Concessions Returning to New York City Real Estate in Both Sales and Rental New Development

New York City is one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the world. With an everchanging market, we keep our pulse on what trends are emerging, and one of the most recent trends of 2023 is the return of concessions on new development sales and rentals. Concessions are financial incentives that developers offer to buyers and renters in order to make their units more attractive. Coming out of the Pandemic, concessions had seemingly vanished from the market, as developers were able to sell and rent their units quickly and often times at full price.

However, with the market normalization that has been occurring, developers are bringing back concessions in order to move inventory.

What Are Common Concessions?

There are a variety of concessions that developers may offer, both for buyers and renters. Some common concessions include:

• Free or reduced closing costs

• Free or reduced transfer taxes

• Free sponsor’s attorney fee

• Preferred mortgage rates if the developer has or is associated with a lending company

• Free or reduced common charges for a specified timeframe

• Free or reduced parking fees or deeded storage units

• Free or upgraded finishes

• Free rent – typically varies based on duration of the lease

If you are considering buying or renting a new development unit in New York City, be sure to reach out to us to discuss what Buildings are offering concessions. Typically, Developers do not make this information public, but as your Real Estate experts, we have access to industry information to help you secure the best deal. With negotiation, we can help you secure the best deal on your new home purchase or rental.

Buying or Renting a New Development Apartment in NYC

When buying an apartment in NYC, it is important to consider all of your options. One option is to buy a new development unit. New development units often offer a variety of amenities and features that are not available in older buildings. Additionally, new development units may be eligible for concessions, which can save you money on your purchase.

New Development buildings in the Hudson Yards neighborhood of Manhattan

NYC new development apartments offer a variety of advantages over older buildings. New development apartments are often built with the latest energy-efficient features and have state of the art amenity collections that enhance your everyday life such as fitness centers, swimming pools, spas, and rooftop terraces.

As you consider purchasing or renting new development in NYC, be sure to consult a local Real Estate professional. Our team of NYC real estate experts have helped multiple clients secure incredible deals on both sales and rentals in new development in this challenging market. You do not know want to be the prospect walking into a developer’s sales gallery or leasing office without an advisor on your side!

Advantages of Working with a Real Estate Agent

• We have access to a wide range of properties that are not listed on the public market.

• We help you evaluate the value of a property and make a competitive offer.

• We negotiate with the Sponsor on your behalf to get you the best possible deal.

• We help you to navigate the complex process of buying or renting a property in NYC.

The return of concessions in the New York City real estate market is a great opportunity for both buyers and renters. With the advice from and negotiation help of a real estate agent, you may be able to get a great deal on your new home that you would have otherwise not been aware of!

If you are interested in exploring New York City New Development currently on the market, get in touch with our team today.

Step Inside a Luxury New Construction Home in Chappaqua, NY | Westchester Real Estate

40 Hamilton Drive sits on 2.4 professionally landscaped acres

Are you in the market for a luxury new construction home in the suburbs of Westchester, NY? Look no further than this stunning property at 40 Hamilton Drive in Chappaqua, NY.

As soon as you step inside, you'll be greeted by an impressive foyer with soaring ceilings and an inviting open floorplan. This sets the tone for the rest of the home, which is filled with high-end finishes and top-of-the-line appliances.

10 foot ceilings and an open floorplan create impressive scale

The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining guests. The spacious living room features a fireplace and plenty of natural light, while the adjacent dining room is perfect for hosting dinner parties. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, with custom cabinetry, marble countertops, and a large center island with seating. High-end appliances make cooking a breeze.

The kitchen features a large center island and is complete with high-end appliances and luxury design touches

The family room opens onto a covered patio area that overlooks the backyard . This is the perfect spot to relax with family and friends, or to enjoy your morning coffee.

The covered patio is perfect for enjoying outdoor living while overlooking the backyard

The main level also features a private study, perfect for working from home or for use as a home office. The main level is completed by a powder room, mudroom, and access to the attached two-car garage.

Upstairs, the luxurious master suite is a true oasis. The bedroom features a tray ceiling, a sitting area, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The spa-like master bathroom is sure to impress, with a large soaking tub, separate shower, and dual vanities. The spacious walk-in closet is the perfect place to store your wardrobe.

The primary bath is true modern luxury complete with Restoration Hardware vanities

Three additional bedrooms, each with their own en-suite bathroom, are located on the upper level. The bedrooms are spacious and feature large closets, making them perfect for family or guests.

The lower level of the home is finished and offers even more space for entertaining. The large recreation room is perfect for hosting parties or for use as a playroom. There is also a home gym and an additional bathroom on this level.

The basement offers ample space to customize into what best matches your lifestyle

Outside, the backyard is beautifully landscaped and features a patio and plenty of room for outdoor activities. The property is located on a quiet cul-de-sac, providing plenty of privacy and a peaceful setting.

This luxury new construction home is located in the sought-after town of Chappaqua, NY, known for its excellent schools and charming downtown. It is just a short drive to the Metro-North train station, making it an easy commute to Manhattan.

If you are looking for a luxury new construction home in Westchester, NY, look no further than 40 Hamilton Drive in Chappaqua. With high-end finishes, top-of-the-line appliances, and plenty of space for entertaining, this home is sure to impress. Contact us today to schedule a private showing

Baccarat Hotel & Residences Coming to Miami's Brickell Neighborhood

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Baccarat is the latest luxury brand slated to be associated with luxury condos in Miami. The Related Company announced that it is partnering with Baccarat at its project at 444 Brickell Avenue in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. The site at 444 Brickell was previously known as One Brickell.

This will be Baccarat’s first residences in Miami. In a competitive market, Developers are always seeking for differentiators, and partnering with Luxury brands has been an avenue for achieving just that.

The project will be comprised of 3 stories rising 57, 77, and 82 stories. Related Company has tapped Arquitectonica to lead architectural design and Enzo Enea to design landscaping. Plans include a mix of residential, hotel, office, and retail components.  According to plans filed with the Miami Planning department, there will be:

• 1,400 residential units

• 249 hotel units

• 41,272 square feet of office space

• 24,263 square feet of retail space

• 1,993 parking spaces

Details are still emerging on what to expect inside the residences, however, we do know they will range in size from 1-4 bedrooms. Given the project’s location, homes on higher floors should offer sweeping views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay.

Amenities will include a business center, fitness center, pool, and riverfront promenade.

A Look Inside 611 West 56th Street by Alvaro Siza

The Upper West Side is welcoming another New Development, this time from a Pritzker prize winning architect. 611 West 56th Street is Alvaro Siza’s first U.S. building that will be a new addition to the Upper West Side skyline. Developers Sumaida + Khurana aim to have the project they support represent refinement and understatement, something they feel is very powerful in a New York development market that can often times be characterized be extravagance. This type of design is also characteristic of Siza’s work.

611 West 56th Street will rise 450 feet with a white Perla Bianca limestone façade characterized by stone cladding that frame windows with expansively large glazed surfaces, allowing residents to take in views of the Hudson River and Central Park.

The Residences

The homes of 611 West 56th Street will be designed by renowned firm Gabellini Sheppard and will span in size from one to four bedrooms. Larger units including duplex masionettes, full-floor residences, and a crowning penthouse are also expected. The building will have a private feel with the majority of the units spread as only 2 homes on most of the 37 floors. Additionally, more than half the units will have direct, keyed elevator access.

Similar to the exterior, Gabellini Sheppard has taken a minimalist approach to the interiors. Residences will have an abundant use of natural stone and marbles throughout as well as details such as millwork and custom cove lighting. The minimalist design coupled with quality materials and craftsmanship create an elevated living experience.

Amenities

611 West 56th Street will feature a thoughtful amenity package inclusive of the following:

• Fitness Center with Men’s and Women’s Steam Room

• Yoga and Boxing Studios

• Garden Mezzanine

• Media Room with Billiards

• Children’s playroom

• Large entertaining lounge with separate dining room and catering kitchen

Pricing starting from approximately $1.26M

 Interested in Calling the Upper West Side Home or Learning More? Contact Us!

Renderings: The Boundary

Interview: Why Long-Time Upper East Side Resident Makes the Move to Upper West Side

When speaking to Real Estate, you know that the first thing anyone mentions about property is “Location, Location, Location!”. In New York City, we are fortunate to have so many diverse neighborhoods, each with their own character and offerings.

We help our Client hone in on the neighborhoods that best align to their lifestyle. We often find that people end up falling in love with a neighborhood and staying for many years.

But what about when people are interested in a neighborhood that they’ve never considered? It happens, and yes, it can actually offer great opportunity!

Why Long-Time Upper East Side Resident Victoria Shtainer Moved to the West Side:

 Q: As a long-time resident of the Upper East Side, what made you explore additional neighborhoods that were not in your original consideration set?

Victoria Shtainer: It is a Buyer’s Market currently in NYC and we wanted to take full advantage of that. It is currently cheaper to Buy than to Rent, especially when we need a large apartment to accommodate the entire family. With that said, there is New Development available in NYC that offers Tax Abatement, which is a huge positive for Buyers/Investors and something that should strongly be considered, even if those buildings are not in your target neighborhood.

Q: You mentioned Financial Reasons – Can you elaborate a bit more on some of the opportunities out there for Buyers currently?

Victoria Shtainer: Yes, given it is a Buyer’s Market, and the volume of New Development that is on the market in NYC, the ball is in the Buyer’s court to negotiate. While some may be hesitant to buy, that is when even greater opportunity can be had. Financial opportunities can include

• Tax Abatement: Buildings such as One West End Avenue and Waterline Square are offering a 20 Tax Abatement which means monthly Real Estate Taxes are incredibly low for 20 years, thus reducing the carrying costs significantly. This is a huge benefit, especially if you are an investor looking to purchase your unit to rent.

• Incentives: New Developments are offering Buyers incentives to attract them to their projects given the competitive market. This may include Sponsor paid Common Charges for X amount of years, Sponsor Paid Transfer Tax, as well as negotiability on the Asking price.

I practice what I preach! All of this comes together to result in what was an amazing opportunity to move to the Upper West Side from an investment standpoint. Just as I would advise Client looking for a great opportunity, I demonstrated that by doing so myself.

Q: Do you foresee yourself having to adjust your lifestyle from what you might have been used to on the Upper East Side versus your new neighborhood?

Victoria Shtainer: No! In fact, the amenities here from both a building and neighborhood standpoint are amazing. Given the Upper West Side has many New Developments, the building is outfitted with state of the art amenities including a pool, expansive terrace, in-building parking, and more.

From a neighborhood perspective, we have access to everything we would want such as Supermarkets, working studios such as Soulcycle a block away, and popular coffee shops. Additionally, you can easily access the West Side Highway to get to the Lincoln Tunnels and George Washington Bridge.

Q: Given the New Development selection around the City, what made you focus on the Upper West Side compared to another neighborhood?

Victoria Shtainer: I think that there is tremendous upside in this area, especially from an investment standpoint when you factor in the financial benefits I previously mentioned.

Hudson Yards is a few blocks South and has completely transformed the Far West Side, and the arrival of Waterline Square is going to add great value and interest to this neighborhood. The project included 3 amazing buildings by 3 world-class architects and will be bringing a host of neighborhood amenities including 28,000 square foot Cipriani and Empellon, 2.7 acre park, and an ice skating rink in the winter.

 I think that the Far West Side is experiencing what Downtown experienced during the post-Sandy era.

New Renderings Give a Peak Inside the Luxe Residences from Aman in New York

Much buzz has been created over the past few months since the announcement that Aman Resorts would be opening its first urban residences in New York, at an iconic address, The Crown Building (57th Street and 5th Avenue)

While other buildings rising along 57th Street have garnered attention because of their height, pricing, and other features, Aman has quietly released new renderings of the project, and they are simply stunning! Based on the look inside, these homes are truly delivering the vision of an oasis in the middle of urban chaos.

Aman New York is slated to open its doors in 2020, bringing 83 rooms and suites in addition to 22 private residences. It’s been reported by the Wall Street Journal that nearly half of the private residences have already sold, despite being listed. It is rumored that asking prices start at $4.65M

About the Residences

For the Condo portion, there will only be 22 residences. As of now, we know that some homes are slated to have terraces as well as private pools. All of them come with access to a suite of ultra-luxe amenities. There is expected to be a Sky Lobby, members club, piano bar, wine library, cigar bar, a members-only jazz club and 2 restaurants. Arva will be serving Italian fare while Nama will be Aman’s interpretation of Japan’s washoku dining tradition.  

Living Room

The Aman Club will encompass 3 stories of the building with a 75-foot pool, hot and cold plunge pools, fire pits, hammams, salon, gym, and juice bar. Based on the renderings, this Club will be a true representation of the Aman brand and the serene and luxurious spas for which it is known the world over.

Pool Terrace

Cigar Lounge

 About Aman:

Aman Resorts are located around the world in both remote and urban settings, known for their meticulous design to frame their natural settings. People love Aman Resorts for the space and privacy that they offer.

Aman started in 1988 with the first location being on Phuket’s West Coast. It was named Amanpuri which means “place of peace.” From that, the Aman name was born. Today, there are 33 resorts, hotels, and private residences across 21 countries.

All Renderings Courtesy of Aman

Are Glass & Steel Skyscrapers Being Banned in New York City?

Headlines have been swirling around various media outlets stating that, per Mayor Bill de Blasio, glass and steel skyscrapers will be banned in New York City moving forward. The Mayor made comments on Monday morning’s edition of Morning Joe on MSNBC where he was quoted saying, “We are going to ban the classic glass and steel skyscrapers, which are incredibly inefficient.”

This message took on various other similar forms and was picked up by multiple media outlets including a cover on the New York Post here in the city. De Blasio spoke on various media outlets using a similar tone of strong language that implied a ban. He stated that these traditional skyscrapers are contributing to global warming. This prompted many to begin to think about a New York where there would be no new glass and steel skyscrapers.

Are Glass and Steel Skyscrapers Being Banned?

The short answer: No!

The comments from de Blasio were made with very few details or facts supporting them. The Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability also chimed in to clarify that there is no prohibition on buildings made of glass in New York City.

It is important to note, however, that we are likely moving in a direction that would require construction to meet certain environmental efficiency standards. City Council just passed a package of bills which was inclusive of a mandate for building retrofits to reduce carbon footprint by 40 percent by the year 2030.

We are already seeing new construction as well as construction from recent years adapting to a more sustainable model by having projects certified as various LEED levels.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and was devised by the United States Green Building Council. This rating system is the most widely used green building rating system in the world, and the LEED certification is a globally recognized sustainability achievement.

The rating system evaluates the environmental performance of a building, and through this process, encourages market transformation. The evaluation looks at things such as materials, water efficiency, and performance such as indoor quality for occupant comfort. 

Fun Fact: 10 Hudson Yards was the first commercial office space in New York to receive the coveted Platinum LEED certification.

5 New Developments Coming to Market in Manhattan this Spring

Spring is typically a bustling time for the housing market, and this season has been no exception. Activity has picked up from Q1 lulls across multiple tiers of the market, but we have been observing good momentum in the luxury sector specifically.

The New Development market in New York City continues to have a pipeline of impressive projects. From a Buyer’s perspective, inventory has never been better. New Development projects are offering the best amenities, design from starchitects and renowned interior designers, as well as concessions to Buyers. Now is a great time to explore new development as a Buyer. Developers are competing amongst each other for the same set of Buyers in many instances so there are deals to be had.

Just as the market picks of the Spring, so too is New Development. Here are some of the most notable projects coming to market in Manhattan during Spring 2019.

The Centrale

Midtown is experiencing a wave of development, and The Central is part of it. The tower will rise 803 feet and is designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli. Interiors will be done by Champalimaud Design who has also done the interiors at The Kent. The 124 residences will be a mix of 1 through 5 bedrooms with pricing starting around $1.825 million.

Amenities at The Centrale include a lounge with fireplace, 75-foot lap pool, fitness center, and attended garage.

The Hayworth

Located at the corner of Lexington Avenue and 87th Street, The Hayworth will bring 61 apartments to the Upper East Side. The building, rising 21 stories, will be a mix of 2 through 5 bedroom homes with multiple penthouses.

AD100 architect Lee Mindel will be doing interior at the Hayworth. Residents will enjoy a suite of amenities including a music and dance studio, fitness center, and rooftop terrace with fireside seating.

Pricing anticipated from $3.5 million

100 Franklin Street

DDG Partners (you may recognize them from 180 East 88th Street) is bringing a boutique collection of Condos to TriBeCa nearby the Roxy Hotel. This spring, the 10 full floor homes, inclusive of 2 penthouses, are expected to come to market with pricing from $3.3 million.

The development is actually comprised of 2 buildings that are joined together. Amenities include bicycle room and storage.

The Park Loggia

If you love the Upper West Side, but do not want to live too far up, The Park Loggia is the ideal location. The SOM-designed tower, located on Broadway at 61st Street, just above Columbus Circle, will offer a convenient location and is set to bring 172 residences to the neighborhood.

Apartments will span the gamut in size, ranging from Studios to 4-bedrooms. Pricing is expected to start around $1 million and go up to over $10 million. The amenity package will be sizeable, at 20,000 square feet. Amenities will include a game room, theater, café, music performance rooms, a fitness center, and children’s playroom.

35 Hudson Yards

The tallest residential building within the Hudson Yards development debuted its lavish apartments on March 15th. 35 Hudson Yards is home to 143 apartments which start at $5 million. The apartments start on the upper floors of the tower with the world’s fist Equinox Hotel occupying the bottom floors.

35 Hudson Yards is designed by David Childs and Skidmore Owings & Merrill with interiors by Tony Ingrao. No detail has been spared on residence interiors such as the custom kitchens designed by Tony Ingrao in collaboration with Smallbone of Devizes.

The amenity suite is equally as lavish. Residents will enjoy 22,000 square feet devoted to wellness and entertainment. Amenities include yoga, playrooms, Grand Terrace and Dining Room, event space, and access to the Equinox which will have both indoor and outdoor pools.

All Photos via respective developments

Renzo Piano's 565 Broome Street Unveils Model Residences

565 Broome, the Renzo Piano designed glass tower in SoHo has given a first look inside. The building, which has been under construction since 2016, has reached the next chapter, with residents moving in, and 2 model units being unveiled giving us a first look inside the finished product. The building has two towers, a north tower and a south tower. A model unit, each designed by a different interior designer, from each tower were unveiled to guests earlier this week.

 Residence North 24A

N24A is a 3 bed, 3.5 bath home spanning 2,512 square feet. This model residence was decorated by interior designer Damon Liss. Liss took inspiration in designing his unit from the interiors of 565 from itself, adopting a refined minimalism approach.

 The home has western and northern exposure which offered wonderful sunset views over the Hudson during the evening hour that we viewed it.

Residence South 26B

 S26B is a 2 bed, 2.5 bath home spread across 2,191 square feet. In the south tower, this home offers southern and eastern views, with the eastern views being open city views across SoHo, the East Village, and even up to Midtown.

March & White, a British design firm, decorated this model unit. They included pieces from local artists throughout as well as plaster on the walls.

565 Broome Street is Renzo Piano's first residential project in New York City. He brings his iconic design and approach to this luxurious residential project located in SoHo. The 30-story building stands out in the SoHo landscape, set alongside its smaller scale neighbors.  Renzo Piano prides himself on his careful attention to materials, and 565 Broome is no exception with an austere material palette that accentuates the quality of those selected. The overall design and approach to the project is an expression of key materials. Design is characterized by low-iron, extra wide glass and “tube” shaped living spaces in select residences which are a character of Renzo Piano.

Building interiors are designed by renowned firm RDAI who take a similar approach to their work as Piano, highlighting craftsmanship and materials. At 565 Broome, they have found beauty in natural materials such as stone, white oak, glass, and concrete. RDAI is known for its work in global Hermes and Saint Laurent stores.

 Amenities include a private gated driveway, outdoor landscaped terrace, 55 foot swimming pool, fitness center, lounge, and library.

35 Hudson Yards: Here's What We Know

All Images Courtesy of Related Oxford

The long await and anticipation of Hudson Yards is almost over, with the Grand Opening scheduled for next week. We have been following the development and progress of what is America’s largest Real Estate development project. From Condos and Rentals to dining and shopping, Hudson Yards will be a true epicenter of the Far West Side. In fact, a new neighborhood has even popped up on the radar dubbed “SoHY”, or South of Hudson Yards.

We covered the launch of 15 Hudson Yards, one of the residential condominiums that is part of the project, and now, we are learning details about 35 Hudson Yards which is expected to launch sales next week along with the Grand Opening. If you thought 15 Hudson Yards was luxurious and jaw-dropping, wait until you see 35 Hudson Yards.

Here’s What We Know:

35 Hudson Yards is designed by David Childs and Skidmore Owings & Merrill with interiors by Tony Ingrao. The building will rise 92 stories, making it the tallest residential building within the Hudson Yards project. There will be 143 residences starting on the 53rd floor and ranging in size from 2 to 6 bedrooms. Pricing is anticipated from $5M.

Residences:

Residences range in size from 1,500 to 10,000 square feet. They will feature gracious entry foyers and ample wall space for art. Ceilings are 11 feet. In regard to finishes, there will be smoked oak flooring throughout the homes. Luxurious kitchens are designed by Tony Ingrao in collaboration with Smallbone of Devizes and feature Gaggenau appliances, white opal marble counters, and high gloss stained Eucalyptus cabinets.

Homes are sure to offer stunning and sweeping views of the Manhattan Skyline and of the Hudson River.

Amenities:

Residents of 35 Hudson Yards will enjoy a host of amenities and hotel-style service. There will be 22,000 square feet devoted to wellness and entertainment. In addition to this space, the building will be home to a 60,000 square foot Equinox as well as the world’s first ever Equinox Hotel.

•  6th Floor entirely devoted to amenities including yoga, playroom, fitness

• 24th Floor will be the Grand Terrace and Grand Dining Room, an event space that can accommodate more than 50 guests

• Residents enjoy access to the Equinox which will have an indoor and outdoor pool with large sundeck and cabanas

• Priority reservations at the building’s restaurants

• On-site concierge that can arrange thing such as in-room dining and ground transportation

In addition to the in-building amenities, residents enjoy all the amenities that come along with calling Hudson Yards home – there will be myriad world-class dining and shopping options, including New York City’s first Neiman Marcus.

Stay tuned for more information about the Grand Opening of Hudson Yards!