Top NYC Apartment Amenities - 2025 Buyer's Guide

With all of the new developments and luxury buildings NYC has to offer, developers are competing for buyers’ attention by including the greatest and most unique NYC apartment amenities.

If you have ever rented or searched to buy in one of these state-of-the-art, full-service buildings in NYC, you’ve probably heard the phrase "would you like to see the amenities?"

To a first-time buyer, you will feel like a kid in a candy store. The list of luxury amenities in NYC buildings will make you feel extra special with each one that your agent unveils, but don’t be lured in so quickly by the library, golf simulator, or pet spa. 

For that very reason, we’ve compiled the following buyer’s guide for New Yorkers to help understand the most searched for amenities, as well as determine what you really need vs what you want.

Amenity Decisions - Needs vs. Wants

While amenities can feel luxurious, they will also be adding to the price of your apartment and potentially increasing your common charges on a relative basis. 

Given busy work and social schedules, many New Yorkers note that they spend the majority of their time outside of their building during the day or in their apartment at night. That leaves little time to take advantage of the plentiful amenities. As a result, it is important to make a list of your needs vs wants so you are not paying extra for what you won’t really be using.

First, let’s look at the most searched for amenities in NYC.

Top NYC Apartment Amenities Buyers Search For

• Doorman
• Concierge / Package Services
• Washer/Dryer In-Unit
• Elevator
• Pet-Friendly / Pet Spa
• Outdoor Space
• Roof Terrace / Grilling Area
• Pool (Indoor or Outdoor)
• Lounge / Library
• Children’s Playroom
• Gym / Fitness Center
• Media Room / Screening Room

The Must-Have Amenities in NYC

Whether you like to be personally greeted when you arrive home each night or love the benefits of online shopping, the top must-have amenities for many New Yorkers nowadays include having a doorman and/or special concierge service that collects all of your packages and coordinates your dry cleaning. 

The next highly-requested convenience, especially in luxury buildings, is a top amenity like having a washer/dryer in-unit. This has become a must-have item, and it is rare to find a new development without this feature. Luxury buyers don’t want to consider treks to a building laundry room for their weekly washing.

Finally, outdoor space is a binary decision point for many apartment buyers in NYC as they assess must-have luxuries. For some buyers, this means paying a premium to have a private balcony or terrace. For others, this means access to a shared rooftop terrace at a minimum to gain some fresh air, sun, or grill access.

The Nice-to-Have Amenities for Buyers

Unless you are an avid golfer or a big movie buff, amenities like a golf simulator or a media room with a 100 inch screen TV or projector will more likeable be ways to impress your friends rather than be part of your day-to-day routine.

While a gym or fitness center may seem ubiquitous today, many New Yorkers like the convenience of a go-to workout in their building. That said, you should evaluate the caliber of the available equipment at the gym in your building, especially if you are a fitness buff or seeking something specific like a steam room, basketball court, climbing wall, or set of Peloton bikes. Does the building stack up to the offerings of your Equinox or boutique fitness memberships? 

Another nice-to-have amenity, particularly if you have children, is a playroom. Your nanny or babysitter might get more use of this day-to-day, however a building play area is a welcomed gathering area for NYC parents looking for kid-friendly activities on weekends.

Are pets allowed? Do they have amenity options too?

If you are one of the many New Yorkers who view your pet dog or cat as a member of the family, starting to look for apartments and buildings that are pet-friendly is the natural first step.

The next step is to seek buildings that go above and beyond for your furry friends. Some newer luxury buildings offer added pet-friendly amenities including, but not limited to, roof or terrace level pet relief areas (no more walks on the street) as well as pet spas for periodic grooming and spa treatments.

Is there an indoor or outdoor pool available? 

New York isn’t the location you first think of for swimming pools being an automatic amenity given the seasonal changes in weather. You would be lucky to get Memorial Day to Labor Day for sunbathing on the deck of a rooftop pool.

There are a larger number of for sale listings in NYC though that include a pool under amenities given there are both outdoor as well as indoor pools.

In a recent query of available listings, 17.8% of listings in Manhattan include pool as an amenity.

Are amenities included in my monthly common charges or maintenance?

Most luxury condo buildings include amenities as part of your common charges. This is different than many luxury rental buildings that charge an additional monthly fee to access the gym and other amenities.

What amenities do you care about in a NYC apartment?

The amenities included in a NYC apartment will vary. Evaluate the must-have vs nice-to-have amenities for you and determine what your budget allows as you begin to setup your search for a NYC apartment.

 

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