21 Fixer-Uppers That May Be Gold Mines in the Making

By CityRealty Staff | From Get To Know Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Images showing existing condition and virtual rendering at 105 East 38th Street, #PH9

With spooky season upon us, Halloween horrors like witches, ghosts, and ghouls are on many people's minds. But in the world of New York real estate, the two scariest words are as follows: "Needs work." (Did you think we would say "haunted house"? Hardly - it would take more than a creepy history to scare people away from these buildings.)

There's no question that renovating an apartment is a daunting endeavor. Some homes in need of renovations are priced to sell, but buyers could find themselves pouring the money saved and then some into hiring an architect. Some buyers have the luxury and funds to decamp to a hotel or second home while the renovations take place; those who do not can find themselves living amidst the dust and clutter of the work site.

Moreover, while renovating a home is stressful enough in any part of the world, New York City presents some unique requirements. Certain multifamily buildings require a board to approve any changes to a unit, and then have the owners send notice to other residents regarding the construction and length of time estimated to do the work. Townhouse owners are not exempt; those living in historic districts are not permitted to embark on work that significantly changes their houses without the approval of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

However, those willing to take the challenge can come away with an architectural masterpiece. They truly don't make these old brownstones like they used to, and the bones and architectural details can easily be incorporated into modern updates. Interior renovations have excellent potential to boost a property's resale value, but you may like the updated place too much to leave it!

Maraschino Cherry Warehouse, #PH
$29,000,000

West Village | Cooperative | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 11,425 ft²

Maraschino Cherry Warehouse, #PH (Bespoke Real Estate LLC)

From the Listing: Introducing 165 Perry Street's reimagined contemporary penthouse — primed for a complete renovation. The expansive 11,425 SF+/- residence boasts a modern aesthetic across its 3-level layout, featuring 6 bedrooms, 7 full and 1 half bathrooms, and a private 3-car garage. The penthouse also features a central courtyard and an expansive private rooftop terrace beautifully landscaped with lush greenery. Bring your vision to life with unmatched state-of-the-art amenities and breathtaking water views in this one-of-a-kind multi-level penthouse. See floor plan and full details here.

141 East 63rd Street, #House
$10,750,000 (-16.7%)

Lenox Hill | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 7,327 ft²

141 East 63rd Street, #House (Leslie J Garfield & Co Inc)

From the Listing: At nearly 25'-wide, 141-143 East 63rd Street has been gutted with a new structure, an excavated cellar, a brownstone front facade with high stoop entry, and a brand new rear facade of brick and large casement windows and doors. Wide floor plates with grand ceiling heights throughout allow the future owner an opportunity to customize and complete this grand mansion on a historic Upper East Side Street with approved D.O.B. plans by the acclaimed architecture firm DHD and active permits, construction can continue immediately with a shortened completion timeline given the previous build.

Additionally, this property is located outside the Historic District, allowing a discerning purchaser to also have the opportunity to convert the current application from residential to commercial and create a one-of-a-kind space. See floor plan and full details here.

The Yosemite, #6W
$4,995,000 (-9.2%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths

The Yosemite, #6W (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: This sophisticated and truly elegant four-bedroom, four-and-one-half bath is in one of Manhattan's finest pre-war co-ops, designed by the celebrated residential architect James E.R. Carpenter.

With nearly 3200 square feet, this original 10-room, now 8-room offers many options to customize this glorious space to suit your needs. Bring your architect and your imagination. See floor plan and full details here.

35 Joralemon Street, #TH
$3,650,000

Brooklyn Heights | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,524 ft²

35 Joralemon Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Introducing 35 Joralemon Street - a rare opportunity to own a 20' wide townhome in Brooklyn Heights. Currently configured as a two-family consisting of two duplex apartments, this historic 4-story townhouse presents a world of possibilities. You need only to bring an architect to transform this into the home of your dreams.

Built in the Federalist style, this charming home features original wide-plank heart-of-pine floors, three wood-burning fireplaces, a two-story sunroom, an oversized terrace, a private backyard, and high ceilings. Each duplex apartment consists of 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, separately metered. The large sunroom with double-height ceilings leads to the garden, and the upper level enjoys a generously sized balcony with lush garden views. . See floor plan and full details here.

The Prasada, #1B
$2,750,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths | 2,434 ft²

The Prasada, #1B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Home and studio to famed fashion and advertising photographer Hiro for 45 years, where he created images for Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, Halston, and Elsa Peretti/Tiffany, among many others. Featuring 15 ft. ceilings and large arched windows, the space was artfully designed by architects Paul Segal & Associates in 1976 with sweeping curves and grand proportions that guide you through to both open areas and hidden sanctuaries. See floor plan and full details here.

North Bennington Corner, #11D
$2,250,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,918 ft²

North Bennington Corner, #11D (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: 11D is a bright and spacious turn-of-the-century pre-war 7 Room condominium. The apartment has been opened to allow the tremendous river views and vast open city expanses to filter in and give an overarching sense of calm. Built in 1907, the apartment still retains the early 1900's architectural style, scale, and details. Currently set up as 2 bedrooms though can easily be put back to 3-4 with very little work. See floor plan and full details here.

111 Barrow Street, #7D
$2,085,000

West Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths | 1,500 ft²

111 Barrow Street, #7D (Compass)

From the Listing: West Village loft with open skyline views in a doorman building. Grand scale proportions include 11.5' ceilings, oversized windows, a wood-burning fireplace, and architectural columns. The voluminous, flexible space lends extraordinary possibilities to bring your dream home vision to life. Currently configured as a one-bedroom with additional bedroom/office loft combination space, an interior bonus room, and two renovated bathrooms, you can either embrace or remove the loft and/or enclose additional spaces. See floor plan and full details here.

Bring your paintbrush

The Powerhouse, #615
$1,980,000

Long Island City | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,285 ft²

The Powerhouse, #615 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome to this bright and spacious convertible 3-bedroom apartment! It's a gorgeous duplex loft in LIC 's premier building - The Powerhouse. The unit features 20 ft ceilings, arched windows facing the eastern sunrise, a master bedroom with en suite bathroom, a large home office (second bedroom), and the upper-level mezzanine can be made into a third bedroom. It's a fully furnished unit, so you can just bring your luggage and move right in! See floor plan and full details here.

The Charles House, #8C
$1,895,000

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,200 ft²

The Charles House, #8C (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Welcome home to 8C at 40 East 78th Street, The Charles House Condominium, in the highly coveted 'Gold Coast' of the Upper East Side. This is a rare, condominium find, with extremely low monthly carrying costs, a prime 'off the park' location, and an elegant new marble building lobby. The home is ready for its brand-new owner to make it their own, so bring your architect and contractor to create your paradise off the park! See floor plan and full details here.

105 East 38th Street, #PH9
$1,895,000

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

105 East 38th Street, #PH9 (Compass)

From the Listing: Introducing a private keyed-entry full-floor Penthouse in a Landmark Building off of Park Avenue. Bring your architect to renovate an over 2350 sqft masterpiece with 360-degree views through spectacular windows. This gutted, clean-slate property is ready for your unique vision and conveys with approved plans, air rights, and $250,000 of LPC-approved work already completed on new windows, including restoration of the original stained glass windows depicting the four seasons. See floor plan and full details here.

311 East 71st Street, #3FG
$1,735,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths

311 East 71st Street, #3FG (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine Two Separate Apartments into one sprawling and renovated 4 bedroom, 4 bath home in the Upper East Side! Bring your architect and contractor to create your dream home with endless opportunities, from a 2-bed layout with a truly massive living room to a comfortable 4-bedroom apartment. Located in the heart of the Upper East Side just steps away from the Q train, it puts Central Park and the East River Promenade at your fingertips. See floor plan and full details here.

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Stewart House, #3A
$1,695,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Stewart House, #3A (Compass)

From the Listing: Price Drop! Welcome to this huge two-bedroom, two bath abode located on the 3rd floor at Stewart House, a full service co-op building in the heart of Greenwich Village. This property is an Estate property and has been virtually staged. The apartment has been freshly painted, the wood floors have been refinished; bring your contractor and turn this spacious, light-filled apartment into a beautiful, modern home designed just for you. The space is just under 1500 square feet with exposures South and West allowing for beautiful light throughout the day. See floor plan and full details here.

Stewart House, #2J
$1,595,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Stewart House, #2J (Compass)

From the Listing: Opportunity awaits you at the famed Greenwich Village, full-service co-op, The Stewart House. Bring your Contractor (photos are virtually staged) to this incredible opportunity to create your perfect southern-facing extra large 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home, See floor plan and full details here.

Stewart House, #2V
$1,595,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Stewart House, #2V (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Located in one of the most coveted Coops this lovely 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers prime Greenwich Village living moments from NoHo, Union Square, and Washington Square Park. As you enter the gracious foyer you will be greeted by an expansive room, featuring a distinct dining space accompanied by a wet bar. This apartment offers a south-facing orientation, providing abundant natural light to illuminate every room and overlooks the exquisite garden of the building. Two generously proportioned bedrooms boast ample closet and storage space. See floor plan and full details here.

111 East 36th Street, #5AB
$1,274,000

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

111 East 36th Street, #5AB (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Located just off Park Avenue, in the heart of Murray Hill, do not miss this incredible opportunity to customize your own bespoke full-floor home. Combine units 5A and 5B to create the spacious three-bedroom, two-bath penthouse outlined in the attached floor plan, or bring your contractor to create your floor-through layout. With any renovation, you'll enjoy over 9ft high ceilings, two wood-burning fireplaces, wonderful natural North/South light from the oversized windows, and dreamy views over the landscaped garden of the Chrysler Building. See floor plan and full details here.

470 Park Avenue, #4A
$1,250,000

Midtown East | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

470 Park Avenue, #4A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Bring your architect and transform this elegant Park Avenue-facing, prewar gem into a trophy residence. Located off a semi-private elevator landing and with 10ft ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, oversized windows, and incredible prewar "bones", this spacious 1 bedroom features a formal entry foyer, a graciously-sized Living Room, and a separate formal dining room. Please note, this apartment needs a renovation and the furnished photos are from a renovated unit in the same line. See floor plan and full details here.

Claiborne House, #3GH
$1,195,000

Yorkville | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Claiborne House, #3GH (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This rare home offers flexibility and space. Bring your vision to life. Enjoy the current layout offering the great room and oversized split-two bedroom/two bath layout or add a third bedroom (see alternate floor plan). This spacious home offers a wall of windows in every room. Each oversized bedroom amply houses a home office or customize the extra space to suit your needs. See floor plan and full details here.

Gramercy East, #12D
$1,000,000

Gramercy Park | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

Gramercy East, #12D (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: High floor two bedroom with open views, full-time doorman, three exposures, and amazing light. This elegant two-bedroom apartment offers not just a home, but a lifestyle that combines comfort, convenience, and culture. As you enter into this meticulously designed residence, you'll be greeted by the warm embrace of natural light streaming through large windows, filling every corner with an inviting glow. The open views from your windows are nothing short of breathtaking, offering a daily visual feast that's sure to inspire. Your daily life will be enriched by the presence of a full-time doorman and a live-in superintendent, ensuring that every need is met with a smile. See floor plan and full details here.

321 West 78th Street, #8C
$999,000 (-16.4%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

321 West 78th Street, #8C (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: For the first time since the 1970s, this 5-room, 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom pre-war home is offered for sale by the original shareholder who lived happily here for decades. The apartment is in estate condition, so bring your architect and design the home of your dreams. The apartment spans the entire length of the east wing of the building, providing privacy and quiet. Enjoy light all day from the east, north, and west exposures. See floor plan and full details here.

The Lombardy, #1700
$995,000

Midtown East | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

The Lombardy, #1700 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: The Lombardy, where luxury meets opportunity! This spacious 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom duplex apartment is an outstanding find, offering the perfect canvas to create your dream home. With a south-facing terrace, full-service hotel coop amenities, and a liberal sublet policy, this is a rare gem waiting for your personal touch. See floor plan and full details here.

9 East 96th Street, #7CD
$950,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

9 East 96th Street, #7CD (Engel & Volkers New York Real Estate LLC)

From the Listing: JUST REDUCED!! Bring your architect to create your dream home a stone's throw away from iconic museums of Fifth Avenue, and Central Park! This is an opportunity in this boutique building to combine two separate apartments into a bright and beautiful 2-3 bedroom home boasting gorgeous prewar details, including herringbone floors, high-beamed 9ft ceilings, and beautiful moldings.Washer/dryer is permitted with board approval. See floor plan and full details here.

202 West 78th Street, #2E
$895,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

202 West 78th Street, #2E (Compass)

From the Listing: Introducing the perfect opportunity to create your dream home in one of Manhattan's most desirable neighborhoods. Located at 202 West 78th Street on the Upper West Side, this apartment boasts soaring high ceilings and stunning original features, providing the perfect canvas for a total renovation and adding a second bathroom with board approval.

The spacious layout of this apartment provides ample room for customization and creativity, allowing you to create the perfect home to suit your lifestyle. With its great bones and timeless character, this apartment has the potential to become a stunning masterpiece that will exceed all expectations. See floor plan and full details here.

The Mayfair, #2A
$825,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 950 ft²

The Mayfair, #2A (Compass)

From the Listing: Convertible 2 bedroom currently configured as a 1 bedroom. This home was just renovated, painted, and staged and the floors are in excellent condition. 2A is one of the larger Jr.4’s in the building. The open kitchen with a breakfast bar makes it feel even more spacious. The living room is 20 ft wide with 4 large windows. The northern exposure is very quiet and the apartment will get light as the buildings to the north on 75th Street are low. See floor plan and full details here.

Kips Bay Towers, #3P
$825,000

Gramercy Park | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 737 ft²

Kips Bay Towers, #3P (Compass)

From the Listing: Bring your contractor and create your dream home at I.M. Pei’s Kips Bay Towers condominium. This extra-large one-bedroom features wall-to-wall and nearly floor-to-ceiling south-facing windows. Great direct sunlight all day and fantastic through the treetop views of the condo's private garden below. This apartment is pin-drop quiet. There’s an expansive living room with a separate foyer/dining area, many closets, and a king-size bedroom that also faces the garden.All this, plus amazingly low common charges and taxes! See floor plan and full details here.

311 East 71st Street, #9F
$495,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

311 East 71st Street, #9F (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: Residence 9F is a sun-filled, south-facing one-bedroom, one-bathroom located on a tree-lined block on the upper east side. The floorplan has a passthrough kitchen with a dining alcove and a large living room. The bedroom and bathroom are conveniently located off the living area for privacy. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

This is your member's center

In this article:

Maraschino Cherry Warehouse, #PH
$29,000,000

141 East 63rd Street, #House
$10,750,000 (-16.7%)

The Yosemite, #6W
$4,995,000 (-9.2%)

35 Joralemon Street, #TH
$3,650,000

The Prasada, #1B
$2,750,000

North Bennington Corner, #11D
$2,250,000

111 Barrow Street, #7D
$2,085,000

Bring your paintbrush

The Powerhouse, #615
$1,980,000

The Charles House, #8C
$1,895,000

105 East 38th Street, #PH9
$1,895,000

311 East 71st Street, #3FG
$1,735,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Stewart House, #3A
$1,695,000

Stewart House, #2J
$1,595,000

Stewart House, #2V
$1,595,000

111 East 36th Street, #5AB
$1,274,000

470 Park Avenue, #4A
$1,250,000

Claiborne House, #3GH
$1,195,000

Gramercy East, #12D
$1,000,000

321 West 78th Street, #8C
$999,000 (-16.4%)

The Lombardy, #1700
$995,000

9 East 96th Street, #7CD
$950,000

202 West 78th Street, #2E
$895,000

The Mayfair, #2A
$825,000

Kips Bay Towers, #3P
$825,000

311 East 71st Street, #9F
$495,000

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In this article:

Bring your paintbrush The Powerhouse, #615$1,980,000

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Select which properties are of interest to you:

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The Powerhouse, #615
$1,980,000