building at 25 Fifth Avenue

You are paying 25% premium for address relative to just a block away.

thank you 300_mercer. Have you seen the units? is the address you are talking about also a condo? which building are your referiring to?

Look, all in all, it is a very nice building, but it is not without its quirks. I found it quite pricey and some of the compromises were too much to ask. The location is indeed fantastic. There aren't prewar condos on this stretch of Fifth so if you want one, this may be your only option. Layouts can be decent or rough, the lobby is posh but the elevators very cramped. There are a lot of renters in the building in regulated apartments which is not a plus if you are buying. Overall, it is right for some people, not others.

I found the finishes to be very low end for prices they were asking. However, the location is great.

Thank you kylewest and villager. I agree with both of you. At 25 Fifth I have been considering the line F, 3 exposures on the 11th floor. My concerns here is the size of the bathroom and the finishes really LOW END.

I keep going back and forth being 456 w 19th and 25 fifth. 456 w 19th has 2 bathrooms, although 1 bedroom, but there might be a possibility of making a temporary second bedroom upstairs. the views could and will get blocked soon.

Which one do you think in the long run will have a better value, so much for rent and for sale? I greatly appreciate your expert advise and help in making a decision.

I'm not familiar with the 19th st building. 25 Fifth is in the GV historic district so you won't have your views blocked there. If you can make a good deal there (they were not budging on price when I looked)and get them to pay transfer taxes + their attny fees, it will probably be a good value long-term. Is that the unit with the fireplace and sep dining room? If so, the layout is really nice. I couldn't justify their pricing though with that cheap awful kitchen and bath.

I think you are setting up a false choice. My preference would be to buy something in an established building on lower Fifth that either has been recently renovated or that you are willing to renovate yourself. The idea of paying a premium for the renovation at 25 Fifth which you don't even really like seems strange. And I would absolutely not buy what is essentially priced as "new construction" with an eye to renting the place out. There are much better ways to invest your money than this type of venture.

I think the lower Fifth location is superior to far west Chelsea, even if you are on the high line. West Chelsea at the high line (if that is where 456 is) is on the Hudson and winds in winter are freezing. It is far enough from subways to be annoying. Nothing is basically outside your door. Lower Fifth and central GV more generally are ideally situated for great groceries, restaurants, movies, shopping, Wash Sq. Park, hipper East Village, charming West Village, SoHo...it's all a couple minutes walk. Where can you walk in a couple minutes from 19th St and the river?

Only you know what value layout has to you. Small apartment in better location? Larger apartment in less great location? I personally found that the way I feel is greatly impacted by what I encounter as I leave my building and as I walk back to it if I've been out. The neighborhood matters a lot to me. Convenience matters a lot. And I am pretty risk averse and was very attracted to the stability of the central Village, too. If, however, that second bath means the world to you or if having a second bedroom matters more than easy subway access or close restaurants/movies/stores/etc., then why pay a premium for central Village?

When I was looking what I always ended up saying when considering location was, "If it is pouring rain when I get up one December morning, how am I going to feel walking to the subway to get to work from this apartment? Am I going to curse life and wonder why I ever cared so much about the second bathroom or will it all be worth it as I arrive soaking wet at the office having walked 4 avenue blocks in a blowing rain storm?"

this building is over priced. The apts are dark and gloomy. Don't feel like a place for which you spend top dollar on.