How to Actually Increase the Value of Your NYC Building Before You Sell

Introduction

If you’re planning to sell your building in New York City, timing isn’t everything — preparation is.

Many owners assume that location or market timing drives value, but in reality, the biggest factor is income. As a NYC real estate agent with nearly a decade of experience selling buildings across the city, I’ve seen one truth play out again and again:

The best sales happen when owners know how to position their building’s income, tenants, and condition before they list.

Here’s how to actually increase the value of your NYC building before you sell.

1. Understand What Really Determines Value

Most owners focus on timing the market — but buyers care more about numbers than timing.

A building’s value is based on its current and potential income, but the current income matters most. That means the rent roll you have right now directly affects what buyers will offer.

If your tenants are paying well below market rate, expect offers that reflect those numbers. Buyers look at actual income, not potential.

2. Evaluate Your Tenant and Rent Roll Situation

Since income drives value, you need to understand how your tenants impact your sale.

Buyers often prefer buildings with vacant apartments, because empty units offer flexibility: they can renovate, raise rents, and increase returns faster.

If a tenant is moving out before you list, consider leaving that unit vacant — it might be worth more than a new lease.

Example: I sold a building in Williamsburg with one two-bedroom renting for $2,400 — even though market rent was closer to $3,300. Every buyer asked the same question: “Can the owner deliver that apartment vacant?”

Because the answer was no, offers were based on $2,400, not $3,300. That one unit cost the seller over $100,000 in value.

3. Be Honest: Are You a Landlord or an Investor?

This is where it gets uncomfortable.

Some owners keep rents low because they like their tenants or want to avoid turnover. That’s fine — but when you go to sell, you’re not just a landlord anymore. You’re an investor trying to maximize the building’s market value.

Buyers don’t pay for loyalty or sentimentality.
They pay for income.

If you’re offering below-market rents, that decision directly impacts your bottom line when you sell.

4. Focus on the Repairs That Actually Matter

A fresh coat of paint or new hallway lighting might look nice, but those upgrades won’t move the needle with buyers.

Here’s what actually matters:

• The roof is in good shape.
• The boiler works reliably.
• The hallways and common areas are clean and safe.

If your roof or boiler is outdated, buyers will factor replacement costs into their offers. Fixing those big-ticket issues before listing can protect your asking price.

5. The Bottom Line

If you want to sell your NYC building for top dollar, skip the cosmetic fluff and focus on what drives value:

✅ Get your rents to market rate
✅ Leave a few units vacant if possible
✅ Address major maintenance items

It’s not glamorous advice — but it’s the truth.

Because in New York City real estate, buyers don’t pay for “potential.”
They pay for profit.

And the more you treat your building like a business, the more you’ll make when it’s time to sell.

Thinking about selling your NYC building?
I’ve helped dozens of owners across Bushwick, Brooklyn, and beyond position their properties for maximum value.

→ Contact me for a free building value consultation — no pressure, just real numbers.

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.