Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

(917) 416-7433

SOLD FOR $6,800,000

· Closed July 10, 2025

129 E 81st Street

$6,800,000

$1,478 per sq ft

129 E 81st Street

Upper East Side, Manhattan

MLS® #RLS20017058

RLS at REBNY

Listing by Compass

4

Bedrooms

3.5

Baths

4,600

Sq. Ft.

1880

Year Built

Quick Summary

Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 4 full, 2 half
Living Area 4,600 sq ft
Year Built 1880
Ownership None
Property Taxes $81,444/yr
Neighborhood Upper East Side
Floor 1 of 4

Property Highlights

  • Outdoor Space: Terrace
  • Fireplace: 1 fireplace
  • Climate Control: Central Air

Property Details

Type Single Family Residence
Ownership None
Total Rooms 11
Baths 3 Full, 2 Half
Floor 1 of 4
Cooling Central Air
Pets Yes
Year Built 1880
Living Area 4,600 sq ft
Structure Type House,Townhouse
Flooring Hardwood
Furnished Unfurnished
Parcel # 1510-0014
Block/Lot 01510/14

Listing History

Event Date Price Change
Listed Apr 17, 2025 $6,750,000 -
Currently Apr 26, 2026 $6,800,000 +0.7%

Description

Welcome to 129 East 81st Street—an elegant townhouse perfectly positioned on a beautiful tree-lined block between Park and Lexington Avenues, in the heart of the Upper East Side’s Gold Coast. This exceptional residence embodies refined living, offering a rare blend of sophistication, comfort, and timeless style—a unique opportunity for the most discerning buyer. Property Highlights: ** Private Garden A serene 43-foot garden professionally landscaped with tall decorative walls offers a tranquil urban retreat. ** Gracious Layout Four generously sized bedrooms, a flexible office or fifth bedroom, three full baths, and two half baths offer ample space for refined, comfortable living. ** Elegant Details Thoughtfully preserved prewar details include wood-burning and decorative fireplaces, classic hardwood floors, soaring 12-foot ceilings on the parlor floor, and over 10-foot ceilings on the upper levels—bringing both character and scale to the home. ** Modern Amenities Central air conditioning, a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen with premium appliances, laundry room, and a full unfinished basement with generous storage provide comfort and convenience tailored to modern living. Layout Overview: Garden / Entry Level Designed for both comfort and entertaining, this floor welcomes you with a gracious foyer that flows into a spacious dining room and open-plan kitchen, leading seamlessly to the beautifully landscaped garden. A fireplace anchors the entertaining space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The chef’s kitchen is thoughtfully appointed with Sub-Zero and Viking appliances, a large wine cooler, Miele dishwasher, and a dedicated pantry room. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open directly to the serene garden—ideal for indoor-outdoor living and al fresco dining. Also on this level is an elegant powder room and a versatile bedroom currently used as a gym, easily reimagined as a guest room or home office. Parlor Floor: This stunning level is the heart of the home, defined by soaring ceilings, graceful proportions, and rich architectural detail. The north-facing living room is grand and luminous, anchored by a wood-burning fireplace and a dramatic oversized window that floods the space with light. Across the central landing, a south-facing library/den offers a more intimate retreat. Clad in handsome wood paneling with custom bookcases and a decorative fireplace, the space exudes warmth and character. A discreet wet bar and well-placed powder room enhance the floor’s functionality. Third Floor: The serene primary suite overlooks the garden and features a decorative fireplace, walk-in closet, and an en suite bath. A second expansive bedroom faces south, also with a fireplace and walk-in closet—providing comfort and privacy. Fourth Floor: Two large bedrooms offer versatile living options. The rear bedroom features a charming terrace framed by exposed brick. The front bedroom, currently used as a den or family room, overlooks the treetops of 81st Street. A skylit bathroom, additional skylights over the staircase, and a full laundry room complete this floor. Neighborhood: Built in 1880, this elegant residence is located in one of the Upper East Side’s most desirable enclaves, known as the Gold Coast of the Upper East Side. Known for its architectural distinction and historic charm, the area has long been home to New York City’s most iconic townhouses and cultural landmarks. Just moments from The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park, the home offers access to world-class art, nature, and leisure. Nearby Madison Avenue provides premier shopping, upscale dining, and proximity to elite schools—offering an unparalleled lifestyle of convenience and prestige. Experience the pinnacle of luxury living at 129 East 81st Street, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication in the heart of the Upper East Side.

Features & Amenities

Interior Features

High Ceilings Pantry Walk In Closets Laundry Room In Unit See Remarks Flooring: Hardwood Fireplace (1)

Exterior Features

Private Outdoor Space Over60 Sqft Private Yard Terrace

Appliances

Cooktop Dishwasher Refrigerator Wine Cooler

Building Information

Building Data View Compliance & Permits
Total Units 1
Stories 4
Structure House,Townhouse

Financial Details

RE Taxes $81,444/yr ($6,787/mo)
Original Price $6,750,000
Sale Price $6,800,000
Previous Price $6,750,000

The Upper East Side remains the gold standard for classic New York elegance. Known for 'Museum Mile' and its low-traffic, tree-lined streets, the neighborhood offers a refined lifestyle away from the midtown bustle. While famous for its historic cooperatives, the area has seen a recent surge in ultra-luxury new construction condos, particularly along the Second Avenue Subway corridor, making it a top choice for both traditionalists and modern buyers.

Upper East Side Live Market Data

View Neighborhood

Active Listings

339

Median Asking Price

$1.57M

Median $/Sqft

$1,563

Avg Days on Market

N/A

New This Week

27

Price Reduced

27%

Sold (30 Days)

32

Median Sale Price

$1.52M

Live data from RLS at REBNY • Updated 4/25/26, 9:41 PM EST

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Location

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129 E 81st Street, Upper East Side, New York County

Building Information

Official NYC property records for this building

1925
Year Built
101 years old
2
Floors
1
Residential Units
R2
Zoning District
One Family Dwellings

Tax & Assessment

Assessed Value: $144,360
Land Value: $29,040
Exemptions: $0

Note: Individual unit taxes may differ. Verify current tax bills with NYC DOF.

Lot Area: 4,033 SF
Building Area: 2,068 SF
Built FAR: 0.51
Allowed FAR: 0.75

Source: NYC PLUTO (Primary Land Use Tax Lot Output), NYC Department of City Planning (data.cityofnewyork.us)

Want help estimating ownership costs or understanding building compliance? Let's discuss

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this property

The current listed common charges are $0 per month. Confirm the exact amount with the listing broker before making an offer.

The current listed annual property tax is $81,444, or roughly $6,787 per month. Verify the current assessment with your attorney before closing.

This property has 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms and 2 half bathrooms.

The listed interior living area is 4,600 square feet. Verify dimensions independently during due diligence.

According to MLS records, the building was constructed in 1880, making it approximately 146 years old.

This listing is None

Pet policy requires confirmation with the listing broker.

At the current list price of $6,800,000 for 4,600 sq ft, the asking price per square foot is approximately $1,478. This figure is for reference only and may differ from appraised or assessed values.

To schedule a private showing, contact Milton Coste at (917) 416-7433 or mcoste@kwnyc.com. Per REBNY guidelines effective 2025, a Buyer Representation Agreement is required before a buyer's broker can show you properties. You may attend open houses independently without one.

Have a question not answered here?

(917) 416-7433
MLS® ID: RLS20017058
First Listed: 4/17/2025
On Market: 4/17/2025
Price Changed: 7/10/2025
Closed: 7/10/2025
Contract Date: 4/1/2025

Listing Courtesy of Compass - Bahar Tavakolian

Listing Contact: (917) 297-7067

Listing information for certain New York City properties provided courtesy of the Real Estate Board of New York's Residential Listing Service (the "RLS"). The information contained in this listing has not been verified by the RLS and should be verified by the consumer. The listing information provided here is for the consumer's personal, non-commercial use. Retransmission, redistribution or copying of this listing information is strictly prohibited except in connection with a consumer's consideration of the purchase and/or sale of an individual property. This listing information is not verified for authenticity or accuracy and is not guaranteed and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. ©2026 The Real Estate Board of New York, Inc., all rights reserved. This advertisement does not suggest that the broker has a listing in this property or properties or that any property is currently available.

Broker Commission Disclosure: Broker commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable.

Buyer Notice: Planning to work with a buyer's broker? A Buyer Representation Agreement is required before your broker can show you properties, per REBNY/UCBA guidelines (effective 2025). You may attend open houses independently without one.

RLS at REBNY

RLS Data display by Keller Williams NYC. Data last updated on 4/26/2026 at 1:41 AM UTC

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