History of rents

I know they slowed after 9/11, especially downtown, but they have not dropped in the last 7 years. For about a year after 9/11 some large buildings in non-prime years were offering a month or two of free rent, but thay ended by 2003 or so. I was looking during this time, so kept track of certain places.

My completely unsubstantiated view of rental rates for the last few years is that they peaked between 2001 and 2002, went down around 20% around 2003-2005 and have been increasing in 2006-2007.

I can't really tell about the price for the same apartment in those years, but I moved several times and my impression is based on whether I could find a cheaper or larger place, or not. In 2002 it was hard, in 2003 it was easier, in 2005 it was still easy, and this year it became hard again.

I posted in #2 and did not see a 20% decrease, but there are lots of apts in NYC, so it is possible on some level.

Prices have definitely not come down. I've looked for weeks for a one bedroom (non doorman) elevator bldg for $2400. I keep pushing my budget up because the apartments I've been seeing are awful in that rent range.

They only go up, and up and up, until they are so high you are priced out and have to move to the boroughs. Enjoy the subway ride.

#5--you can get a 1 BR in my non doorman elevator bldg for around $2400 (I pay $2500 for a higher floor) in the east village if you want to live there (assuming one is available). I looked around for quite a while and find it to be the best value anywhera, assuming you the type who would live in the east village.

#7 was that through an Agent or a management company. thanks

You could also look at the propertires at Abington Properties (www. abingtonproperties.com).
This is a no-fee management company. I used to rent an alcove studio from them at 50 Prince (at approx $1800 in 2003, now around $2500 - as an indication of rent increases). I liked dealing with them, got my deposit back no problem, with the interest from the escrow account. They have a bunch of elevator buildings and you might find one you like, without having to pay some borker a 15% fee.