Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

(917) 416-7433

SOLD FOR $9,300,000

Listed at $12,995,000 · Sold 28.4% below asking · Closed September 27, 2024

121 E 81st Street

$12,995,000

$1,382 per sq ft

121 E 81st Street

Upper East Side, Manhattan

MLS® #RLS10950244

RLS at REBNY

Listing by Leslie J Garfield & Co Inc

5

Bedrooms

8.5

Baths

9,400

Sq. Ft.

1899

Year Built

Quick Summary

Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 9 full, 1 half
Living Area 9,400 sq ft
Lot Size 3,780 sq ft
Year Built 1899
Ownership None
Property Taxes $147,396/yr
Neighborhood Upper East Side

Property Highlights

  • Views: Park Greenbelt, Garden
  • Exposure: North facing
  • Character: Pre-war building (1899)

Property Details

Type Single Family Residence
Ownership None
Total Rooms 20
Baths 8 Full, 1 Half
View Park Greenbelt, Garden
Exposure North
Heating Central, Fireplaces, Hot Water
Pets Yes
Cross Street 505 Park Avenue
Year Built 1899
Living Area 9,400 sq ft
Structure Type House,Townhouse
Furnished Unfurnished
Basement Finished
Lot Size 3,780 sq ft
Parcel # 1510-0012
Block/Lot 01510/0012

Listing History

Event Date Price Change
Listed Apr 18, 2024 $12,995,000 -
Currently Apr 27, 2026 $12,995,000 -

Description

37' of Frontage on 81st Street Not Landmarked or in a Historic District PRICED TO SELL Situated in the heart of the Upper East Side on a lovely townhouse block just off Park Avenue sit two contiguous townhouses located at 121-125 East 81st Street. This very unique and seldom found 37' x 102’ lot that spans both townhouses and encompasses roughly 9,400 square feet above grade is and for sale for the first time in many decades. Originally constructed in 1899, this remarkable five story property was the private residence and office of a very famous designer and music entrepreneur who lived in both as a primary residence and personal office. Below are the details of each of the houses: 121 East 81st Street - Dimensions: 20’ x 50’ - Stories: 5 - Approx. 5,390 sqft (above grade) - Lot: 20’ x 102.17’ (2,043 sqft lot) - Zoning: R8B - Annual Taxes: $75,966 - Residential FAR: 4 - Maximum usable floor area (subject to verification): 8,172 sqft - Not landmarked 125 East 81st Street - Dimensions: 17’ x 44’ - Stories: 4 - Approx. 3,984 sqft (above grade) - Lot: 17’ x 102.17’ (1,737 sqft lot) - Zoning: C1-8X - Annual Taxes: $71,429 - Residential FAR: 4 - Maximum usable floor area (subject to verification): 6,948 sqft - Not landmarked Located in a 4 FAR zone, these townhouses have a total allowable buildable size of 15,000 sq ft (subject to approvals) offering prospective buyers endless opportunities for reimagining and reconfiguration of the space and the chance to make their own mark on this prestigious property. Whether as a private residence, a live/work space, or a new construction project, the possibilities are as vast as the property's potential especially in light of the fact that the properties are not landmarked or in a historic district. Please note that the two houses are still two separate tax lots but have been opened between the two houses on both the third and fourth floors. The buildings have been immaculately maintained and will be delivered vacant. This is a co-exclusive with Lauren Muss.

Features & Amenities

Interior Features

Bookcases Built In Features Cathedral Ceilings Den Entrance Foyer Elevator High Ceilings Pantry Storage Building In Basement In Basement

Exterior Features

Building Storage Building Garden Garden Private Yard Storage

Building Amenities

Fire Alarm Fire Sprinkler System

Building Information

Building Data View Compliance & Permits
Total Units 1
Stories 5
Structure House,Townhouse

Financial Details

RE Taxes $147,396/yr ($12,283/mo)
Sale Price $9,300,000

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

341

Median Asking Price

$1.52M

Median $/Sqft

$1,559

Avg Days on Market

N/A

New This Week

27

Price Reduced

28%

Sold (30 Days)

32

Median Sale Price

$1.52M

Live data from RLS at REBNY • Updated 4/27/26, 11:26 AM EST

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Location

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121 E 81st Street, Upper East Side, New York County • Near 505 Park Avenue

Floor Plans

Floor Plan

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 $147,396, or roughly $12,283 per month. Verify the current assessment with your attorney before closing.

This property has 5 bedrooms and 8 full bathrooms and 1 half bathroom.

The listed interior living area is 9,400 square feet. Verify dimensions independently during due diligence.

According to MLS records, the building was constructed in 1899, making it approximately 127 years old.

This listing is None

Pets are permitted at this property. Contact the listing broker for weight limits or breed restrictions.

At the current list price of $12,995,000 for 9,400 sq ft, the asking price per square foot is approximately $1,382. 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: RLS10950244
First Listed: 4/19/2024
On Market: 4/18/2024
Closed: 9/27/2024
Contract Date: 4/18/2024

Listing Courtesy of Leslie J Garfield & Co Inc - Lydia Rosengarten

Listing Contact: (212) 371-8200

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 4/27/2026 at 3:26 PM UTC

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