What is the difference between a co-op and a condo in NYC?

Co-ops (approximately 75% of NYC apartment inventory): You buy shares in a corporation that owns the building and receive a proprietary lease. Board approval is required. Condos (approximately 25% of inventory): You own your individual unit with a deed. No board approval is required. Co-ops typically have stricter financial requirements and higher monthly fees that include property taxes, while condos offer more subletting flexibility and different closing costs.

What are typical financial requirements for buying a co-op in NYC?

Co-ops typically require a 20-50% down payment plus post-closing liquidity (cash reserves often equal to 1-2 years of maintenance). Condos are more flexible, with 10-20% down payment options common. Both property types require lenders to evaluate debt-to-income ratios and credit history. Individual buildings may have additional requirements, so always verify with the listing agent before making an offer.

How long does it take to close on a property in NYC?

Closing timelines vary by property type. Condos and townhouses typically close in 30-45 days from signed contract. Co-ops take longer: 60-90 days or more, because the board package must be assembled and submitted, the board must review it, and an interview must be scheduled before approval. All-cash purchases close faster than financed purchases regardless of property type.

What closing costs should I expect when buying in NYC?

NYC closing costs for buyers range from approximately 2-6% of the purchase price depending on property type and financing. Condo buyers pay title insurance, NYC/NYS transfer taxes paid by the seller, mortgage recording tax (if financing), and mansion tax on purchases over $1M. Co-op buyers do not pay title insurance or mortgage recording tax but do pay attorney fees, application fees, and the mansion tax on purchases over $1M. Both need a real estate attorney, which typically costs $3,000-4,500 in NYC.

Can I see NYC homes before they hit the market?

Yes. Through the RLS Coming Soon listing status and Keller Williams pre-market tools, Milton Coste can show buyers properties before they officially go active on the MLS. Coming Soon listings appear on RLS, Zillow, Trulia, and StreetEasy with full photos, details, and pricing. Showings and offers cannot be accepted until the listing goes active, but buyers get early access to prepare their offer strategy before competition arrives.

What is the FARE Act and how does it affect NYC renters?

The FARE Act (Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses Act) took effect June 11, 2025. It requires that whoever hires a broker, typically the landlord, pays the broker fee. Tenants can no longer be required to pay broker fees on landlord-engaged broker listings. Tenant-engaged brokers can still charge tenants. The FARE Act applies to rental transactions only, not to buying or selling.

What is a flip tax in an NYC co-op?

A flip tax is a fee some co-op buildings charge when a unit is sold. It typically ranges from 1-3% of the sale price, though some buildings calculate it per share. The seller usually pays it, though some buildings assign it to the buyer or split it. On a $1.2M sale with a 2% flip tax, the seller owes $24,000 to the building before taking proceeds. Always verify flip tax policies before making an offer or listing.

Do I need a real estate attorney to buy or sell in NYC?

Yes. Unlike most US states, New York real estate closings are attorney-driven. Both the buyer and seller are represented by licensed real estate attorneys who review the contract, negotiate riders, handle due diligence, coordinate with the lender and title company, and attend the closing table. Attorney fees in NYC typically run $3,000-4,500 per side. Title companies play a secondary role compared to states with escrow-based closings.

NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Carnegie Hill vs Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Side-by-side market data, transit, and neighborhood profiles to help you decide.

Manhattan|Brooklyn

Carnegie Hill

Manhattan

Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Brooklyn

Median Sale Price

$2.7M

$1.2M

Median Rent

$5K

$3K

Active Listings

129

Avg Days on Market

78 days

32 days

YoY Price Change

+4.1%

+110.9%

Monthly Sales Volume

Detailed Comparison

Metric	Carnegie Hill	Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Median Sale Price	$2,695,000	$1,212,500
Median Condo Price	$3,200,000	$912,500
Median Co-op Price	$1,850,000	N/A
Median Rent	$4,600	$3,150
Active Listings	129	44
Rental Inventory	95	165
Days on Market	78	32
Price Cut Share	16.0%	4.5%
Monthly Sales Volume	22	10
YoY Price Change	+4.1%	+110.9%
YoY Rent Change	+3.8%	+6.1%
YoY Inventory Change	+6.2%	+18.9%
Subway Lines	4 5 6 B C Q	N/A

Neighborhood Profiles

Carnegie Hill

Carnegie Hill is one of Manhattan's most refined and tranquil residential pockets. Located in the northern section of the Upper East Side, it is defined by its proximity to Central Park and the 'Museum Mile.' The neighborhood is famous for its low-rise historic architecture and grand pre-war cooperatives. It offers a sophisticated, community-oriented atmosphere with nearby private schools and charming local boutiques.

View Full Market Report

Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Prospect Lefferts Gardens borders the eastern edge of Prospect Park and sits adjacent to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Brooklyn Museum, with the Lefferts Manor Historic District preserving blocks of limestone, brownstone, and brick rowhouses in Renaissance Revival, Neo-Federal, and Tudor Revival styles. The B, Q, and S trains stop at Prospect Park station, the Q serves Parkside Avenue, and the 2 and 5 trains connect at Sterling and Winthrop Streets. Housing ranges from intact 19th- and early 20th-century rowhouses to prewar apartment buildings along the main corridors.

View Full Market Report