One of the most popular topics that come up during my conversations with first-time home buyers looking for an apartment in New York is Co-op vs. Condo. Unlike everywhere else in the US, co-ops constitute the majority of apartments in NYC. Around 70% of all residential buildings are co-ops, while condos constitute the majority of apartments built in the past 20 years. Aside from the age of the apartment building, there are many crucial differences between coops and condos and the choice usually depends on the client’s situation and personal inclinations.
If you’re a first-time homebuyer looking to purchase a condominium or cooperative (co-op) apartment in New York, it’s essential to consult with an experienced NYC real estate attorney. At Avenue Law Firm, our attorneys can provide guidance on the specific legal considerations and intricacies associated with buying either a condo or a co-op, ensuring that you make an informed decision and navigate the process smoothly. Contact us today at (212) 729-4090 to schedule a consultation.
Differences in Ownership Between a Co-op & a Condo
Purchasing a condo is similar to purchasing a house. At the closing, you will receive a deed to your new apartment as well as a share of the interest in the building’s common areas. If you purchase a co-op, you technically do not own your apartment from a legal standpoint. Rather, the entire building is owned by a single corporation. At the closing, you are purchasing shares in this corporation as opposed to the actual apartment. In most cases, the larger and more expensive the apartment you are purchasing, the more shares you will receive. At the closing, simultaneous with the purchase of shares, the corporation will sign a lease with you that gives you the right to occupy the apartment you have just bought.
Condo vs Co-op Prices in New York
In NYC, the purchase prices of co-ops are usually much less expensive than condos, and you can receive more bang for your buck, so to speak, when it comes to square footage. Purchasing a condo can also mean higher closing costs since you will be required to purchase title insurance and pay a mortgage tax if you choose to finance your new home; neither of which are required when purchasing a co-op.
Speaking of mortgages, condos may offer more flexible options if you do not have a large amount of cash for a down payment. Some co-op boards require a higher down payment than condo buildings, in addition to a year or two worth of mortgage and maintenance charges left over in your checking or saving account after the down payment. This is called a liquid assets requirement and the exact amount varies from building to building. Although by purchasing a co-op you’ll save on the title insurance and mortgage tax some co-op buildings have a flip tax. Flip tax is not an actual tax. It is a transfer fee charged by the co-op to the buyer or seller and can be as much as 3% or more of the entire purchase price.
How Much Will It Cost Me to Own My Apartment?
Both condos and co-ops have monthly charges (respectively referred to as common charges and maintenance fees) which you will be required to pay toward the operation and maintenance of the building’s common areas. These monthly charges vary and things like the size of the building, number of amenities, etc. will affect the amount that you will end up paying. Both condos and co-ops can also charge assessment fees for building renovation projects, such as the installation of a new elevator. The main difference between a condo’s common charges and a co-op’s maintenance fees is that the maintenance fees include charges for a percentage of the building’s property tax, calculated according to the number of shares you own. If you own a condo, you are responsible for paying your unit’s property taxes directly to the government, which will likely cause your overall monthly costs to be greater than they would be for a similarly sized co-op.
Do Condos Have Better Amenities Than Co-ops?
Many of the newer developments in NYC are condos rather than co-ops. These buildings usually include many luxury amenities such as fitness centers, spas, pools, concierge services, etc., and have an overall newer, trendier feel. However, most of the classic, “Old New York” pre-war buildings are co-ops. These buildings often have larger apartments with more ornate décor such as crown moldings, fireplaces, etc. Of course, this is all a matter of personal preference. Location may also play a factor as well. For example, many of the buildings in Battery Park and in the Financial District are condos, while many of the buildings located around Central Park, on the Upper East Side, and in Gramercy Park are co-ops.
Can the Co-op Board Prevent Me From Buying or Selling My Apartment?
While both condos and co-ops elect a board of directors to make important decisions regarding the maintenance and upkeep of the building, the co-op board wields MUCH greater power. In extreme cases, the co-op board can even evict a shareholder that it deems disruptive. When buying a co-op, you must go before the board and submit to a potentially arduous approval process. The board will go over your finances and credit and review your debt-to-income ratio, which they usually expect to be between 25% and 30%. The process involves a great deal of paperwork, which may often require the assistance of an attorney to prepare. The board can reject you for any reason (except for reasons of race, religion, disability, etc. which are protected by law.) However, the board does not have to specify the reason why they reject your application. There is always the risk that you will spend significant time and energy going through the approval process, only to be rejected.
| Co-op | Condo | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | You technically do not own the apartment. Instead, you purchase shares in the building’s corporation. | You own the apartment and receive a deed for it. |
| Costs to Purchase | Generally less expensive. No title insurance or mortgage tax required. Some buildings may have a flip tax. | Usually more expensive. Title insurance and mortgage tax may be required. |
| Monthly Expenses | Maintenance fees include a percentage of the building’s property tax. Paid to the co-op. | Common charges do not include property taxes. Paid directly to the government. |
| Amenities | Often found in older buildings with larger apartments and ornate décor. | Newer buildings with luxury amenities like fitness centers, pools, and concierge services. |
| Board Approval Process | Extensive approval process by the co-op board. Can reject applications without specifying reasons. | Less extensive approval process. Board has less power compared to co-op boards. |
Condo and Co-op Insurance in New York City
Owning a condominium (condo) or being a part of a cooperative (co-op) in New York City requires understanding the unique insurance needs of these residence types. While condos and co-ops may seem like traditional apartments, their insurance coverage varies significantly due to the differences in property ownership.
A condo owner in NYC is responsible for the insurance of their specific unit and personal possessions. The structure of the condo building is typically covered by a master insurance policy. This implies that condo insurance primarily protects personal liability, unit-specific features, and personal property.
In contrast, co-op residents own shares in a corporation that owns the building, rather than owning their unit outright. Their insurance needs mirror those of an apartment tenant, focusing on personal property insurance. The building itself is insured separately by the corporation.
Condo and co-op insurance differ from home insurance, which covers both the building and its contents. With condo and co-op insurance, the building’s coverage is separate and managed by a condo or homeowners association or a co-op board.
Many condo and co-op owners mistakenly believe that their association’s insurance policy fully covers them. However, individual insurance is crucial to avoid unexpected expenses during a claim. The two policies needed for condo owners are their own insurance and the master policy managed by the association or board. This personal insurance covers personal liability, personal property, alterations to the unit, and loss assessment.
Looking to sublet your apartment? Co-op boards usually have much stricter subletting policies, making condos a better choice for those looking to purchase an investment property. Although when purchasing a condo (unless it’s new construction) you will have to fill out the board application as well, the condo board does not have the right to reject a buyer regardless of the buyer’s financials, credit, etc. A condo’s board has what’s called the right of first refusal pursuant to which the board’s sole remedy is to purchase the apartment from the seller upon the same terms as are being offered to the purchaser. The chances of the board actually exercising their right of first refusal are slim to none.
What’s the Difference Between a Condo and an Apartment?
Navigating the real estate market requires understanding the differences between condos and apartments. Although they might appear similar at first glance, key distinctions set them apart.
One major difference is ownership. Condos, or condominiums, are individually owned units within a larger building or complex. Each condo owner possesses a deed to their specific unit and shares ownership of common areas such as pools, gyms, and hallways. In contrast, apartments are rental units within a building or complex owned by a single entity, usually a corporation or individual landlord.
Management of these properties also differs significantly. Condo owners are part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), which manages the upkeep of the property and enforces rules. This arrangement requires condo owners to pay monthly HOA fees for maintenance and shared amenities. Conversely, apartment buildings are managed by the property owner or a hired management company, with renters paying monthly rent and relying on the landlord or management company for maintenance and repairs.
The ability to customize and the responsibilities involved are also distinct. Condo owners have the freedom to renovate and personalize their units, as long as they adhere to HOA guidelines. They are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of their unit. Apartment renters, on the other hand, have limited options for modifying their living space and depend on the landlord for any necessary maintenance and repairs.
Understanding these differences is essential for making informed decisions in the real estate market.
What is Condop?
A condop refers to a unique type of building in New York City, characterized by a fusion of condominium and cooperative (or co-op) units. Typically, it’s a multifunctional condo complex featuring retail spaces classified as separate condo units, and residential apartments identified as co-ops.
Independent boards exist for both the co-op and condo sections within a condop building. The condo board is responsible for managing general building concerns, like external repairs. Conversely, the co-op board is tasked with handling issues particular to shareholders, such as common areas and laundry facilities. Condo owners retain legal title to their property, while co-op owners serve as shareholder-tenants, owning shares in the cooperative corporation that possesses the building.
Condops emerged as a popular choice in the 1980s, triggered by the now-repealed 80/20 rule, a tax law. According to this rule, co-op owners couldn’t avail of standard homeowner income tax deductions if the building’s income from commercial tenants exceeded 20%. To overcome this restriction, developers split buildings into condo and co-op sections. In the present day, condops account for less than 5% of all residential buildings in New York City, with a majority found in Manhattan, especially in areas like Lenox Hill, Murray Hill, and the Upper East Side.
If you’re a first-time homebuyer looking for an apartment in New York, it is important to consult an experienced NYC real estate attorney to know the legal implications and protect your interests throughout the process. Even for experienced homebuyers, having the help of a knowledgeable lawyer can still come in handy especially in conducting due diligence and avoiding other legal complications. Contact Avenue Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
So What’s Better Co-op or Condo?
Overall, the decision between a condo and a co-op is a personal one. Both have their pluses and minuses. Condos often cost more but allow a greater degree of freedom and flexibility than co-ops, and an easier approval process. With co-ops, you can save on closing costs, afford more square footage, and have lesser monthly fees, but you may lose the flexibility that is offered by condos.
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Disclosure: This is a blog by a NYC real estate attorney. The materials contained here have been prepared for general informational purposes only and shall not be used as a substitute for consultation with a lawyer or interpreted as legal advice.
