More dogs and cats are finding homes during the coronavirus pandemic, as many people have turned to furry friends to fill the emotional void while they social distance in place. But finding a home for both man and man’s best friend isn’t always easy, particularly in some urban areas.
New York City has traditionally been unfriendly to dogs and cats — about 75% of landlords and co-ops don’t allow for pets; however, increased demand for pet ownership coupled with changes to the basic fabric of daily living have already begun to impact the housing market.
In some cases, landlords and owners are making exceptions to previously strict no-pet policies or have adjusted rules on the size or number of pets per household. And while the number of pet-friendly units comprises only a small percentage of the overall market, the six-month moving average for the number of dog-friendly units in New York City has, as of October 2020, increased 60% year-over-year, according to UrbanDigs.
Marilyn Blume, a real estate agent with Warburg Realty, said that all of the buyers she’s currently working with either have a dog or are planning to get one in the near future. “I’m finding that most buildings we are looking at have been more pet friendly,” she said, but noted that “a few have not.”
To give an idea of the market, here’s a look at four pet-friendly apartments for sale at four different price-points.
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1020 Park Avenue, Apt. 6A | $2.995 million
Dating to 1963, this well-maintained co-op on Park Avenue offers pet privileges on top of a 24-hour doorman, elevator operator, live-in resident manager and central laundry. Private storage as well as a bicycle storage room are among other building amenities.
Apartment 6A is a seven-room residence featuring wall-to-wall windows and a master bedroom and second bedroom that overlook Park Avenue.
Size: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms
Features: Sun-filled living spaces and gallery walls provide an airy canvas for self expression. Built-in cabinetry fills a far wall in the formal dining room, which can be opened to the updated galley-style kitchen. In the living room, a mirrored wall creates a feeling of volume and spaciousness. An office/staff room with a full bathroom sits off the kitchen area. Off the entry foyer is a powder room.
Year built: 1963
Type: Co-op
Monthly fees: $4,723
Represented by: June Gottlieb, Steven Gottlieb and Emily Becker, Warburg Realty
20 Pine Street, Ph. 2501 | $2.695 million
Located in the heart of the Financial District, this pet-friendly landmark was completely renovated in 2009 and now offers such high-end amenities as a Turkish steam room, golf simulator, billiard’s room and gym.
High-end design finishes by Armani Casa and private wrap-around terrace highlight penthouse 2501 at the 38-story condominium complex known as the Collection.
Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Features: An open, loft-style floor plan features an open-concept common area consisting of a designer-done kitchen, a high-ceiling living room and a dining area. A contemporary fireplace anchors the far wall in the living room. A recent renovation added a stackable washer/dryer and a new HVAC system. A dedicated elevator and access to the building’s Concierge Club Lounge are included with the residence.
Year built: 1928
Type: Condo
Monthly fees: $1,795
Represented by: Christopher Totaro and Kemdi Anosike, Warburg Realty
315 Seventh Avenue, Apt. 8A | $1.1 million
Chelsea’s Kheel Tower was originally built in the 1920s as a commercial building and later converted into loft-style condominiums in the late 1980s. Designed by theater architect William I. Hohauser, the pet-friendly tower has been modernized but retains its distinctive Art Moderne character. A marble-clad lobby, laundry rooms on multiple floors and a live-in building staff are among building details of note.
Freshly renovated, apartment 8A has 11-foot ceilings and north-western views of the cityscape.
Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Features: A large foyer gives way to an open common area lined with picture windows on two walls. Sleek cabinetry is cleverly used to create additional space in the kitchen area, which has been outfitted with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Porcelain tilework and modern fixtures are among eye-catching details in the updated bathroom.
Year built: 1926
Type: Condo
Monthly fees: $710
Represented by: Samantha Rose Frith, Joel E. Moss and Kemdi Anosike, Warburg Realty
73-12 35 Avenue, Apt. C4 | $449,000
Washington Tower, considered among the premier doorman co-ops in Jackson Heights, was designed by Sylvan Bien, the architect behind Manhattan’s Hotel Carlyle. Through the gatehouse entry, the pet-friendly building boasts a private garden, fitness center and laundry facilities.
The largest one-bedroom apartment in the handsome brick building, apartment C4 offers ample space for entertaining with an oversized living/dining room.
Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Features: At the heart of the apartment is an eat-in kitchen with a large picture window at the far end. Recently renovated, the kitchen has stainless steel Frigidaire Gallery appliances, 22 cabinets and a floor-to-ceiling pantry. More than 85 square feet of storage space is split between various closets.
Year built: 1940
Type: Co-op
Monthly fees: $912
Represented by: Bill Kowalczuk and Jordan Ku, Warburg Realty