The NYC real estate market is incredibly nuanced, especially when it comes to apartment types. Through the course of our podcast and articles we’ve written, we’ve covered many different apartment types, but today, we’re covering another ground floor offering – the maisonette apartment.

What is a maisonette apartment in Manhattan?

Technically speaking, a maisonette is a first floor apartment in a multi-unit apartment building with a private entrance from the street. Some New York brokers will expand the definition to include first floor apartments with an entry directly off of the lobby.  

This basic definition of the term maisonette leaves a little information to be desired, though. What is the origin of the maisonette? Where can you find maisonettes? What are the pros and cons of purchasing a maisonette? We’ll cover all of that and more in the rest of this post.

Would you rather watch than read? Click the link below to play our episode about maisonettes!

Classic Characteristics of a Maisonette Apartment

Maisonettes are technically defined as first-floor apartments that are part of a larger apartment building that come with a private entrance from the street. But, as with many things in New York real estate, agents also use the term for other types of apartments along the same vein.

Agents may also use the term maisonette to refer to:

• Apartments that have a ground floor entrance off the lobby, but there’s not a separate entrance from the street.
• Apartments that are up a few stairs (not flights), but there’s still an entrance directly from the lobby, and you don’t have to take an elevator to reach the apartment.
• Apartments that have an entrance from both the lobby and the street (this is actually the most common format for a maisonette).
• Apartments that have an outdoor space. In other words, maisonettes CAN be garden apartments, but they don’t have to be.

Listen to our podcast about maisonettes at the link below!

History of the Maisonette Apartment

Merriam-Webster defines maisonette as “small house”, which comes from the original word in French. The maisonette apartment was likely nicknamed little house due to their larger layout and private entrances that give the space a more single-family-home feel.

With that being said, many maisonettes were originally office/retail spaces or live/work spaces. That original use often carries over in slightly more flexible usage for its owner, making this type of apartment popular among doctors, psychiatrists, etc. The live/work space can be divided by floor (yes, some maisonettes have two floors!) or into two parallel spaces by different entrances.

Where Are Maisonettes Commonly Found?

If your heart is set on a maisonette apartment, you’re going to have to hunt thoroughly, as they are rare! With that being said, a great real estate agent or team (like The Gasdaska Conlon Team!) can help you find whatever apartment you are looking for, whether it’s a maisonette or another type of apartment.

Generally speaking, you’re more likely to find a maisonette apartment in a pre-war building on the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, or in the West Village. Some new construction maisonettes exist in Cobble Hill, Park Slope, and Williamsburg as well.

You Should Purchase A Maisonette Apartment If…

You’re searching for a luxury property, not just another apartment. Maisonettes are often considered as high-end as penthouses, though the luxuries these homes offer can differ quite a bit. With your own private entrance, larger floor plan, and a layout that is more unique than the rest of the units in that building, a maisonette apartment is absolutely a great choice for certain buyers.

Your household desires a bit more privacy. Apartment living comes with a lot more visibility when it comes to neighbors and building staff. When you buy a maisonette apartment, you can come and go as you please with a bit more privacy since you won’t be restricted to entering your home through the elevator or the lobby. The private entrance makes the home feel a bit more separated, more like a townhouse.

You have a larger household. Maisonettes are typically a bit more spacious than other types of New York apartments due to the original use of the space. That means that each room feels larger AND you can expect more bedrooms and flex space. If there will be a larger number of people living in the apartment with you, or you just want a little extra space, a maisonette apartment can be an attractive choice.

You want a private backyard or garden. Outdoor space is highly sought-after in Manhattan, and the prospect of a private green space even more so. Many maisonettes are like townhomes or garden apartments in that they often come with access to such space.

Your household enjoys the amenities of apartment living. The amenities and common utilities of apartment buildings are fantastic. However, having to share elevators, laundry, trash chutes, or a lobby with every other resident in the building isn’t ideal for every buyer. The maisonette apartment is the perfect midpoint between an apartment and a townhome. You get to enjoy the amenities you choose to share while also retaining a little more privacy than you’d get with a traditional apartment.

Stay Away From A Maisonette Apartment If…

You’re sensitive to loud noises. Being on the street level does come with some drawbacks, like hearing car horns, construction noise, and sirens more clearly. Sure, it’s possible to renovate the home to include sound proofing, but there’s only so much that can be done to mitigate the noise. Especially if you have a lot of windows in the space. 

Your dream home includes a skyline view. If it’s at all important for you to have a breathtaking view of the city around you, don’t go for a maisonette apartment – since they are most often located on the ground floor, you will get a street view, not a sweeping skyline view.

You want a home flooded with natural light. When you’re surrounded by high-rise apartment buildings and you live on the ground floor, it’s hard to get sun exposure on your windows. Most of the natural light that does come in will be bouncing off of and diluted by the surrounding buildings, especially if your maisonette is in the back of the building.

You are afraid of the occasional pest. Another annoyance that comes with living on street level is that you’ll be more likely to deal with rodents and pests. These creatures often seek refuge in ground level apartments, no matter how luxurious they are, because of their proximity to the food and water they scavenge on the street. It’s nothing that having a good exterminator on call can’t fix, but if you are especially mouse or rat phobic, be warned!

Now You Know!

Armed with everything you needed to know (and maybe a little bit more) about maisonettes, it’s time to get out there and start searching. Whether you choose to go the maisonette route or not, the Gasdaska Conlon Team is here for you.

Ask any questions, voice any concerns, or just use us as a sounding board. We’re happy to assist you and your household to make savvy decisions in residential real estate in New York City.

One of the more unique to Manhattan apartment types are sponsor units. But what is a sponsor unit in New York City? And what makes them so special?

Generally speaking, a sponsor unit is an apartment that has never been sold. New York City brokers define sponsor units as rent-controlled apartments in converted co-op or condo buildings that weren’t sold during the initial conversion.

In this article, we’ll cover a short history of the conversion wave of the 1970s and 1980s, the pros and cons of buying a sponsor unit, how the purchase process compares to buying a traditional resale condo or co-op, and why the term isn’t used to describe new development sales.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Shop For A Sponsor Unit in New York City

A Brief History of How Rent-Stabilization and Rent-Controlled Apartments Caused Conversions

In the 1970s and 1980s many NYC residential rental buildings were converted to condominiums or co-ops. This wave of conversion was mainly due to the effects of a rent stabilization law that was enacted in 1969 (though there were certainly other microeconomic and macroeconomic factors that go beyond the scope of this article).

Unfortunately, the apartment’s stabilized rent rates just couldn’t keep up with the market value as the apartments appreciated with time. 

Since landlords couldn’t raise rent (and more often than not were having trouble making ends meet due to the stabilization laws), many decided to convert their buildings and sell the apartments. This let them get around rent regulations and recover some of the financial losses that those regulations had caused.

Landlords listed their apartments for sale and offered tenants discounted pricing to incentivize them to purchase – it was a win-win for both parties.

Landlords could make more money than if they continued to rent at stabilized rates, and tenants became homeowners at around half the market rate compared to if they purchased a non-sponsor unit. As a result, buildings were converting left and right.

Why There Are Still Sponsor Units Available After the Conversion Wave of the 70s and 80s

What happened if a tenant didn’t want to (or couldn’t) purchase their apartment? Well, they had a right to stay due to non-eviction conversion laws – and that means their apartments would continue to be rent-stabilized.

As with anything in NYC housing, there’s a lot more nuance to it than simply ‘they got to stay’…but for the purposes of this article we are focused on how it affects modern-day transactions.

If you are interested in the history, the New York Fed wrote a piece about the co-op conversion wave in 1980 that’s a surprisingly good read.

Most of the time the sponsor/developer/landlord in this situation can do nothing but wait until the tenant moves out, which can take years because family members can pass down rent-stabilized apartments to one another. For this very reason, there are still many rent-controlled apartments in the city today.

Just like in the 1970s and 1980s, as building costs and taxes rise, the original owner of the unit loses money on the rent controlled apartment. The original owners usually cut their losses by selling their rent-controlled apartments to mega-developer sponsors, who have a large enough portfolio to sustain long-term losses until the apartment can be sold.

There are a number of mega-developers in Manhattan who have turned this into a business. They essentially buy the unsold shares of the co-op, wait for the rent-stabilized tenants to move out, then flip the apartment and list it as a sponsor unit.

Aren’t New Developments Technically Sponsor Units?

New developments are technically sponsor units, but NYC brokers don’t refer to them as such – they’re just called new developments.

If you see sponsor unit anywhere in a listing, it’s referring to the first-time offering of a rent-controlled apartment in a converted co-op or condo building that wasn’t sold during the initial conversion.

Perks of Buying A Sponsor Unit

There are advantages to purchasing a previously unowned apartment in an established condo or co-op. These advantages can be attributed to two factors: the origin of the apartment and the different requirements these purchases are subject to.

• No board approval required: When purchasing a non-sponsor unit in a co-op building, buyers are required to be approved by the co-op board. This is to ensure they are financially sound and would make good neighbors. In a sponsor unit sale however, you have the opportunity to buy into a co-op building without having to be approved by the board. Note: any subsequent buyers of the apartment will be subject to the usual board approval process.  
• Some financial advantages can be had: If you are self-employed (or have other non-traditional income streams) and, despite high levels of income, you’re struggling to show that you can actually afford real estate, sponsor units can be a great way to purchase NYC property. Additionally, you may be able to save some money when it comes to the down payment because you are free of the board’s requirements. 
• Quicker closing time: Yet another perk of skipping the board approval process is that you can expect to close about a month sooner than you would in a typical co-op purchase. 90 days is a typical timeframe for that process, but it’s much faster when you’re not dealing with the board.
• Utilitarian updates will be made: A sponsor unit that has been occupied by a tenant with rent control for years often needs a lot of TLC. While you shouldn’t expect a full cosmetic flip, the sponsors of such units usually update aging electric, water, or heating systems. So while the rest of the unit may be sold in “original” condition, you can usually rest assured that those big ticket items have been modernized. 

Downsides of Buying A Sponsor Unit

Unfortunately there are also disadvantages to purchasing a previously unowned apartment in an established condo or co-op. These disadvantages mainly come from the history of the apartment and how the costs of a sponsor unit add up.

• They’re often sold in “original” condition: While it is true that absolutely necessary updates to electric, water, and heating systems and a fresh coat of paint will usually be done to a sponsor unit…the updates usually stop there. Appliances, trims, moldings, light fixtures, and sinks/tubs/toilets will usually be outdated. This means that most sponsor units need significant renovations before they’re up to the average New Yorker’s standards. These renovations will be expensive and subject to the co-op board’s approval.
• You will likely pay more up front: Sponsor units typically sell for more than their resale co-op counterparts, because people will pay a premium for the privilege of skipping the board’s approval. Also, closing costs for sponsor units may be higher than average due to the buyer paying the transfer taxes and for their real estate attorney. If you’re renovating your new home before you move in, that will add to the costs as well. 
• Rare legal issues regarding tenancy: If the apartment you’re looking to buy was previously a rental, buyers and their real estate attorneys must investigate the termination of the existing lease prior to the sale as part of due diligence. If the lease was not terminated legally, especially if the apartment was rent-stabilized or rent-controlled, you could get caught up in a years-long legal case that’s both expensive and exhausting to deal with.
• When you resell, your buyer will need board approval: The perks of a sponsor unit sale end with the first buyer. As soon as you take ownership of your new apartment, you are subject to the rules and regulations of the co-op board. And when it comes time for you to sell that apartment, any potential buyers will be too. That means that you won’t get the same premium purchase price that you bought for, and closing on the sale of the apartment will take longer.

How Do Sponsor Units Compare to Co-ops & Condos?

When it comes to the ease of purchase, the flexibility of use, and the average purchase price, think of sponsor units as the midpoint between a co-op and a condo. As the buyer of a sponsor unit, you’ll get to enjoy the same accelerated closing process and lack of board approval that buyers of condos do.

However, when it comes time for you to renovate, if you want to sublet the apartment, or you decide to sell the property, your experience is that of a typical co-op owner. Board approval and requirements apply to all three scenarios.

Ready To Start Apartment Hunting?

If you’ve made it this far, you should know absolutely everything you need to (maybe more) about sponsor units. They’re not for every buyer in New York City, but they are definitely the savvy choice for New Yorkers in unusual financial circumstances or seeking a little flexibility.

Unsure of whether or not a sponsor unit makes sense for your household? Give us a call or send us an email, we’d love to get to know you a bit and see if we can help you figure it out!

Depending on where you live, the term garden apartment can mean different things. In some cities, it simply means that you have access to green space, while in other cities it suggests a certain number of stories, amenities, etc. But what are garden apartments in New York City?

A garden apartment in New York City typically refers to a ground floor apartment in a multi-unit building that comes with private access to outdoor green space.

Garden apartments can be a perfect fit if you’re looking for private or semi-private outdoor space, but as with any Manhattan purchase, it’s best to learn all there is to know about the pros and cons of garden apartments before you make an offer on one. In this article, we’ll cover the difference between a first floor and parlor floor, pricing of garden apartments, and the pros and cons of purchasing a garden apartment in NYC.

What You Should Know About Garden Apartments in New York City

NYC-Specific Nuances

As with any market, there is some variety to what agents and brokers call different types of apartments. The technical definition of a garden apartment is a ground floor apartment in a multi-unit building that comes with private access to outdoor green space…but some brokers will use the term garden apartment to refer to a garden-level apartment, even if there’s no private outdoor space attached.

Garden Apartment Levels – First Floor, Parlor Floor, Etc.

We briefly mentioned this above, but in NYC the ‘first floor’ can actually be one of two floors – the ground floor or the parlor level.

The reason for these two separate floors is the era in which many NYC buildings were built. A large number of NYC garden apartments were constructed in the late 1800s or early 1900s when most transportation was still provided by horse – and with horses comes manure. In an effort to keep the inside of these homes clean, architects added a flight of steps to the second floor (or parlor floor) to enter the home.

Therefore, an apartment that enters into the parlor level of the home that has access to ground-floor private outdoor space is still considered a garden apartment, even though there’s technically a floor beneath the entrance level.

Pricing of Garden Apartments

As with any other apartment type in NYC, pricing depends on a variety of factors.

Location is always one of the biggest pricing factors – the closer to Manhattan, the more expensive things tend to be. Brownstones often come with private outdoor space (though not always) and are highly sought after, resulting in a higher price tag. Renovated spaces, those with more square footage, and those with larger green spaces tend to be priced higher as well.

Another key determining factor for pricing within the garden apartment category is how you actually access the garden space from within the apartment. The most desirable setup is to have direct access from the living or dining space, followed by access from the primary bedroom.

Any other type of access, like through a secondary bedroom, tends to fetch a lower price – and it’s easy to imagine why. If you have kids or company sleeping in a bedroom that you need to walk through to access your private outdoor space, you’re much less likely to be able to use it without disturbing someone.

Pros of Purchasing A NYC Garden Apartment

Garden apartments already come with one huge advantage over many apartments in New York City – outdoor space. But they are certainly different from those with terraces or rooftop decks, and there are a few less obvious benefits that are important to take into consideration when apartment shopping. 

1. They’re Easily Accessible

If you choose to buy or rent a garden apartment, moving in is a breeze. You can say goodbye to the days of carrying boxes and heavy furniture up many flights of stairs or dealing with elevators. The same can be said for everyday access – there’s no waiting for an elevator or climbing up countless steps to enter your home.

2. They’re Great For Pets

If you’ve ever lived in a high-rise apartment building in New York City with a dog, you know how difficult it can be to time bathroom breaks. In a garden apartment, you can let your furry friend out the back door off leash to sniff around to their heart’s content.

3. They Tend To Be Quiet(er)

NYC is not a quiet place – but any New Yorker already knows that. You’ll likely always hear sirens, horns, and alarms if you live in the city. But if you’re looking for more solitude, garden apartments may be a perfect choice. These homes tend to be quieter for a variety of reasons: they are lower to the ground and therefore better insulated from sound, the larger buildings that surround them absorb some of the sound as well, and they tend to be built in more residential areas that simply don’t generate as much noise as the high-rise parts of NYC.

Cons of Purchasing A NYC Garden Apartment

While it’s true that there are many reasons to move into a garden apartment in New York City, there’s also a few good reasons not to. It really just depends on your household’s priorities and preferences.

1. No Sweeping Views

Part of living in NYC is appreciating it from above – there’s something magical about watching a Manhattan sunset bathe the city in golden light. Because of their height relative to the buildings around them, garden apartments are not known for their breathtaking views. Being halfway below grade, the windows you do have typically look out at street level – so you may get to know your neighbor’s shoes well.

2. Rodents and Pests

It’s no secret that NYC has more than its fair share of rodents and pests – it’s inevitable anytime there’s a huge number of people living close together. But since garden apartments mean you are closer to the ground, you’re more likely to encounter unpleasant guests more often than if you were higher up in a high-rise building. This is especially true if there’s nearby construction – it’s very common to hear about an uptick in rodent and pest sightings if a building in close proximity is undergoing work.

3. Staging for Construction

Extra critters aren’t the only concern that comes along with construction – if you own a garden apartment, you might even find your private outdoor space become a staging area. Often the building actually has final say of who gets to use the private outdoor space, even if you ‘own’ it. This is actually something that can happen with private terraces, too.

Enjoy A Little Slice Of The Great Outdoors In A Garden Apartment

Now that you’re familiar with the pros and cons of owning garden apartments in New York City, you can get on with your search for your new home. Visit Corcoran’s website to get a glimpse of the available garden apartments in New York City. 

Whatever type of apartment you choose to go with, it’s important to have quality representation in the form of a knowledgeable and seasoned expert real estate broker. 

Contact the Gasdaska Conlon Team for help buying or selling apartments in Manhattan, no matter the size or location. We work tirelessly to provide the greatest value possible for all our clients. Let us show you how.

Manhattan apartment listings can be jam-packed with niche terms and phrases describing the building and floor-plans: pre-war, post-war, condo, co-op, classic 6 7 & 8 apartments, junior one & four etc. But what exactly do these terms mean?

The classic 6 apartment is a layout found in pre-war buildings. It consists of 6 main rooms: the living room, the kitchen, the formal dining room, 2 full-sized bedrooms, and a smaller bedroom (usually off of the kitchen) known as the maid’s quarters.

A junior one apartment is a studio with an additional area that can be separated from the rest of the main living space, commonly used as a bedroom. They are typically smaller than a one-bedroom apartment, and larger than a by-the-book studio apartment.

So, what are classic 7 & 8 apartments? What is a junior four? What other characteristics are common with these sought after apartments? Read on to find out more about them and see examples of each layout!

Classic 6, 7, and 8 Apartments: What’s The Difference?

Common Neighborhoods For Classic 6 Apartments

If you’re in the market for a classic 6 apartment, you’re going to want to start your search in the Upper East or Upper West Side. Most of the established pre-war co-op buildings in these neighborhoods will have apartments with this style of layout, which was popular at the time of construction. While it’s true that some new construction apartment buildings have modeled their layouts after the classic 6, the most authentic are in pre-war/historic buildings.

Classic 6s are desirable because of the layout AND the timeless finishes which you are more likely to find in a pre-war building. High ceilings, beautiful entrance galleries, hardwood floors, solid wood doors, intricate moldings on the lath and plaster walls, sensibly proportioned rooms, and if you’re lucky, even functional wood burning fireplaces or personal outdoor space. 

Pre-war apartments are typically some of the quietest apartments in New York City, as well. So if you’re looking for an oasis from the city’s constant thrum, a classic 6 may be the perfect choice for you. Read our post about the noise levels in pre-war apartments to find out why!

What About the Classic 7 and 8?

Just like the classic 6, classic 7s and 8s can be found in pre-war buildings primarily located on the Upper East and West Sides. Both the classic 7 and 8 consist of the same set of rooms as the classic 6: Kitchen, formal dining room, living room, two full bedrooms, and the maid’s quarters. 

The difference between classic 6 7 & 8 apartments lies in the number of bedrooms. The classic 7 takes those 6 rooms and adds one more full sized bedroom to the floor-plan. The classic 8 has those 7 rooms as well as one more small bedroom that would have been a second maid’s quarters at the time of construction. 

Cons to the Classic 6 7 & 8 Apartments

While pre-war classic 6, 7, and 8s are always in high demand, they are not without their faults. Many pre-war buildings don’t have centralized air conditioning, nor the plumbing infrastructure to accommodate in-unit laundry. Also, the modular style of the layout can sometimes limit the amount of natural light in the apartment.

That being said, it’s quite common for buyers of classic layout apartments to renovate and open up some of the closed off common spaces in the process. Especially the wall between shared rooms like the living and dining. It’s very easy to find examples of renovated classic 6s that retain the charm and character of the prewar apartment with the open concept living most contemporary Manhattanites prefer.

What Is The Typical Layout Of A Junior One Apartment?

Junior one apartments come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on the age of the building, the area of the city you’re in, and other factors, junior one apartments can vary widely in terms of floor plans. 

Typically, the main room of the unit includes a kitchen, dining area, and living area, and the partitioned space serves as a private bedroom. In a junior one apartment, you will almost always only find one full bathroom. 

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Junior One Apartments?

Junior one apartments, generally speaking, have a higher market value than by-the-book studio apartments, but are more affordable than standard one-bedroom apartments. They also will generally have lower monthly maintenance fees than any property classified as a one-bedroom unit. 

Many people who live in junior one apartments opt to use the space as a traditional studio, while having a separate space dedicated for a home office. The addition of a separate, private space allows residents more flexibility than you’d find in a typical studio apartment. 

Overall, a junior one apartment is perfect for someone who wants the feel of a one-bedroom apartment for the price of a studio apartment. 

When it comes to selling a junior one apartment, it can be tricky to decide whether or not to list the property as a true junior one, or as a one-bedroom, depending on the size. In some cases, listing as a junior one can be beneficial, and in other times, it can hurt the sale. 

For that reason (and many others), it’s always best to work with an experienced and knowledgeable broker when you’re planning on buying or selling in New York City. Their expertise can ensure you get the best price possible for your property in the current market. 

What Is A Junior Four?

A junior one & junior four have a lot in common. A junior four apartment is essentially a one bedroom apartment with an additional area that can be separated from the main living space. They also typically have only one bathroom. In a junior four, you’ll find a kitchen, living and dining area, bedroom, and the additional fourth room. 

When you see a property listed as a junior four apartment, rather than a two bedroom apartment, that additional area likely does not meet the legal standards to be called a second bedroom. However, these spaces are often big enough to be used as a dining area or home office. 

What Is The Typical Layout Of A Junior Four Apartment?

Lots of factors can influence the layout of a junior four apartment, including the neighborhood the building is in and the year it was built.

Relatively often, you’ll see junior four apartments laid out in an “L” shape.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Junior Four Apartments?

Opting to buy a junior four apartment, rather than a by-the-book one bedroom apartment, has several advantages. Beyond the increased functionality of that extra room, junior four apartments typically are priced lower than true two bedroom apartments, but have a higher resale value than typical one bedroom apartments.

When it comes to listing your junior four apartment, make sure you’re working with a great real estate agent. They’ll help you to highlight the great features of your space, and make sure you get the best price possible for your property in the current market. 

What Are Some Other Property Types Used In NYC Real Estate Terminology?

• Brownstones: Townhouses or row houses that include an often ornate brownstone facade.
• Condominiums: Commonly called condos,  these properties are single units within a large building. 
• Cooperatives: Commonly called co-ops, these properties are single units within a larger building. Within a co-op, residents don’t actually own the unit. Instead, they technically own shares of a corporation that owns the building, which is recognized as a type of property ownership in New York City.
• Duplexes: Apartments that have two floors connected by stairs or an elevator.
• Floor Through Apartments: Units that occupy the space from the front of the building to the back of the building, and often the full floor. 
• Garden Apartments: Apartments that have access to a private garden, generally on the ground level of a building. 
• Land Lease Buildings: Apartment buildings that sit on land owned by an outside party. Most land lease buildings function as cooperatives, and each resident pays a monthly “land rent” as a part of their monthly fees. 
• Lofts: Usually located in a building that was formerly industrial, lofts are large open spaces, often with architectural features like columns, beams, exposed brick, and more. 
• Maisonettes: A ground floor apartment that has its own street entrance, sometimes with a garden.
• Multi-Family Homes: In NYC, this usually refers to townhouses (or other smaller structures, usually 6 stories or less) that have been separated into multiple apartments. 
• Penthouses: Apartments built on the top floor of a building. Use of architectural techniques like setbacks and staggered roofing can make it so that one building can have multiple penthouses on different levels. 
• Pied-À-Terre Apartments: Non-primary residences intended for occasional use. Learn more in episode 35 of our podcast here!
• Railroad Apartments: Apartments made up of several rooms that are directly connected to each other without a main hallway. 
• Single-Family Homes: Standalone residences that only house one family.
• Sponsor Units: Units that are on the market for the first time. Typically, this is either a new construction or conversion from another type of building, or it’s a unit that was retained by the original developer and sold off at a later date.
• Studio Apartments: Apartments that have a single open space which contains the kitchen, living area, and sleeping space, with a separate bathroom. 
• Townhouses: Residences that are typically six stories or less, and share at least one wall with another residence. Generally speaking, nearly all townhouses were single family homes when they were constructed, though some of them have since been divided up into multi-family homes.
• Walk Up Apartments: Apartments within a building that has no elevator. 

Ready to Start Apartment Hunting?

Now that you know all the differences between common New York City apartment floorplans, it’s time to get out there and find the Manhattan apartment of your dreams!

With so much specific NYC real estate terminology involved, it can be confusing and frustrating to search for properties in the Manhattan real estate market on your own.

Working with an experienced and knowledgeable real estate professional can help make the process easier and ensure you get the best property, and the best price. 

Feel free to reach out if the Gasdaska Conlon Team can help you in your search or answer any questions you may have.