HDFC (Housing Development Fund Corporation) co-ops are a beacon of hope for low- and middle-income buyers. They're definitely not easy to find, but they're out there and worth a look. Don't assume you don't qualify: Qualifying income ranges are broad and can be a lot higher than you might assume – be sure to check the listings for income caps or contact the broker if none are shown.
Check out this week's rundown of recent listings and our map below and for some fine examples. We'll update our map showing all the HDFC listings on a weekly basis.
Check out this week's rundown of recent listings and our map below and for some fine examples. We'll update our map showing all the HDFC listings on a weekly basis.
What is an HDFC Co-op?
HDFC units were created several decades ago as a way for tenants in poorly managed buildings to take control of the property and form cooperatives. The city sold these apartments to residents for a mere $250 a piece. Obviously they no longer trade for that price, but they do often sell for far less than what a comparable market rate unit in the same neighborhood would.Because HDFC units are co-ops, tenants are subject to rules and regulations set forth by a building's bylaws and board. However, unlike high-profile co-ops such as the Dakota or Osborne, HDFC Co-ops are mostly concerned about keeping maintenance costs down over making costly upgrades. As a result, buyers over time will have more cash in hand to make renovations and updates inside their own apartments, which many do require.
Read More About HDFC Co-ops →
In this article:
1 bed, 1 bath
This first listing is on the high-end of these HDFC apartments but still relatively affordable considering its Lower East Side location. It also boasts a $200 monthly maintenance fee, which is essentially unheard of. Unit 912 is a fully renovated one-bedroom, one-bathroom situated on the 4th floor of a walk-up pre-war building with 5 units, a laundry room, and storage. Inside, you'll find 9-foot ceilings, exposed white beams, white brick walls, two fireplaces, and rustic charm throughout with wide plank oak hardwood floors. The west-facing living and dining room overlook Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Vintage wood French doors open into the modern barn-style kitchen which includes a subway tile backsplash, stainless steel countertops, and a sub-zero fridge.
Whole Foods Market is just a block away and the Second Avenue F & M train stop is nearby. Pets are allowed!
Income Restrictions:
$175,000 - Individual
$195,000 - Family of 2
Income Restrictions:
$175,000 - Individual
$195,000 - Family of 2
2 beds, 1 bath
Well below the price of the previous listing is this two-bedroom, one-bath apartment with an ask of just $475K and $727 for monthly maintenance. Located in the historical neighborhood of Hamilton Heights, this renovated first-floor residence is approximately 790 square feet with a separate dining and living room, lots of closet space, and a white brick wall serving as the focal point of the living room. It also has some condo-like features including an in-unit washer/dryer and a dishwasher. 557 West 140th Street is a five-story, 16-unit pre-war building that offers storage and a bike room to its residents.
Income Restrictions:
Contact the listing broker for details.
Income Restrictions:
Contact the listing broker for details.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
1 bed, 1 bath
Another Uptown steal! For $399K, you can own this unique and charming one-bedroom, one-bath apartment located in South Harlem. This elevatored 7-story pre-war complex resides four blocks north of Central Park and is close to CUNY's Morningside Campus, Columbia University, Barnard and St. Luke's Hospital. The unit itself is a sunny, corner apartment with a rounded living area that is both south- and west-facing and has beautiful skyline views. It has been renovated and has features like oak hardwood floors, a windowed kitchen and bathroom, 9' ceilings, and plenty of closet space. Maintenance is a low $538 per month. And if you're thinking this location is too uptown for you, think again - Times Square is 15 minutes away and Wall Street just 28 minutes. Trains 2, 3, B, and C are all close by. Pets are welcome!
Income Restrictions:
$104,775 - Individual
$119,625 - Family of 2
$134,640 - Family of 3
$149,490 - Family of 4
Income Restrictions:
$104,775 - Individual
$119,625 - Family of 2
$134,640 - Family of 3
$149,490 - Family of 4
1 bed, 1 bath
This next HDFC listing comes from Harlem's 29 West 119th Street, a pre-war 6-story building with 24 apartments, storage cages and a bike rack. And while photos of the unit don't add much of an incentive to buy, the quirky listing description might. Described as a mother-in-law pleaser, this ground-floor one-bedroom, one-bath apartment is pet-friendly and fairly spacious (for Manhattan) at 650 square feet. It is enhanced with real hardwood floors, high ceiling heights, a windowed eat-in kitchen and bathroom, five oversized windows that feature southern and northern exposures, and last but not least, a space for a small second bedroom, pantry, or office. Residents can enjoy a low monthly maintenance fee of $650 and a short walk to both Marcus Garvey Park and Central Park. The 2 and 3 trains are situated three blocks away.
Income Restrictions:
$104,775 - Individual
$119,625 - Family of 2
$134,640 - Family of 3
$149,490 - Family of 4
Income Restrictions:
$104,775 - Individual
$119,625 - Family of 2
$134,640 - Family of 3
$149,490 - Family of 4
1 bed, 1 bath
Heading on over to Brooklyn's Flatbush neighborhood, this HDFC co-op is going for just $229K with an incredibly low monthly maintenance fee of $404. It is a recently renovated one-bedroom apartment located four blocks from the Q train and close to the B, 2 & 5 trains for easy transportation to Manhattan. It doesn't feature all the bells and whistles but it does contain pre-war details, 10-foot ceilings, oversized windows, and a large living area. The co-op is also pet-friendly. The area is residential but very close to Brooklyn College, Midwood High School, and plenty of restaurant and shopping options on Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues including the Flatbush's Triangle Junction Mall which holds a Target, Applebee's, Men's Wearhouse, and much more.
Income Restrictions:
$76,200 - Individual
$87,000 - Family of 2
$97,920 - Family of 3
Income Restrictions:
$76,200 - Individual
$87,000 - Family of 2
$97,920 - Family of 3
You can check the map below for more current NYC HDFC Co-op Listings:
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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Sandra Herrera
Sandra Herrera is a writer, editor, and graphic designer based in Brooklyn, NY.