Bushwick/ridgewood or anywhere NYC condo <$500k

Bushwick/ridgewood or anywhere NYC condo <$500k

Investor · Brooklyn, NY · Member since 2016 · 2 posts · 1 vote

Hi all,

I'm new here. I wanted to put out my feelers and ask your experiences and opinions on the current Bushwick/Ridgewood condo market? I am super familiar with the area but need some opinions. I am interested in purchasing an investment studio or 1 bedroom and only have a budget of $450k or less. I am looking for either new construction or something where only minimal work is needed. Neither of these neighborhoods really have had condos historically, and the condo development didn't start until probably a few years ago. I already own two houses, both bought in the past 5 years (Bed Stuy and Cypress hills) and really can't see myself taking on much more renovation/maintenance work (although as mentioned, there aren't really older condos to be had there anyway) I have found a few properties in southern Bushwick that would not even break even, would have me paying probably $200-300/mo after rental income. I of course would find something that covers expenses but it doesn't appear possible based on my recent search (in Brooklyn or anywhere else in NYC, aside from maybe Canarsie which I don't see changing quickly) My gut feeling is that it still probably is worth it for the long run, but maybe I'm just speculating on appreciation of this part of the neighborhood (southern Bushwick has not had bars/restaurants until less than a year ago and it seems like they're coming at a fast pace), although I would like to hear some opinions on this (would be madness in other markets but maybe in NYC, one cannot expect immediate cash flow?) Since there aren't really any comps to look at for condos in southern Bushwick (there are only a few and they're all active sales now), I wonder where the market is likely to go as more condo buildings are built in this area (there are a few in progress ones right now)?

P.S. I'm happy to share my experiences about either of my houses or areas - Bed-Stuy and cypress hills. I know there's lots of interest in Cypress Hills and I'm excited anytime I hear of interest in the area. I bought and live here for the past 1.5 years and am happy the way it is currently but also looking forward to the development of amenities. 

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  • Investor · Brooklyn, NY · Member since 2015 · 127 posts · 57 votes
    10y

    @Katerina M. I think Southern and Eastern Bushwick is a good appreciation play and I expect those neighborhoods to continue developing over the next few years.

    That being said, you're going to find it very very difficult to cash flow on a 1 bedroom or studio anywhere --- at best you'll find a place that you can rent out for close to your mortgage payment (even that's unlikely), but with common charges/taxes/insurance etc factored in, it's going to be a loss. Most people buying 1 beds and studios (and 2 beds, as well) are doing so to live there and so they aren't concerned about the same factors you are. Maybe with principal paydown you can come close to breaking even, but if you care about cash flow, I'd save up more and try and get a bigger unit. The more bedrooms there are, the better chance you have. If a studio or 1 bed goes for $450-500K, a 2 bed will go for like $650K, 3 bed for like $800K, etc...

  • Rental Property Investor · NY · Member since 2013 · 844 posts · 350 votes
    10y

    @Katerina M. Why spend that much money on one unit? Why not purchase outside of nyc for much less and make some cash flow.

  • Rental Property Investor · Chappaqua, NY · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 947 votes
    9y
    Katerina M. Full disclosure I'm in the process of listing a three family and was wondering what investors thought of the neighborhood, bed stuy. That's what I was doing when I came across your post. I have an idea for you. Not sure how it could work but it would be interesting to hear someone make it work. I've partnered up for flips before, so for me it's not so far flung. I've never heard of anyone doing this but I'm sure it's been done. If you could find a three family for 1.3-1.5 you could get two other buyers together and buy a multi. maybe even condo down the road. I think(check with a lawyer and RE agent)you would find it easier to buy a multi for that price, and have some partners.
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