What is an Estate Sale? See 12 NYC opportunities priced to sell

By CityRealty Staff | From Get To Know Monday, October 30, 2023

The Brevoort, 11 Fifth Avenue, #3V is an estate sale listing (Compass)

When perusing New York real estate listings, especially low-priced listings are sometimes accompanied by two words of warning: “estate sale.” That might be confusing to buyers from other parts of the country who are accustomed to hearing the phrase used to describe what is essentially a high-end garage sale of the entire contents of a home. But in New York, it means that the home itself has come on the market because the previous owner has died, and the apartment is offered for sale by their estate, usually their heirs.

Some would-be buyers are hesitant to enter a home where there has been a recent death out of fear or respect. Others, however, are more likely to be scared of the condition of the apartments that have not been changed in decades. There is a reason many listings encourage searchers to “bring your architect”: Low asking prices are often offset by the costly, extensive renovations needed to bring these apartments up to modern standards.

Additionally, the purchase of an estate sale apartment takes more time and legal help than that in the purchase of a traditional unit. It is not unheard of for a deceased person's estate to put the apartment on the market before all legal issues have been fully resolved, which can delay the closing. Inspections are still allowed, but estate sales cannot be contingent on the seller making the changes or repairs one might be able to bargain for somewhere else. The process is complicated enough with a straightforward will, but title claims can further complicate the process. It is little wonder Brick Underground quips that, "what you save on asking price, you may well pay for in the time, effort, and cost it takes in navigating a sale with attorney involvement."

However, certain buyers are not put off by estate sales but rather embrace them. Some people appreciate an apartment’s rich history, and a class of design enthusiasts welcomes the challenge of either restoring a prewar home to its former glory or bringing it into the 21st century. Either way, the following listings offer the chance to create one’s own estate in highly coveted parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn for significantly lower prices than one would typically pay.

The Englewood, #12B
$1,995,000 (-9.1%)

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

The Englewood, #12B (Stephen P Wald Real Estate Associates Inc)

From the Listing: $200,000 PRICE DROP/ ESTATE SALE OPPORTUNITY: This prime Upper East Side 6 room home awaits new ownership. Enjoy Grand Pre War, Full Service Cooperative living in this high floor apartment featuring 3 spacious bedrooms 3 bathrooms, an oversized living room, formal dining room, inviting entry foyer and a huge eat-in, windowed kitchen with washer and dryer. The beamed ceilings are high.The hardwood floors are stunning. The views are wide and open offering bright light throughout the day. Bring your design ideas for some minimal updating or move in as is. See floor plan and full details here.

The St. Tropez, #31B
$1,899,000 (-4.1%)

Lenox Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,330 ft²

The St. Tropez, #31B (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Estate Sale. Rarely available, high floor, corner, 1330 SF, 2 BR/2BA, easily coverts to a 3 bedroom. Bright and sunny Southern and Western exposures with open city views.Windowed dual access kitchen. Large pantry adjacent to kitchen already plumbed for half bath and or washer/dryer, with Board approval. Bring your architect, contractor, or designer.This apartment has endless potential and a flexible floor plan. See floor plan and full details here.

Park Ten, #3G
$1,500,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Park Ten, #3G (Compass)

From the Listing: This truly sprawling split 2 bedroom is now available in the iconic Park Ten. South and East facing windows with tree-line views greet you upon entrance into the oversized Great Room with separate dining area. This is an art collectors dream as well as the perfect entertaining space.The large windowed kitchen with two entranceways provides ample storage and counter space. Two king-sized bedrooms are pin-drop quiet and there are two full baths as well. This estate sale is a rare opportunity to reimagine this giant home and make it your own.Please note that the first photo shown has been virtually staged. . See floor plan and full details here.

Stewart House, #10G
$1,450,000

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,100 ft²

Stewart House, #10G (Compass)

From the Listing: Introducing Residence 10G Step into this expansive and unique 1,100 sqft residence boasting a 1 bedroom, a home office, and 1.5 bathroom layout. Every inch of this fully renovated gem has been meticulously designed and enhanced to create a truly special home. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

Just complete the info below.

York River House, #PHB6
$1,395,000 (-6.7%)

Lenox Hill | Condop | 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

York River House, #PHB6 (Casa Blanca Real Estate)

From the Listing: MOTIVATED SELLER--$100K Price Reduction and 3 Month Maintenance Credit. Estate Sale, Priced to Sell! Not a land lease building. Welcome to 1175 York Avenue, Penthouse B6, a spacious 4-bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom Condop in the heart of New York City that is priced to sell. This top-floor residence offers breathtaking views of the East River and features a desirable terrace, perfect for enjoying the city's skyline. While the property is in need of some updating, the bathrooms and kitchen have been very well-maintained and are in a clean, livable condition.This presents a fantastic opportunity for those who prefer to move in immediately and renovate at their own pace. See floor plan and full details here.

25 East 83rd Street, #3A
$1,395,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,400 ft²

25 East 83rd Street, #3A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Bring your architect and imagination or move right in and customize over time, this estate sale in a prized co-op can become your new home. Available for the first opportunity in decades, this currently configured two bedroom home can be seamlessly converted into a true three bedroom. This architecturally significant pre war co-op boasts large room proportions, a gracious and flexible layout and South East exposures overlooking the supreme corner of 83rd and Madison. See floor plan and full details here.

The Brevoort, #3V
$1,125,000 (-6.3%)

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

The Brevoort, #3V (Compass)

From the Listing: Residence 3V at The Brevoort is an oversized one-bedroom apartment nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village. This home offers timeless elegance in a prime location on lower Fifth Avenue.

Upon entering, the foyer leads you into the open-concept living space. The thoughtfully designed layout allows for effortless flow between the living room, dining area, and kitchen, making it an ideal space for both relaxing and entertaining. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, including a Frigidaire refrigerator and oven, as well as a Miele dishwasher. The kitchen offers ample counter space and cabinetry, combining functionality with a touch of sophistication. See floor plan and full details here.

Saint Germain, #2G
$900,000 (+9.1%)

Greenwich Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Saint Germain, #2G (Barshay Brokerage Real Estate Group LLC)

From the Listing: Estate sale! Best price one bedroom in the building! Welcome to the world of real estate where three key principles reign supreme: location, location, location!This light and airy one-bedroom apartment is the perfect place to call your own. You'll find a spacious bedroom and a sizable living-dining area, ideal for your comfort and enjoyment. The east exposure lets in plenty of natural light, so you'll feel energized all day long. See floor plan and full details here.

Park Ten, #19A
$895,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 780 ft²

Park Ten, #19A (Stephen P Wald Real Estate Associates Inc)

From the Listing: ESTATE SALE (BRING OFFERS) OPPORTUNITY AT 10 West 66th Street. A great opportunity awaits the next homebuyer with a designer mindset at this Full Service, Upper West Side, Luxury Cooperative next to Central Park. This 19th floor, one bedroom, one bath home features an oversized Living Room, a separate Dining Area and a large bedroom all with open north facing views. Have everything you want at the right price. See floor plan and full details here.

50 Park Avenue, #14G
$860,000

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

50 Park Avenue, #14G (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: An architect's dream! This extra-large, one-bedroom home has wide-open, 14th floor views to the east and south, an expansive layout and all the benefits of a top-notch Park Avenue cooperative. This is an estate sale, sold as-is.50 Park Avenue was built in 1940 by George F.Pelham, Jr, and features a full-time doorman, live-in resident manager, a beautifully landscaped and furnished roof deck with views of the Empire State building and Chrysler building, bicycle and general storage, and laundry room. The co-op welcomes pets and allows pieds-a-terre, co-purchasing and gifting with board approval. Financing up to 70% is permitted. See floor plan and full details here.

155 East 93rd Street, #3A
$830,000 (-12.2%)

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

155 East 93rd Street, #3A (Stephen P Wald Real Estate Associates Inc)

From the Listing: This Two Bedroom, Two Bathroom Pre War Cooperative can be everything you desire with a little imagination all at a great price. This apartment features a gracious entry foyer which opens into an oversized dining room with open westerly views onto Lexington Ave. The Eat-In, windowed kitchen will be the pride of anyone who loves to cook and dine at home. See floor plan and full details here.

The Wexford, #2A
$599,000 (-20.1%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath | 868 ft²

The Wexford, #2A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Rare Oversized Studio Residence in one of West End Avenue's Top Building. sSignificant Price Adjustment Available for the first time in over 30 years, this rare one-of-a-kind oversized studio residence is the only studio in the building of this size. Measuring over 860 sqft (approx.), this south-facing studio was once part of an original Classic 7 residence; it features ample living space with a proper entry foyer and gallery, a separate living room, dining alcove, dressing room, a large windowed bath, and an expansive kitchen with a separate service entrance. See floor plan and full details here.

17 West 108th Street, #88
$399,000

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 768 ft²

17 West 108th Street, #88 (Camelot Realty Group LLC)

From the Listing: CASH DEALS ONLY. BUILDING DOES NOT PERMIT FINANCING. Newly renovated 2 bedroom apt located on the ground level of this lovely pre-war elevator building featuring oversized living room, high ceilings, and newly refinished hardwood floors throughout. Stainless steel appliances in the newly windowed kitchen are equipped with new cabinets, countertops, and an in-unit washer/dryer. The two bedrooms are generous in size and feature one California king and one standard with ample closet space. Other closets and storage include two large double-entry closet and a linen closet in the hallway. See floor plan and full details here.

The Excelsior, #19B
$330,000 (-25%)

Midtown East | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths

The Excelsior, #19B (Compass)

From the Listing: Price Slashed! Must sell! Dazzling southeast city views and light from this high-floor corner unit at The Excelsior. With nearly 1200 sq ft, this oversized residence with one-and-a-half bathrooms has space to spare. The formal dining room with a window is often converted to a 2nd bedroom. The entertaining space is open and inviting and features large picture windows on two sides, flooding the residence with sunshine and creating a 37' long entertaining expanse that opens to an outdoor terrace. 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:

The Englewood, #12B
$1,995,000 (-9.1%)

The St. Tropez, #31B
$1,899,000 (-4.1%)

Park Ten, #3G
$1,500,000

Stewart House, #10G
$1,450,000

Select which properties are of interest to you:

York River House, #PHB6
$1,395,000 (-6.7%)

25 East 83rd Street, #3A
$1,395,000

The Brevoort, #3V
$1,125,000 (-6.3%)

Saint Germain, #2G
$900,000 (+9.1%)

Park Ten, #19A
$895,000

50 Park Avenue, #14G
$860,000

155 East 93rd Street, #3A
$830,000 (-12.2%)

The Wexford, #2A
$599,000 (-20.1%)

17 West 108th Street, #88
$399,000

The Excelsior, #19B
$330,000 (-25%)

This is your member's center

In this article:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

Related Links

Tags:

Related Articles

Buy & Sell

Rent

Buildings

Insights

Company