New York condominium broker focusing on investors
Posted by Wei Min Tan on September 13, 2021
Weimin Tan is a New York condominium broker focusing on investor buyers from all over the world. He only represents residential condominium transactions which is a niche segment within the Manhattan property market.
Contact: tan@castle-avenue.com
What is a New York condominium broker
In New York City, apartments are divided into cooperatives (co-ops) and condominiums. Co-ops represent the vast majority of apartments in Manhattan and it is an apartment structure where the owner owns shares in the building. With a co-op, there are restrictions on renting out, board approval is needed to buy/sell and board approval is needed for renovations. Co-ops are not deemed “real estate” in the traditional sense, mainly because of the share ownership legal structure.
A condominium is real estate and similar to condominiums in most other countries. The owner of a condominium is free to rent out the property and board approval is not required to buy or sell. Being a New York condominium broker simply means one who is focused on residential condos in Manhattan, New York.
Weimin’s article, New York property trends
Percentage of apartments that are condos in Manhattan
The majority (about 70 percent) of housing inventory in Manhattan are rental buildings. This refers to big buildings that are owned by REITs or multifamily buildings where a landlord owns the entire building. Only about 30 percent of housing inventory are apartments that are individually owned (where there is separate title to each apartment).
Out of this segment of individually owned housing units, condominiums make up about 19 percent. Co-ops are about 70 percent, Mitchell-Lama 7 percent and townhouses 4 percent.
Are condos more expensive?
Absolutely. On a price per sqft basis, condos are about 50 percent more expensive than co-ops. The appreciation rate of condominiums is also higher than that of co-ops.
Isn’t this a narrow niche?
Yes. Wei Min focuses on the 19 percent of single family property inventory that are condos, hence is an expert on this market. He knows every condo building and within them, the good apartments currently on the market. Being a New York condo broker is a differentiating factor.
So you can’t help us with co-ops?
Short answer is no. Co-op clients are better served by an expert in the Co-op segment. But we are at your service if you’re looking to invest in a Manhattan condominium.
Weimin’s article, How to buy property in New York
What We Do
We focus on global investors buying Manhattan condos for portfolio diversification and long term return-on-investment.
1) Identify the right buy based on objectives
2) Manage the buy process
3) Rent out the property
4) Manage tenants
5) Market the property at the eventual sale
Deal Examples
1) 959 First Avenue. Clients reserved at pre-construction from developer Toll Brothers. Buy decision driven by quality of interiors, location and reservation deposit of only 10 percent. Rented out at premium rents since purchase was completed. $2 million price point for one bedrooms.
2) 200 Chambers Street. Luxury building in Tribeca with premium price and rents. The low carrying costs and high demand make this a good investment. Located next to Whole Foods, World Trade Center, Goldman Sachs headquarters. This apartment faces the building’s zen garden and comes with a washer/dryer within the apartment. Approx $1.5 million for one bedroom.
3) 502 Park Avenue. Top prewar condo at 59 St and Park Avenue, steps away from Central Park. Client wanted the best location and a distinctive building. Building was formerly the Hotel Delmonico and converted to residential condo by Trump.
Notes:
Article updated Sept 13, 2021
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