Buy in Brooklyn with eyes open
The playbook our buyer agents follow, from pre-approval to keys, including the costs most people learn about too late.
Six steps to keys
Condos typically close 30 to 60 days after contract. Co-ops take 45 to 90 because of the board.
Get pre-approved
A lender pre-approval and proof of funds summary. Co-op buyers should also estimate post-closing liquidity.
Tour with a plan
We cluster showings by neighborhood and score every apartment on price per square foot, monthly cost and light.
Bid with comps
Every offer includes a comparative market analysis and a clear ceiling, so emotion does not set the price.
Attorney and diligence
Your attorney reviews the contract, financials and minutes. You sign and pay a 10% deposit into escrow.
Mortgage and board
Appraisal, commitment letter and, for co-ops, the board package and interview.
Walkthrough and keys
Final walkthrough 24 hours before closing, then a two-hour closing at the attorney's office or managing agent.
Buyer closing costs
Sample ranges for resale apartments in 2026. Your attorney will confirm exact figures.
| Cost | Condo | Co-op |
|---|---|---|
| Down payment | 10% to 20% | 20% to 25%+ |
| Mansion tax ($1M+) | 1% and up | 1% and up |
| Mortgage recording tax | 1.8% to 1.925% of loan | None |
| Title insurance | About 0.4% to 0.6% | Lien search only |
| Attorney fee | $2,500 to $4,500 | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| Transfer taxes (new dev) | Often buyer-paid | Rarely applicable |
Condo or co-op?
Two thirds of brownstone Brooklyn sales are co-ops. Here is how the two structures really differ before you bid.
Read the full explainer| Topic | Condo | Co-op |
|---|---|---|
| What you own | Real property with a deed | Shares in a corporation plus a proprietary lease |
| Price per ft² (sample) | About $1,250 in brownstone Brooklyn | About $1,050, often 10% to 20% less |
| Minimum down payment | Often 10% | Usually 20%, some 25% or more |
| Board approval | Right of first refusal, usually waived | Full package and interview |
| Buyer closing costs | About 3% to 6% | About 2% to 3% |
| Monthly costs | Common charges plus your own taxes | Maintenance includes taxes |
| Renting it out | Generally flexible | Limited sublets, board approval |
| Best for | Investors, flexibility, smaller down payment | Long-term owners who want more space for the money |
Condo
- What you own
- Real property with a deed
- Price per ft² (sample)
- About $1,250 in brownstone Brooklyn
- Minimum down payment
- Often 10%
- Board approval
- Right of first refusal, usually waived
- Buyer closing costs
- About 3% to 6%
- Monthly costs
- Common charges plus your own taxes
- Renting it out
- Generally flexible
- Best for
- Investors, flexibility, smaller down payment
Co-op
- What you own
- Shares in a corporation plus a proprietary lease
- Price per ft² (sample)
- About $1,050, often 10% to 20% less
- Minimum down payment
- Usually 20%, some 25% or more
- Board approval
- Full package and interview
- Buyer closing costs
- About 2% to 3%
- Monthly costs
- Maintenance includes taxes
- Renting it out
- Limited sublets, board approval
- Best for
- Long-term owners who want more space for the money
Swipe to compare
Homes for sale
A few sample listings. The full search has filters for price, beds and type.
No homes match those filters
Try a wider price range, or ask us about off-market options that fit.
Buyer questions
Budget roughly 2% to 5% of the price for a co-op and 3% to 6% for a condo, including attorney fees, bank fees, title insurance for condos and the mansion tax of 1% or more on purchases of $1M and above. New development condos can cost more because buyers often pay the seller's transfer taxes.
Condos often allow 10% down. Co-ops usually require 20%, and some ask for 25% to 50%. Boards also look at post-closing liquidity, commonly one to two years of carrying costs.
Condos commonly close in 30 to 60 days after contract signing. Co-ops take 45 to 90 days because of the board package and approval.
Yes. In New York both buyers and sellers use attorneys to negotiate the contract and handle closing. We can recommend several who know Brooklyn buildings well.
With a condo you own real property. With a co-op you own shares in a corporation that owns the building, plus a proprietary lease. Co-ops have board approval and stricter financial rules but often lower prices.
A transfer fee some co-ops charge when an apartment sells, often 1% to 3% of the price, usually paid by the seller.
Ready to start touring?
Book a 45 minute strategy call. We will map budget, neighborhoods and timing before your first weekend of showings.
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