
Penthouses carry a reputation for their grandeur and luxurious finishes. Picture entering your New York City apartment building, getting into the elevator, and pressing the floor “PH.” The doors open into your private suite with sweeping city views. Penthouse apartments exist throughout cities with high-rise apartment buildings, but they’re incredibly common in New York City. They come at an expensive price, and are typically popular purchases for celebrities or other wealthy buyers. While many people own their penthouses, others choose to rent units, especially if it’s not their primary residence. Renters and buyers can find multiple penthouse units on the market at a time, even during the slower season.
What is a Penthouse?
The penthouse is the unit on the top floor of a building. The word “penthouse” comes from the French word for “appendage,” and penthouses used to refer to small structures built on the roof of a building. Old penthouses did not offer luxury finishes and were not desirable amongst the elite. Rooftops flourished in the United States in the early 1920s, when the Plaza Hotel opened its penthouse suite to overlook Central Park. Nowadays, most people associate penthouses with dazzling amenities, striking views, and state-of-the-art finishes.
Penthouse vs. Apartment
A penthouse is a type of apartment in an apartment building. Not all apartment buildings have penthouses, but some luxury buildings and new developments may include a top floor dedicated to penthouses. Nowadays, developers no longer place an additional unit on the roof; instead, they incorporate the penthouse into the main design of the building. Reputable architects and design firms collaborate to create exquisite units that charge a lofty price.
Those who choose to purchase a penthouse apartment will face the same distinction in unit types that are similar across all apartments: condos vs co-ops.
How Much is a Penthouse Apartment?
The average rent for a New York City apartment is $4,460, and New York City renters should expect to pay more than average for a stellar apartment. Luxury units range in price, and penthouse apartments charge an additional premium. Renters can expect to spend at least $10,000 monthly on impressive penthouse apartments.
When browsing penthouse apartments for rent or sale, look for a unit number called #PH. This indicates “penthouse.” Some buildings may offer a couple of penthouse units, and therefore number their penthouses accordingly.
Penthouse Apartment for Rent
While penthouses share qualities like their location in the building, they come in varying sizes, styles, and designs. Check out some of the following penthouse apartments for rent in New York City:
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Neighborhood: Financial District
Price: $20,000
Size: 2 Bed, 2.5 Bath
This impressive penthouse apartment offers a rustic style with exposed beams and pipes, hardwood floors, and exposed brick. The unit couples those distinct features with floor-to-ceiling windows, private outdoor space, and impressive views of Downtown Manhattan. This unit continues to impress with a sauna bathroom, a grand stone carved bathtub, and Art Deco doors from a Hawaiian theater.
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Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Price: $11,696
Size: 2 Bed, 2 Bath
Brooklyn also offers a fair share of penthouse apartments that offer Manhattan views. This unit boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the water and the skyline. Throughout the unit, tenants will find private outdoor balconies, top-of-the-line kitchen appliances, and dimmable LED track lighting. Those who rent the unit can also access the club amenities throughout the building, including a cold plunge pool and sauna, a social lounge, and a work-from-home space.
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Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Price: $45,000
Size: 4 Bed, 4 Bath
This deluxe penthouse apartment does not leave too much to the imagination. Those looking for expansive outdoor space will appreciate the 1,000-square-foot terrace overlooking Central Park. The floor-through unit provides 360-degree views of the city, and each bedroom boasts an ensuite bathroom, turning each space into a private suite.
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Penthouse Apartment for Sale
There are numerous opportunities for prospective buyers to purchase a penthouse apartment throughout New York City. As with many luxury properties, the price ranges from expensive to unfathomable. Here are a few show-stopping units on the market:
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Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Price: $6,250,000
Size: 3 Bed, 2 Bath
Buyers looking to live in one of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods will appreciate this penthouse with a spacious outdoor terrace. The unit combines old-school elegance with modern finishes to create a sophisticated and convenient living space. This penthouse resides in a building dripping with well-known owners, including previous residents like Julia Roberts and Marlon Brando. This entire building drips with grandeur; just check out the lobby.
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Neighborhood: East Village
Price: $9,995,000
Size: 4 Bed, 3.5 Bath
This penthouse apartment provides an air of elegance and boasts 15-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows. There is plenty of room to spread out in this unit, and owners will also find a private terrace with sweeping views. This unit offers plenty of fine details, including elegant bathrooms with Bianco Carrara honed marble mosaic walls and floors, a Corbata Nero marble-framed mirror, and a ceruse white oak vanity.
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Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Price: $24,700,000
Size: 7 Bed, 6.5 Bath
It’s difficult to picture living in a space this grand. The unit features dramatic curved architecture, high ceilings, and oversized living spaces reminiscent of ballrooms. Every room offers an impressive view of New York City, whether that’s the skyline or Central Park. The building offers amenities like a swimming pool, a fitness center with a spa, and a library.
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Conclusion
Penthouse apartments have a strong reputation for a reason. They’re highly desirable apartments among the elite that feature fantastic views and host numerous high-quality amenities. Those who decide to purchase or rent a penthouse apartment have higher incomes than most city residents. While most New York City renters can only dream of living in a penthouse apartment, there are numerous online listings to look at in the meantime.
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