J. Rubinstein Team

Transforming a Multi-Apartment Townhouse Into a Single Dream Home:

A Big Project with Big Rewards.

I’m sure you’ve strolled down the tree-shaded streets of the Upper West and East Sides, Greenwich Village and the historic neighborhoods of Brooklyn – admiring the townhouses filling each block with gracious charm and character. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to own one of these homes for your growing family – or simply to enjoy a grander lifestyle? The answer, of course, is “Yes!” But the realities of purchasing a private townhouse are complex, involving two unique listing categories.

One townhouse – several apartments.

Most townhouses built from the late 1800s to around 1920 were designed to be large private homes – usually 20-23 feet wide, with several floors and a stately “stoop” of stairs leading to an entry hall and formal parlor. They were the homes of doctors, lawyers, successful business entrepreneurs. With the onset of the Great Depression, many of these residences were sold and divided into 5 or 6 apartments. You don’t have to be a detective to know which townhouses have been reconfigured. Just look for the several “buzzers” by the front door.

Purchasing a multi-unit townhouse requires a lot of patience (and a team of pros). For openers, you’ll need a thorough inspection of the building’s structure.  You’ll need to wait until all renters' leases have expired before the closing. And you’ll need to be prepared for the considerable cost of a total gut renovation – anywhere from $500 to $1000 (or more) per square foot.  With all the complexities of permits, construction and the inevitable delays – including the installation of a private elevator! -  it can take up to two years before you lay out the Welcome mat and uncork the champagne.  But good things are invariably worth the wait. You’ll be moving into a home totally designed to your exact specifications – whether your aesthetics are ultra-sleek or more in tune with your home’s historical past.  

Opting for an elegant un-altered townhouse.

There’s another scenario to consider, and that’s setting your sights on a beautiful townhouse that has always been a private residence. Over the years, I’ve helped a number of clients find stunning intact townhouses that are prime trophy acquisitions - featuring rich architectural details, multiple working fireplaces and beautifully manicured back yards. Prime listings such as these can run anywhere from $5 million to $50 million. And they’ll still require a big investment in modern upgrades, since many of these homes have been occupied by one or more family generations over many years.

A pro by your side.

Purchasing a townhouse is very different from buying a co-op or condo. You need a real estate agent who really understands the steps and safeguards that will ensure the smoothest acquisition of a private home – a gracious residence with a unique past and a very welcoming future. Your future, in the home you’ve always wanted!

My Sale at 6 Morton Street - Featured in Crain's New York Business

An Afghan media mogul has sold his Greenwich Village townhouse to an heir to a Philippines coconut fortune.

My Newest Listings

4 West 21st Street, PH

3 Bed | 2.5 Bath

New Development of the Month

The Willow at 201 East 23rd Street

Focus On Design

Here's a Peek at Central Park's New Pool at the Davis Center—Opening on June 27

Central Park's sparkling new pool at the Davis Center opens this Friday, June 27.The Davis Center's main building, which also reopens on Friday, includes lockers, restrooms and rows of picnic benches.

Hours are 11am to 7pm daily, with one break between 3pm and 4pm. Entrance is free.

Recently Closed Deals

136 Waverly Place, 4B

Renovated West Village Co-op

Status - In Contract

78 South 3rd Street, 3

Penthouse Duplex with a Private Roof Deck

Status - Closed

20 Clinton Street, 4E

Sunny Lower East Side 1 BR

Status - Closed

6 Morton Street

2,440 SF West Village Townhouse

Status - Closed

429 Kent Avenue, L53

3,486 SF Williamsburg Loft

Status - Closed

622 Grand Avenue, 201

Modern 3 BR with a Private Terrace

Status - Closed

This Month's Mortgage Rate Snapshot

*The rates below are based on a $3,000,000 Condominium Purchase with a 20% down payment

10-year arm interest only or interest and principle: 6.375%

30-year fixed rate: 6.75% 

Data provided by Aaron Ritter of Citizens Bank

Q1 2025

Market Reports

Recorded Sales:

Justin Rubinstein

Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

M: 646.320.7745

justin.rubinstein@compass.com