Top 15 Best-Selling NYC Residential Buildings in H1 2019 – Manhattan Leads the Way

A number of high end-deals closed in the first half of 2019. The top 15 best-selling condo developments sold a total of 703 residences in the New York City area, Manhattan continuing to be the driving force, topping the ranking.

Of the top 15 developments, 11 were closed in the borough; Brooklyn and Queens are also represented in the rankings – two buildings in each borough rank in the top 15 best-selling new developments by number of sold units. Unsurprisingly, a Manhattan project tops our list: 121 units were sold in One Manhattan Square.

Along the same trend,  median sale prices also increased in the first six months of 2019.  12 out of the 15 hottest buildings in 2019 crossed the million-dollar mark, and 11 of them are in Manhattan. The only property outside of Manhattan to reach that mark was The Greenpoint Condominium in Brooklyn, with a median sale price of $1.54 million.

Closing out the list, is 220 Central Park South, where 22 high-end units sold at a staggering median sale price of just over $31 million. Worth noting is that the price was boosted by the biggest residential transaction ever in New York–an eye popping $240 million in January.

Real estate transactions in Brooklyn and Queens did not experience the same high-end growth as Manhattan. 221 East 138 St in the Bronx was a noteworthy exception though. The project jointly developed by Salamon Development and Tahoe Development had 10 sales with a median sale price of $577,000.

Without further ado, here are the top 15 best-selling buildings in New York City:

15. 220 Central Park South, Manhattan

Units sold: 22, Median sale price: $31,026,896

Developer: Vornado Realty Trust
Architect: Robert A.M. Stern Architects

The 220 Central Park South property is one of the newest additions to the already famous Billionaires’ Row. Overlooking Central Park, a unit acquired by hedge fund manager Ken Griffin recently became the most expensive residential property to be exchanged in the United States at $240 million.
Apart from the extraordinary views and high-end amenities, the building takes inspiration from historic New York residences, thanks to the vision of Robert A. M. Stern Architects.

14. 150 Rivington, Manhattan

Units sold: 22, Median sale price: $1,709,809

Developer: Cogswell Realty
Architect: GLUCK+, Alan Hill Design

This GLUCK+ inspired building presents itself as a natural extension of the Lower East Side’s culture and lifestyle. Interior designs, building amenities, and views that try to replicate the neighborhood’s rich and eclectic vibe.
The 1,570 square-foot rooftop terrace is an ideal place for group gatherings and activities.

13. 200 East 21st Street, Manhattan

Units sold: 24, Median sale price: $2,519,285

Developer: Alfa Development
Architect: BKSK Architects, Champalimaud, Halsted Welles Associates

Part of Alfa Development’s Green Collection project, 200 East 21st Street is constructed to support a sustainable way of living. Eco-friendly solutions like wind-generated electricity, solar-thermal technologies, recycled construction materials and many other amenities are present in the 21-story development. Located just near Gramercy Park, the building blends in perfectly with its surroundings.

12. 145-38 34 Avenue, Queens

Units sold: 26, Median sale price: $287,433

Developer: Xin Lin
Architect: Michael Kang

The seven-story Flushing condo project is a new addition on the corner of 34 Avenue and 146 Street. In addition to its proximity to supermarkets and transportation lines, the property comes with a 15-year tax abatement plan.

11. Two Fifty West 81, Manhattan

Units sold: 26, Median sale price: $9,162,741

Developer: Alchemy Properties
Architect: Robert A.M. Stern Architects

Located close to the Hudson River, Broadway and Central Park, 250 West 81st is meant to take you back in time, thanks to its design inspired by pre-war apartment buildings. Intricate details and elegance are some of the building’s unique characteristics; custom appliances and carefully chosen materials are part of famed architect Robert Stern’s vision for the residences.

10. 21 East 12, Manhattan

Units sold: 32, Median sale price: $4,750,561

Developer: William Macklowe Company
Architect: Selldorf Architects

Located in Greenwich Village, the 22-story residential tower stands out among the predominantly low-rise buildings in the area. Built on a podium, it offers innovative designs for residents. Lush landscaping, private gardens and on-site parking are just a few of the amenities that inhabitants can enjoy.

9. The Sunrise Forest Hills, Queens

Units sold: 33, Median sale price: $898,875

Developer: Rise Development
Architect: Design Studio Associates

The seven-story brick-and-metal facade building is a new addition to the Forrest Hills neighborhood. Its aesthetics set it apart from the rest of the neighborhood but also keep it within the familiar scenery. While the median sale price is below the neighborhood median, the building also includes high-end amenities.

8. 264 Webster, Brooklyn

Units sold: 37, Median sale price: $614,318

Developer: The Horizon Group
Architect: Kutnicki Bernstein Architects

Situated on the tree-lined Webster Avenue, 264 Webster adds a distinctive, new look to the Kensington area. Rooftop terraces provide spectacular views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines. Apart from the views, this property comes with lots of amenities and a 15-year tax abatement plan.

7. 565 Broome Soho, Manhattan

Units sold: 40, Median sale price: $3,987,179

Developer: Bizzi & Partners Development, Aronov Development, Halpern Real Estate Ventures
Architect: RPBW Architects, RDAI

It was described as “a building that takes the weather’s color” by starchitect Renzo Piano and the SoHo building lives up to the promise. Its daring designs and low-iron glass materials used in the construction process are tokens of the architects’ commitment to offer people an ever-changing visual relationship with the building.

6. 277 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan

Units sold: 44, Median sale price: $3,280,897

Developer: Victor Group, Lendlease
Architect: Rafael Viñoly Architects, Jeffrey Beers International

Rafael Viñoly’s NoMad residential tower stands out through its location and elegance. Being the tallest residential project on the 5 Avenue, it was designed and built to create a lasting impression through its architecture and interior finishes.

5. 111 Murray Street, Manhattan

Units sold: 56, Median sale price: $6,533,691

Developer: Fisher Brothers, Witkoff, New Valley
Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, Hill West Architects, MR Architecture + Decor, Rockwell Group, Edmund Hollander Landscape Architects

The 800-foot Tribeca glass tower impresses through its unique design. The expanding crown-shaped building is considered an elegant addition to the New York City skyline. Being one of the taller structures in the area, it offers unobstructed views over the Hudson and the city.

4. 121 East 22 Street, Manhattan

Units sold: 59, Median sale price: $2,335,375

Developer: Toll Brothers, Gemdale USA Corp
Architect: OMA

The L-shaped building is OMA’s first design in NYC. Celebrating this feat, the residents can enjoy the valley-like interior courtyard, along with numerous and unique amenities. Situated at the intersection of Gramercy and Madison Square parks, the building was inspired as a silhouette between surrounding areas.

3. The Greenpoint Condominium, Brooklyn

Units sold: 63, Median sale price: $1,535,456

Developer: Mack Real Estate Group, Urban Development Partners, Palin Enterprises
Architect: Ismael Leyva Architects

 

The East River waterfront property is the last one on the podium. Given its location, The Greenpoint residents are privileged enough to overlook the Manhattan skyline. Along with the delightful scenery, they are greeted at their doorstep by the NYC Ferry, with direct access to Manhattan, Wall Street, and Long Island, among many other destinations.

2. Fifteen Hudson Yards, Manhattan

Units sold: 98, Median sale price: $3,738,106

Developer: Related Companies
Architect: Kohn Perdersen Fox, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Rockwell Group

Situated one block from the Hudson River and three parks, Fifteen Hudson Yards is one of the hottest and sought after buildings in New York. The LEED Gold building offers spectacular views while enjoying amenities such as a gym, pool, and lounges on the upper floors.

1. One Manhattan Square, Manhattan

Units sold: 121, Median sale price: $1,647,651

Developer: Extell
Architect: Adamson Associates, Dattner Architects

Overlooking the East River and Manhattan Bridge, the 800-foot building opened its doors for occupancy in 2019. New York’s #1 selling building in the first half of 2019 offers an abundance of amenities including spa services, sports courts and equipment, a 24-hour doorman and concierge, secure bike storage, a theater and performance space.

Methodology

Properties considered for this list include only new developments. This represents an adjustment of the methodology used for previous editions of our top 10 best-selling buildings lists, where we included all residential condos regardless of year built. For this edition, we counted all sales closed between January 1st, 2019 and June 30 2019. The list has been issued in July 31, 2019, therefore it includes all sales recorded before that date.

Iulian Tihai

Iulian Tihai

Iulian Tihai is a writer at PropertyShark with 5 years’ experience in the real estate industry. He reports on New York real estate news and trends. Previously, he was a commercial real estate analyst at Yardi Matrix.