In few places have the wild gyrations unleashed by the pandemic and its aftermath been more evident than in New York City luxury rental pricing. As the Covid-wary fled the Big Apple for greener pastures in 2020 and 2021, rents dropped to lows unseen in years, and concessions flooded the rental market.
Since then, the rent price pendulum has rocketed back upward to record highs, leaving observers complaining of whiplash.
According to a Knight Frank report earlier this year, rents on luxury New York City apartments have soared 49% since the first quarter of 2021, surging 19% in 2022 alone. Rents in Central Park South reached median prices of $10,995, and coveted enclaves Tribeca and Soho nailed second and third place respectively, with monthly asking rents having reached $9,500 in the former and $6,395 in the latter. Moreover, given the drop in the level of Manhattan rental stock since 2020, rents are poised to go even higher.
Earlier this year, it might be said New York City entered the era of the ultra-luxury rental, a reaction perhaps to last decade’s plethora of luxury condominiums with super high-end interior finishes and luxe amenity suites. It appeared lifestyle preferences had spun more crazily than Manhattan rental prices, leaving even the best-heeled choosing a renter-by-choice style of living, and opting for a standard lease over a signed contract.
Condominium rivals
“Manhattan’s luxury rental market has been thriving and across the board, we are seeing developers apt to bring rental to market that truly rival condominium offerings,” says Sarah Patton, co-head of new development, New York, for Compass Development Marketing Group.
“With the overall lack of new condo inventory, many people are opting for spacious rental residences with an attention to design that are complemented by amenities to serve their lifestyle. In terms of the influx of traffic over recent months, we’re seeing a combination of some folks waiting out the higher interest rates before buying, people moving to the city for the first time and/or people who own a place outside the City who now want a livable foothold in New York City.”
Examples of ultra-luxe rentals include the following:
Anagram Columbus Circle. Given features and finishes fit for a condo, prices range to more than $24,000 for a four-bedroom residence at this rental developed by Global Holdings and designed by INC. The building features more than 13,000 square feet of amenities, including an outdoor conservatory favored for co-working and happy hours.
“As pioneers in the ultra-luxury space at 15 Central Park West, 520 Park Avenue and the Greenwich Lane, we knew there would be demand for a similar level of quality, service and amenity in a rental ideally located just steps from Central Park,” says Eyal Ofer, the founder and chairman of Global Holdings Group. Anagram Columbus Circle launched leasing in June.
The Copper. Formerly known as American Copper Buildings, The Copper, designed by SHoP Architects, is among Manhattan’s original luxury rental properties. Regarded as a legendary component of the East River cityscape, the property is leased up at all times despite rents that soar to upwards of $25,000 each month.
111 Charles. Having commenced leasing efforts in June of this year, this property is among the rare newly developed buildings to sprout in the West Village over the past few years. Developer Aurora Capital Associates could have chosen to make the property a condominium, but decided instead to plug a hole in the Village market, which lacked newly constructed luxe apartment buildings.
When 111 Charles landed on the market this past summer, it required only a month to lease every one of the 19 residences. That included a $40,000-a-month penthouse. Leasing and marketing is being handled by Compass Development Marketing Group.
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