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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

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

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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BARNES International brings the French “Art of Living” to the US

Read the article here

BARNES International is expanding, after being present in the U.S. for more than a decade. With offices in New York and Miami, BARNES is on its way to open a brand new agency in Larchmont, north of New York City.

BARNES, a major player in high-end residential real estate and an ambassador of ‘Art of Living’, supports its clients with all aspects of their lifestyle ambitions. Discover one of the world’s most recognized and trusted International Luxury Real Estate Group, established in the entire New York area, with a prominent presence in Westchester and the Hamptons, as well as Miami. Eventually, BARNES goal will be to expand in the Hamptons and Greenwich, Connecticut.

Established with over 100 offices in about 20 countries, including major international cities and top holiday destinations, BARNES offers an exclusive selection of premium properties in Europe, the US, the Middle-East, the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean. From high-end hotels worldwide, landmarked castlesequestrian propertiesvineyards in France’s top winemaking districts and art collections, BARNES offers a wide range of custom services that will suit the client’s specific need. With a truly international team, we welcome all clients and accommodate them in their native language as much as possible.

The brand provides its clients with global expertise through both consulting services in investment arbitration for international real estate and tailored local support, assisting you in any of your endeavors.

«New York City Neighborhoods» : Exploring Turtle Bay

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 we explore Turtle Bay — a district located in Midtown East, with Lidia Del Pozo, Senior Business Development Officer, VP at Bank of the West BNP Paribas Wealth Management. She tells us about the neighborhood she has lived in for over a year with her family.

Lidia Del Pozo in her apartment in Turtle Bay, LePetitJournal.com

Lepetitjournal.com New York : You live in Turtle Bay. What attracted you to this neighborhood?

The reason I decided to live here is not for the neighborhood itself, but especially for its location in Manhattan. Before moving to New York with my husband and daughter, we took just five days to decide on the neighborhood and apartment we would live in. The Turtle Bay neighborhood stood out for us because of its central location in the city. We thought that it would be the best way to be close to all the city’s points of interest. The other reason, which confirmed our choice, was the proximity of my workplace. Indeed, I work for BNP Paribas Wealth Management which is also located in Midtown, and therefore a few blocks away from home.

Can you tell us about life in this neighborhood, the atmosphere? What makes it live, what drives it?

I would say that this neighborhood doesn’t have just one identity. I would be unable to say if this is a residential area only or an office district or an embassy district. Turtle Bay is a bit of everything at the same time: there is simultaneously a neighborhood life, with its small local shops, its small bars and restaurants, nurseries, playgrounds, but also an office district, therefore very lively Monday to Friday, with a lot of people in the streets very early in the morning and during lunch breaks. And in this mixed landscape sits the headquarters of the United Nations and a few embassies that revolve around this majestic building, the most beautiful in the city, in my opinion. Obviously, when General Assemblies take place, the district takes on a new face. The district is then under very strict protection and becomes a little locked down and paralyzed. These few days are not very pleasant but not unlivable either. The organization is quite impressive!

And it’s exciting! That’s what makes this district extremely lively and international.

A street in Turtle Bay, LePetitJournal.com

You live near the United Nations Headquarters, where French is one of the official working languages. Do we hear Molière’s language a lot in the streets of Turtle Bay?

Yes, indeed, French is a language that’s heard very regularly on the sidewalks, between two colleagues who go to their office at the United Nations, who we can easily identify in the street because they very often wear their access badge to the building around their neck; or the families I meet when I go to the playground with my daughter, for example. There are a lot of francophones in Turtle Bay. To give a fairly representative example, at the nursery my daughter attends, in her class, out of 10 students, 4 come from French-speaking families! Being able to speak French is of course very practical, especially at first, and always a good way to create new relationships very quickly, although it makes me practice my English less.

Your favorite places in Turtle Bay?

One of my favorite places in my neighborhood is probably the Grand Central Market, which is located on the grounds of Grand Central Station itself. It is a single alley where we find a succession of small stands who offer fresh and good quality products. Despite the fact that it is indoor, the atmosphere is close to that of a traditional market and the merchants are very nice. What I love most about this neighborhood is the fact that it is right on the East River. I am lucky to have a nice river view from my apartment and to be able to witness some really beautiful sunrises. Simple walks along the river are very pleasant and a bit of a change of scenery from the urban, city life.

Is this a neighborhood that you recommend for those who want to buy or rent?

I am not an expert in the real estate market, however what I can say intuitively when it comes to renting, yes it is a neighborhood that I recommend, because it is good to live and as I already have mentioned, it is ideally located in Manhattan to discover the city. Among the other reasons, the proximity to the river, the security and safety brought by the presence of the United Nations headquarters and finally, the very cosmopolitan aspect of the neighborhood. Regarding the purchase of a property, I would evoke the same motivations with the addition of the fact that it is a neighborhood quite popular with expats working at the United Nations, therefore with a certain demand on the market.

If you had to describe Turtle Bay in three words? 

If I had to describe Turtle Bay in three words, I would say that it is lively district, a very cosmopolitan district and therefore conducive to meetings and a multi-faceted district where personal and professional lives mingle.

acheter-appartement-luxe-vue-manhattan
Aerial view of Manhattan skyline at sunset, New York City

Experts Discuss – Turtle Bay

Rental market:

In March 2021, the median rent for an apartment in Turtle Bay was $ 2,200 for a studio (-40% over one year), $ 3,200 for one bedroom (flat), $ 4,000 for two bedrooms (-20%) and $ 6,200 for three bedrooms (+ 24%).

Sales market:

At the end of Q4 2020, across Turtle Bay as a whole, the median asking asking price of sellers stood at $ 950k (when the Manhattan average is $ 1M) showing a significant increase in the order of 20% over one year with $ 1,207 / square foot and around sixty transactions over the quarter.

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

Read the article in Le Petit Journal New York

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