If you’re thinking about selling your condo in NYC this year, welcome—you’re not alone. Whether you’re upsizing, relocating, or cashing out after years of ownership, selling a condo in New York City in 2025 comes with its own set of challenges (and opportunities).
As someone who’s been helping New Yorkers buy and sell properties for over a decade, I’ve seen it all: bidding wars in Brooklyn, ghost listings in Midtown, and one unforgettable deal where the buyer backed out on the day of closing (yes, we recovered, and yes, my seller still made a great sale).
So let’s dive in—step by step—into what you really need to know to sell your condo in NYC this year without headaches, delays, or leaving money on the table.
Understanding the 2025 NYC Condo Market
A Shifting Market, But Still Strong
The NYC real estate market in 2025 is a bit like the city itself—resilient, constantly evolving, and hyper-local.
We’re seeing stable (but not wild) appreciation in Manhattan and Brooklyn, while parts of Queens and the Bronx are heating up due to increased investor activity. Interest rates have settled after the hikes in previous years, and while buyer competition isn’t as intense as during the pandemic rush, good condos in prime neighborhoods are still selling quickly—if priced right.
Condos vs. Co-ops: Know the Difference
If this is your first time selling a NYC condo, you’re already in a better position than co-op sellers. Condos are more flexible, don’t require board interviews, and typically have looser restrictions for buyers. That wider buyer pool often translates into faster sales—if you market the property correctly.
Step 1: Prepare Your Condo Like a Pro
Declutter, Deep Clean, and Depersonalize
Before you even think about taking listing photos, your condo needs to be spotless. Buyers don’t just look at square footage—they’re imagining their lives in the space. That means no piles of shoes in the hallway or magnets all over the fridge.
📌 Personal tip: A client in Tribeca spent $2,000 on a deep clean and minor repairs. Her one-bedroom sold for $65,000 above ask with three competing offers. First impressions are everything.
Make Smart Upgrades (Skip the Renovation)
You don’t need to gut the kitchen, but small upgrades can make a huge difference:
- Repaint in neutral tones
- Swap dated light fixtures
- Replace worn hardware
- Re-caulk bathrooms
These changes are inexpensive but can dramatically improve how your condo photographs—and shows in person.
Gather All Required Documents Early
Buyers (and their lenders) will want to see:
- The original offering plan
- Condo financials (typically from the management company)
- Board application package
- Info on any ongoing or upcoming assessments
Trust me—don’t wait until you get an offer to start digging these up. It slows everything down.
Step 2: Pricing Strategy in a 2025 Market
Don’t Rely on Zillow—Get a Hyper-Local CMA
Every building in NYC is its own market. A 1-bed on the 6th floor in one building might sell for $100K less than the same layout with southern exposure and a skyline view two floors up.
As a listing agent, I always prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that focuses on:
- Active listings (your competition)
- Pending sales (market movement)
- Recent sales (actual value)
Overpricing Is the Fastest Way to Stall Your Sale
I once had a seller in the East Village who insisted on listing at $1.2M, despite all comps showing $1.1M. After 60 days and three price drops, we got an offer—right at $1.1M. Price right from the start and you’ll avoid costly delays.
Step 3: Work With a Realtor Who Knows Condos
What a Good Listing Agent Should Do for You
A skilled NYC realtor will:
- Stage and style your space (even virtually)
- Take high-quality photos and video tours
- Create a compelling listing narrative
- Market aggressively across StreetEasy, Zillow, the MLS, and broker networks
- Coordinate open houses and private showings
You’re paying a commission—make sure you’re getting full value for it.
📌 Pro tip: Ask your agent how many units they’ve sold in your specific neighborhood or building type. Condo experience matters.
Step 4: Know Your Seller Costs in NYC
You’ve built equity—but don’t forget to factor in these typical closing costs:
| Fee | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| NYC Transfer Tax | ~1.4% for properties under $500K; ~1.825% above |
| NY State Transfer Tax | 0.4% |
| Broker Commission | 5–6% of sale price |
| Attorney Fee | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Move-out Fee (from condo) | $500–$1,000 (varies by building) |
| Misc. (filing, admin) | ~$1,000+ |
Don’t be caught off guard. I always provide my sellers with a net proceeds sheet so they know exactly what to expect.
Step 5: Marketing Your Condo Like a Luxury Brand
Listing Photos Can Make or Break Your Sale
Professional photography isn’t optional. Buyers scrolling through listings won’t even click unless your condo pops in the thumbnail.
Include:
- Wide-angle shots
- Floorplan
- Daylight photos (avoid night shots unless the view is stunning)
Create a Story, Not Just a Description
Instead of saying “1BR with stainless steel appliances,” say:
“Sun-drenched corner unit with floor-to-ceiling windows and an open chef’s kitchen—perfect for entertaining or working from home.”
Paint the lifestyle, not just the specs.
Step 6: Showing the Condo—Be Flexible but Smart
Open houses still matter in NYC, but many buyers prefer private showings. I recommend:
- Leaving during all showings
- Keeping the space immaculately clean
- Using subtle lighting and background music
📌 Bonus tip: Sunday afternoons (1–4 PM) are still prime time for traffic—especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Step 7: Offers, Negotiation & Closing
How to Handle Lowball Offers
Stay calm. This is NYC—negotiation is the culture. Evaluate:
- Buyer’s financial strength
- Timing (cash offers can close faster)
- Competing interest
I’ll often respond to low offers with data-driven counteroffers and firm timelines. Sometimes, that alone brings buyers up $50K or more.
Accepting an Offer: What Happens Next
Once an offer is accepted:
- Attorney review & contract signing (within 5–7 days)
- Buyer submits board package to condo (not as strict as co-ops)
- Condo board review (1–3 weeks)
- Closing date scheduled (usually 30–60 days out)
Common Mistakes Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
🚫 Overpricing
🚫 Using low-quality listing photos
🚫 Withholding assessment details
🚫 Hiring a friend instead of an experienced condo agent
🚫 Being inflexible with showings
Avoid these, and you’re already ahead of most first-time sellers.
Final Thoughts: Selling Your Condo in NYC in 2025
Selling your condo in New York doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right prep, pricing, and marketing—and an experienced agent who knows the landscape—you can sell confidently and profitably in today’s market.
If you’re considering listing your condo, let’s chat. I’ll give you a free pricing analysis, honest advice, and a custom plan based on your timeline.
📞 Ready to sell your condo in NYC? Contact me today for a free consultation.