Real Estate

NYC Condo Buyers Are Less Keen on Becoming Covid-Era Landlords

  • Market flooded with vacancies less attractive to investors
  • Fewer owners are looking to profit by listing new units
Photographer: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg
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Condo sales are surging in New York City. But fewer of those buyers are tapping a once-popular investment strategy: leasing out their units for income.

The idea fell out of favor as rents dropped during the pandemic amid a mounting pile of apartment vacancies. Of all New York City condo units purchased in 2020, just 2.7% were listed for rent within six months of closing, according to data compiled by StreetEasy. In 2017, the share was a record 11%.