Manhattan Housing Types
Co-Ops – Approximately 75% of Manhattan’s owner occupied buildings are co-ops. Since co-ops make up the majority of the market in New York City, they are generally less expensive to purchase than condominiums. Residents of co-ops own shares in the corporation as opposed to owning the “real property”. Maintenance fees are paid by the residents to the co-op to maintain the property, and co-op boards may approve or disapprove potential buyers who wish to purchase in their building.
Condominiums - Approximately 25% of Manhattan’s owner occupied buildings are condos. Residents in condos own their apartments and are given a deed. Condominiums are usually more expensive in New York City because there are fewer of them and they are most of the city’s new construction. Condominiums have maintenance charges and they are usually easier to purchase because they do not require a board interview or the larger down payments of co-ops.
Pre-War Buildings - Built before World War II, these buildings are usually 10 to 20 stories high with larger rooms, fireplaces, charm, moldings, and architectural detail. These buildings may or may not have doormen.
Post-War Buildings – Built between the late 1940’s to 1970’s, these buildings are usually high rise buildings with white, red or brown brick and have lower ceilings with less attention to detail. These buildings are usually doormen buildings and have up to two bedrooms.
Doorman Buildings – Buildings which have full or part-time doormen. These buildings are more expensive because of the service and the doorman expense is paid through the maintenance charges of the building.
Attended Lobby Buildings – Buildings which are manned by a concierge and not a doorman.
Elevator Buildings – Buildings with no doorman or concierge. Residents may be notified of visitors by intercoms from the ground floor.
Walk-up Buildings – Primarily 4-6 story pre-war buildings without elevators.
Pied à terre – Literally means foot on the ground. These apartments allow part time residents to buy in these buildings so they are popular as a second home for part-time occupancy. Many co-ops do not allow these residents.
Townhouses – Usually single family residences (unless converted to multi-family) which have 3 to 6 floors and were built between the 1800’s and the early 1900’s. There are many styles of townhouses such as Brownstones and Carriage Houses in New York City.
Brownstones – Townhouses which have New York State brown stone on the façade.
Limestone Mansions – Townhouses which have limestone fronts, frequently with a bow in the center. These mansions are stately.
Carriage Houses – Barn-styled homes which were originally horse stables for townhouse owners. These carriage houses usually had 15 foot high ceilings on the first floor which accommodated the horses, and a second floor above where the horse personnel resided.
Federal Houses – Townhouses which are usually red brick with shutters, plain fronts and symmetry.
Greek Revival Houses – Townhouses with one of the recognizable traits is a triangle over doors and windows. This style is one of the earlier styles in America and is relatively plain.
Queen Anne Houses – Townhouses with steep pitched roofs and a Victorian style.
Lofts – Apartments which were originally commercial or industrial buildings. These apartments usually have open floor plans, high ceilings and many windows, and they are usually found around the downtown areas of Flatiron, Chelsea, SoHo, and Tribeca. Many lofts are contemporary in nature.
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