Buying Condos in New Developments in NYC

Do you have your dreams of buying a slice of the New York property pie? Considering how much New York City has recovered from the Great Recession, it’s a great time to buy. In addition, home values look set to keep growing over the longer term. When beginning your search, you will come across ‘new developments.’ These are condo buildings that have just been completed or are still under construction and can be purchased before completion. Here’s why you should consider buying new construction in NYC.

Everything is brand-new and modern.

You’re either one of two buyers. A person with nostalgia for old styles and architectural details like those found in pre-war buildings. Or someone who loves everything to be brand-new and modern. When you choose a new construction building, that’s what you get, the latest and greatest. They’re looking for—a building with all the most modern finishes, amenities, and intelligent technology.

This can be a big selling point for investors who plan to rent out the unit. The building will still be regarded as ‘new’ for many years after the purchase. Which means it will command a higher price per square foot. Your condo will also be able to compete with other new properties if you buy the right one, of course.

There’s an oversupply of inventory.

Changes to zoning laws and new tax incentive programs have significantly increased the number of new developments. These have dramatically changed from primarily commercial/industrial areas to residential areas. This is seen throughout Manhattan and in the most gentrified Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo, and Williamsburg. While units in these buildings command higher prices, the current oversupply of inventory means buyers have an advantage. Moreover, a slowdown in the number of sales this year will most likely last until the 2020 election, and the oversupply is making sellers far more open to negotiating.

If you encounter a building that will not negotiate today, there’s a good chance they will come around sooner rather than later. The opportunity for price reductions can only increase as sellers/developers look for a way to compete as more new developments come online.

Just like all properties, there are great new developments and then there are lemons. Don’t get caught buying a lemon. – Gea Elika, Principal Broker at Elika Real Estate

The opportunity for tax abatements

With new construction comes the chance for tax abatements. Due to incentives, the developer gets their taxes reduced, which gets passed on to the buyer in lower monthly carrying costs. Up until 2016, it was the 421a tax abatement that created this. The Affordable New York Housing Program will ensure lower monthly carrying costs for several years.

The chance to buy into pre-construction

One of your options is pre-construction when looking at new developments to buy. This is when the developer has filed plans with the attorney general, has an approved offering plan, and sells units off the plan and through a showroom. With pre-construction, buyers have the chance to put money down on a unit well ahead of closing. What’s good about this is that you can take advantage of buying at Schedule A pricing. Most quality developments see 3-6 amendments before selling through. Thus, when purchasing at Schedule A, there’s an excellent chance of yielding a paper gain on your purchase. Keep in mind that this won’t be as cheap as older buildings, but it will be less expensive than the price once construction is finished.

Depending on the annual growth rate, you may be able to close on the property, put it back on the market, and flip it for profit. However, this downside is that the building’s completion could be delayed and tie up your invested capital. Also, flipping is never a good idea in New York and often does not work due to the high closing costs when buying and selling. In New York, flippers often get flipped; the best strategy is to buy and hold.

High return on investment

For investors, new developments offer the chance for substantial gains. They will still be classed as ‘new construction’ for years after completion, making for a great selling point. Also, they have all the latest amenities and designs that buyers (particularly foreign buyers) want to see in a New Development in New York City.

However, if you buy as an investor, then (as with any investment), you need to do your research to ensure the best chance of a good return. So long as you think micro, choose the right location, the quality and finish are of high caliber, and you should see a solid return on your original investment by your resale.