City, or if they prefer more quiet areas. They need to decide if they prefer certain cultural aspects of the different regions or if they prefer a certain type of architecture. Brooklyn has many respected and visited museums. Some parts of Brooklyn are definitely older and have typical post war buildings but many are renovated and quite expensive. If you prefer brand new constructions, there are many new buildings that are constantly being built. Just like Manhattan, many buildings are constructed as high rises due to the large population and the desirable real estate market. It is worth taking the time to explore the different areas of this large borough as each neighborhood has a lot to offer to its population.  

Brooklyn luxury condos are now competition to homes and townhouses

The number of luxury contracts for properties is increasing steadily in Brooklyn and many buyers are choosing to purchase luxury condos over traditional houses or townhouses in the borough. The reason for this phenomenon is that these residences are more likely to be newer constructions; they offer more special views due to their high rise nature and don’t need the renovations necessary for many of the Brooklyn homes that were built quite a few decades ago. Some of these condos have more than one floor and can offer a similar or better lifestyle than a house and includes more modern amenities. Some older houses are even included in the luxury real estate market in Brooklyn because many buyers choose to renovate them to a great extent after purchasing them. The median asking price for Brooklyn luxury apartments and condos are often in the millions. Being so close to Manhattan and even having direct views of the city contributes to the value and price range of these homes. Many other big cities in the world can offer exclusive properties and have prices to reflect them, but usually the direct suburbs are significantly less expensive. Not in Brooklyn though because being close to a city such as Manhattan is truly special as it is one of the most popular places in the world.

BARNES New York is at your disposal to guide you and help you choose the right Brooklyn apartment or residence of your dreams thanks to a strong team of experts to assist you in all aspects of your real estate goals and expectations. We look forward to presenting you with the most prestigious and exclusive properties that Brooklyn has to offer.

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Should you invest in Manhattan real estate now?

By Annie Newman

Manhattan is often described as the financial and cultural center of the United States, and even considered by some as a world capital. Historically, it has been a constant attraction for tourists and immigrants from all over the globe and it is now recognized as one of the most desirable and exciting places to live and work. It is not surprising that the value of Manhattan real estate exceeds the sale prices of most metropolitan cities in the United States and around the world.

Why is it special to buy an apartment or home in Manhattan?

Those who call Manhattan their home feel a sense of tremendous pride and even though it is densely populated, people are willing to go the extra length to find their place in the city that never sleeps. The skyline of Manhattan is unmistakably recognized by people all over the world, including those who have never even visited New York. Songs, movies, television and theatre shows have been produced about Manhattan as it captivates the minds of all those who have heard of its bustling business and entertainment life.  This massive metropolitan area has a record number of skyscrapers that offer some of the most incredible views in the world.

Owning a property in Manhattan is a prestigious advantage.  Almost any apartment there can offer views that even penthouses in other cities don’t offer. Due to the large population, the buildings in the city are known to be built as high rises and skyscrapers and many apartments offer spectacular sceneries since the structures are built with such elevation. Some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers are found in Manhattan.

Manhattan real estate is in high demand

Manhattan not only has a large population, but it has an influx of workers from other boroughs or even states that commute there on a daily basis, creating a landscape that requires constant building and expansion. Every centimeter of land is precious and many in the construction industry have to win over bids to build more properties over those who want to try to maintain green spaces. This is the reason why one may find beautiful and spacious homes or townhouses for sale in Manhattan, but the main landscape can be seen from far as a city with tall buildings and limited space to build large private properties. Owning a home in Manhattan is truly glamorous.

View over Manhattan at night, with the lights from the city.

The city is known for its industrial past and some of the historical factories have been transformed into luxury and spacious lofts that can be found in many districts of Manhattan. The condos for sale reflect the prices of some of the most desired pieces of real estate in the world. Some apartments for sale in Manhattan can actually comprise of multiple floors and have as many rooms as a suburban house elsewhere in the United States. Unlike the suburban homes, these multi-floor condos offer breathtaking views at all times of a city whose lights shine and light up the sky from miles away.

Choosing a neighborhood or district to live in Manhattan is a wonderful experience as almost every corner of the city has special attractions for the local residents. Some people may prefer areas where the entertainment and theatres are world renown, others like the more quiet areas of the city. The city has mass transit subway and buses systems that create efficient and quick access to all areas of interest.

Local and International investment in Manhattan properties

Foreign investment in Manhattan real estate has been desirable for many people around the world who are looking to invest in valuable properties that are always in demand. Aside from investments, some people who reside in other cities who are looking to own a second home often choose Manhattan as their preference. Home owners in places such as Miami, Los Angeles, Paris, London and other big cities pride themselves to own a place to call their home in New York. Manhattan will always be on the top of the list of the world’s most famous and attractive cities.

Manhattan’s luxury real estate market

During the Covid pandemic, prices did fall to a certain degree but the real estate market in Manhattan is now bouncing back and is especially growing in the high end luxury property market. Some of the world’s most expensive homes and apartments have been sold right in Manhattan and it is no wonder that the buyers chose this city as their residence. Not many people would accept to invest over 100 million dollars for properties in other cities but Manhattan is able to attract such great investment due to its special character. A Manhattan penthouse was sold for $238 million in 2019, making it one of the most expensive homes ever sold in the United States. It would be challenging to sell a property of that price range in most other cities across the continent! Real estate professionals know that living in a Manhattan home can be priceless. Having a presence in New York City by purchasing real estate there is exciting, profitable and unique. Every square foot of land and real estate has tremendous value and worth.

Manhattan is not only multicultural in regards to its population, but the actual architecture and buildings that comprise this city can vary greatly in style. Some residents and buyers prefer the more historical look of the typical New York apartment buildings while others are more impressed by the shine and glamor of the new constructions that offer more modern styles of living. Both types are charming because they either represent the long history of a city of opportunities or the new shine of a constantly growing and fast paced world superpower.

The real estate market in Manhattan is booming and experts are predicting that the trend of record sales and contracts will continue in the coming years. BARNES New York has the exceptional resources to provide you with all your luxury real estate interests and can guide you in your search for your dream Manhattan home or project. Our properties are unparalleled in prestige and luxury and we are looking forward to present you with the most exclusive places.

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«New York City Neighborhoods» : Exploring Hudson Heights

Interview by Rachel Brunet, director and editor-in-chief of Le Petit Journal New York

BARNES New York invites you in its series of articles untitled “New York City Neighborhoods”, where you can regularly discover the different districts of the city, in the eyes of French speakers who have settled there. They tell us all about their neighborhood, in their words, their tastes, their habits. Today this article is exceptionally written in the first person because I personally invite you to follow me to my neighborhood: Hudson Heights. I am Rachel Brunet and I am the director and editor-in-chief of Petit Journal New York. I’m telling you about this little-known neighborhood, maybe because it’s hidden away, up there in Manhattan …

A family-friendly neighborhood

I moved to Hudson Heights in January 2019. A neighborhood that I had absolutely no knowledge of and which, over time, has completely conquered me. Basically, it was the rent prices that drove me to move north to Manhattan. Admittedly, an apartment of over 100 square meters and three bedrooms for less than $ 3,000 does not leave room for too long a reflection. Especially when the express metro is almost right downstairs of your building.

Station 175. “It’s far away,” some friends told me, “it all depends on where you are going,” I retorted. I quickly realized that in less than 40 minutes, I was still connecting my daily destinations. So, no, it’s not too far away. And frankly, in 2020 it was far from nothing …

Hudson Heights is a neighborhood that stretches from George Washington Bridge – itself located at 178th Street – to Fort Tryon. And from the Hudson River to Broadway. A small, secluded haven in Washington Heights, between the Hudson River and Fort Tryon. From street to street, English gives way to Spanish, the official language of this Hispanic neighborhood of Washington Heights. But in Hudson Heights, everything changes. As elsewhere in the city, this district is a joyous melting pot of communities. There are Americans, and many communities from Eastern Europe. There is also a strong community of the Jewish faith. In the course of my urban wanderings, I often come across an image that sends me back to France. Most of the buildings here were built in the 1930s, and some are Art Deco inspired. It reminds me of Boulogne-Billancourt, just at the entrance to the Bois. On Pinehurst Avenue, across from Bennett Park, Hudson View Garden. A residential complex. Inside, small alleys, well-tended grass, a pond with large fish, a flower garden. Absolute serenity. Architecture brings me back to Trouville-sur-Mer. Half-timbering is everywhere.

181st Street is the street for restaurants. Japanese, Italian, Thai, American, there is something for everyone and the prices are very affordable. There is really something for everyone too since there is even Café Bark, a cafe for our four-legged friends … New York will always be New York. On the 181, I have my little habits, between the Thai restaurant Tung Thong 181 and the Japanese restaurant Sushi Yu, my heart is still swinging. Not to mention Le Chéile and its superb pink terrace reminiscent of the Canal Saint Martin. Eight streets to the north, another spot for restaurants and shops. Here again, I’m used to it. Fresco’s Pizza, the best in New York according to my son or Kismat, the Indian restaurant in the neighborhood. But also, my little Ozzie’s supermarket. And hold on tight, I’m constantly discovering French products that are much cheaper than elsewhere in Manhattan. Jams, pains au chocolat, baguettes, brie, this shiny supermarket is my Ali Baba cave.

A little further up 187th Street, an exceptional wine shop, Vines on Pine, with a large selection of wines from all countries. The owner’s joke: tell me “have a good one, kid!”

Manhattan’s highest point

When I think of my neighborhood, I think “up” or “down”. And it’s not for nothing. In Bennet Park, nestled between 183rd and 185th Streets, is a treasure, little known to New Yorkers: Manhattan’s tallest natural point. 265 feet above sea level, the level of the Statue of Liberty torch. Suffice to say that it goes up and that it goes down. What a surprise the first time I found myself at the bottom of the long staircase to 181st Street. For a few seconds, I couldn’t tell if I was in New York or Montmartre.

Bennett Park is the meeting place for parents and children from this very family-friendly neighborhood, but also for older people who come to catch a ray of sunshine in the spring or a little cooler in the summer. It is not uncommon to see a group of musicians there, residents of the neighborhood. Their voices mingle with the cries of the children, each day a little more numerous. A little happier. For the record, this park is built on the site of the old Fort Washington where the Continental Army routed the British troops in 1776.

My pleasure in this area: take Cabrini Boulevard and go up to Fort Tryon. I walk along Birds of Cabrini Woods Nature Sanctuary. The wood is located at the southwest corner of Fort Tryon. A natural sanctuary, it is a favorite spot for bird watching and stunning views of the Hudson and Palisades across the river.

Cabrini boulevard ends at the entrance to Fort Tryon, a veritable urban forest that is home to The Cloisters, but not only! Coyotes, raccoons, opossums, groundhogs, snakes, bees, butterflies, and thousands of squirrels share this vast 27 hectare land, in addition to 81 species of birds, including hummingbirds and hawks. At the entrance to Fort Tryon, Heather Garden – many times voted the city’s finest garden – a pathway overgrown with flowers and shrubs, 60 meters above the Hudson. In summer, I often see hummingbirds there … My little piece of paradise …

In a few weeks, I’ll be leaving this neighborhood, life taking me further down in Manhattan, but still near a park. I won’t tell you which one …

Experts Discuss – Hudson Heights

Rental market:

As of January 2021, the average rent for an apartment in Hudson Heights is $1,600 for one bedroom, $2,500 for two bedrooms and $2,995 for a three bedroom apartment.

Sales market:

In December 2020, across Hudson Heights, the median asking price of sellers for available properties was $590,000, up about 3% year-on-year to $672/square foot. The median recorded final sale price is $780,000. This difference is mainly explained by the low number of transactions as a result of the Covid period, which significantly slowed the market in 2020 and therefore reduced the reference sample.

Interview by Rachel Brunet, director and editor-in-chief of Le Petit Journal New York

Read the article in Le Petit Journal New York

25 Park Row at 34B takes over RENTCafé blog

Take a look at the article about our latest luxury rental listing, unit 34B at 25 Park Row, by RENTCafé blog, introducing you to this magnificent brand new, never lived-in, grand 2 (Convertible 3)-Bedroom and 3.5-Bathroom residence.

Take a seat and get lost in the majestic views from this brand new, never lived-in, grand 2(Convertible 3)-Bedroom 3.5-Bathroom residence at 25 Park Row, the luxury condominium building with the best views of the historic City Hall, Woolworth Building, Manhattan skyline, and the Hudson River, on the border of FiDi and Tribeca in the New Downtown.

Residents may enjoy a 24/7 attended lobby with concierge, and access to a massive Park Row Club, overlooking City Hall Park, including a reading room with fireplace, a private dining area, a 65’ swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa treatment room, yoga and meditation studios, a playroom and a great lawn with outdoor dining terrace.

Read the article:

https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/apartmentliving/luxury-apartments/luxury-rental-park-row-nyc/

Real Estate Opportunities in New York City post-pandemic

While the Covid-19 pandemic does not seem to be slowing down, or resuming as a second wave depending on the location, there are many lessons to be learned, almost six months after the start of the first containment measures.

From a global perspective, real estate has reasserted itself as a safe haven at a time when economic activity is contracting and stock markets are fluctuating nervously, both as a source and consequence of notorious instability.

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As far as New York real estate is concerned, it is interesting to note, once again, the very strong resilience of this market, which has so far had only limited impact. Although historically there has been virtually no room for negotiation, in 2019 and early 2020 we saw the first signs of a “buyer’s market“, i.e. that it was (finally) possible to negotiate a little bit on asking prices, at a rate of a few percent depending on the neighborhood and the property. Since the second quarter, this trend has increased somewhat as demand has contracted in the wake of containment measures and restrictions on international travel. The fact that at the same time the inventory has also been reduced by around 30% (some people have taken advantage of the situation to withdraw their goods from the market in anticipation of better days) has tempered the increase in this margin for negotiation; we are now seeing price reductions of around 5% to 10% in the former.

On the other hand, it is a sector that is particularly affected by the effects of the pandemic, and especially by travel restrictions (especially international travel). These are new programs that are mostly targeted by buyers who do not live in New York, and/or rental investors. Moreover, these new programs have much more impactful scheduling and financing constraints than an individual owner, and they must “sell off their inventory” as quickly as possible in order to honor the commitments made to the various stakeholders, including financing and regulations.

It is on the strength of this observation and the recent negotiations conducted by BARNES New York with various developers, which revealed unprecedented commercial discounts, that we now recommend that wise investors take a close look at this real estate sector. Although this varies by project, inventory and neighborhood, we are relatively confident that we will achieve negotiation targets that go even beyond 15%. In some places, our clients have even been fortunate enough to exceed 25% cumulative discount (price and closing fee concessions). While the New York real estate market has historically, and on many occasions, demonstrated its strong resilience and ability to absorb various economic shocks, the exceptional discounts currently granted (until the health and economic situation in the world normalizes) should translate into as many gains in value in the short to medium term.

Do not hesitate to contact us now so that we can present you with the most relevant options today; as well as to pre-register for the next webinar we will be holding on this topic in the coming weeks.

Register for the next webinar – New Developments

Last but not least, which mainly concerns residents more than investors (although), the containment measures and the risks incurred in high-density areas have favoured a significant growth of the residential real estate market in the inner suburbs. Any property located less than an hour’s drive from Manhattan, in a lower density area, with a stock of single-family homes and a several schools, has seen its appreciation increase considerably since the beginning of the year. It is still uncertain at this stage what the long-term effect of such an exodus will be: is it for secondary use (weekends, holidays) or for permanent settlement? In any case, “suburbia” has a bright future ahead of it, and this could be more sustainable than the pandemic. With this in mind, BARNES New York is preparing to open an agency in Westchester, as close as possible to the French-speaking communities of Larchmont and Mamaroneck. Although we are already working on this project through our network of agents active in the area, we will be making a new panel of resources and an office available to you by the end of the year.

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