Are you a property owner that wants to sell their condo, investment property or needs to rent an apartment or retail space in New York City? Call or text me: Sam Moritz, licensed real estate agent, 203–209–3640.
Do you know a property owner that might need real estate help? Refer me! I provide great and professional real estate services across all five boroughs.
A few weeks ago, I was featured in Gothamist discussing how more NYC renters are seeking apartments with in-unit laundry (link to article).
In New York City real estate, laundry is a big deal. Landlords and developers who include in-apartment washers and dryers — or at least a building laundry room — can often command higher rents.
- In-unit laundry can increase rent by up to $300/month.
- A shared laundry facility in the basement or common area can boost rent by about $100/month.
🏙️ The Rental Experiment: Laundry vs. Balcony
Recently, I listed two apartments in a new building in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn:
- Unit with in-unit laundry: Smaller, slightly less natural light, but had a washer/dryer in the apartment.
- Unit with balcony: Slightly larger, private outdoor deck, but no laundry (and no laundry in the building).
Both apartments were listed at the same price. While outdoor space is attractive, the unit with in-unit laundry received more interest and is likely to rent first.
This experiment reinforces what I’ve seen over the years: tenants prioritize convenience and essential amenities over extras like outdoor space.
💡 Why Tenants Value Laundry
Tenants often prioritize laundry because it’s an attainable luxury in NYC. Having a washer and dryer in your apartment:
- Saves time and effort
- Reduces trips to the laundromat
- Offers independence and convenience
Even shared building laundry is better than none, but it can have limitations — like not enough machines to meet tenant demand. In some older Brooklyn buildings, residents have had to supplement with nearby laundromats.
🏢 Advice for Landlords and Developers
If you’re an investor, landlord, or developer:
- Install in-unit laundry whenever possible.
- If in-unit isn’t feasible, provide laundry in a common area or basement.
- Other amenities that can boost rent: dishwashers, central air, and outdoor space.
- Avoid excessive cosmetic renovations — clean, freshly painted units are more important.
Remember: tenants may pass over otherwise amazing apartments if laundry is absent, even if the unit is bright, spacious, and airy.
📊 Key Takeaways
- In-unit laundry is a top priority for Brooklyn renters.
- Outdoor space and other amenities are valuable, but convenience wins.
- Properly marketed units with laundry rent faster and can command higher rents.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting a Brooklyn apartment, make sure to highlight laundry in your marketing — it’s often the deciding factor for tenants.
Are you a property owner that wants to sell their condo, investment property or needs to rent an apartment or retail space in New York City? Call or text me: Sam Moritz, licensed real estate agent, 203–209–3640.
Do you know a property owner that might need real estate help? Refer me! I provide great and professional real estate services across all five boroughs.
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