West Village Townhouses vs. Condos: Which Is the Better Buy?

Web Desk

The West Village in New York City, known for its charming townhouses, is now seeing a new trend.

Condos have taken over the area’s real estate market, shifting the spotlight away from traditional brownstones that once stole the show.

But even with the condo boom, some people are wondering whether townhouses might still offer better value.

Condos Are Dominating the Market

In the past, West Village townhouses were the stars of the real estate scene, attracting those looking for luxury and character.

But now, a new luxury condo complex called 80 Clarkson is breaking records. The two towers, standing tall along the West Side Highway, have brought in nearly $1 billion in sales already.

The 7,120-square-foot penthouse in this building is expected to set a downtown price-per-square-foot record at $80 million.

In addition, another condo at 140 Jane St. went under contract for $87.5 million in August, which would also set a downtown record.

These sales show how much condos have taken over in this neighborhood.

Townhouses Are Slowing Down

Despite these record-breaking condo sales, some buyers still want the luxury of owning a townhouse, especially if they want the land beneath their feet.

However, townhouses in the West Village are not moving as quickly as they used to. Jeremy V. Stein, a real estate expert, pointed out that the townhouse market is much quieter than it was a year ago.

Sales above $25 million haven’t happened in over a year.

The Value of Townhouses

While condos are taking the spotlight, townhouses are becoming more affordable, making them a tempting option for some buyers.

One example is 78 Morton St., a former firehouse now listed for $21 million.

This townhouse stands out because it includes a rare feature—a four-car garage, and it has been recently renovated with modern loft-like floors, a chef’s kitchen, and even a private jazz club with hand-painted murals.

Stein believes that townhouses like this will become a great deal for buyers in the future.

He says that people will look back and wonder why these townhouses were so cheap compared to condos.

Other High-End Townhouses for Sale

Another townhouse on the market is 20 Charles St., listed for $17.9 million. This building, which dates back to 1890, was restored to blend old-world charm with modern style.

It’s a great example of how luxury townhouses are being updated for today’s buyers.