Co-op Closing Costs in Brooklyn
What buyers and sellers typically pay, and why the numbers matter before you make an offer
What to Expect at the Closing Table
Co-op closing costs are generally lower than condo closing costs, which is one of the real financial advantages of buying a co-op in Brooklyn. But lower does not mean simple, and the specific numbers vary enough by building, price point, and financing situation that it is worth understanding each line item before you get to the table.
The breakdowns below cover what buyers and sellers typically pay in a Brooklyn co-op transaction. The sample estimate at the bottom puts the numbers in context. These figures are a planning tool. Your attorney will confirm what applies to your specific deal.
Co-op Buyer Closing Costs
Professional fees
Buyer's attorney: $2,500 to $5,000
Buyer's broker commission: Varies, only if applicable based on your agreement
Building fees
Building or managing agent fee: $500 and up
Move-in deposit: $500 to $1,000, typically refundable if no damage
Due diligence and prorations
Lien search: $350 plus applicable sales tax
Maintenance adjustment: Prorated for the month of closing
Mansion Tax Applies to purchase prices of $1,000,000 and up:
$1M to under $2M: 1%
$2M to under $3M: 1.25%
$3M to under $5M: 1.5%
$5M to under $10M: 2.25%
$10M to under $15M: 3.25%
$15M to under $20M: 3.5%
$20M to under $25M: 3.75%
$25M and up: 3.9%
Mortgage fees, if financing
Origination costs or points: 0% to 3% of the loan amount
Application, credit check, and related fees: $500 and up
Appraisal: Varies
Bank attorney: $800 to $1,250
UCC-1 filing: $125
Co-op Seller Closing Costs
Professional fees
Seller's attorney: $2,500 to $5,000
Broker commission: Typically 5 to 6%
Building and managing agent fees
Managing agent fees: $650 and up
Move-out deposit: $1,000
Lost stock and lease fees, if applicable: $250 and up
Estate fees, if applicable: Co-op may impose additional fees for estate sales
Flip tax, if applicable: Determined by the co-op building unless otherwise stated or negotiated
Transfer related items
Stock transfer stamps: $0.05 per share
UCC-3 filing, if applicable: $75 to $125
Payoff bank attorney, if applicable: $450 to $550
E-tax filing, ACRIS: $100
Transfer taxes
NYC Real Property Transfer Tax: 1% of sale price if $500K or less; 1.425% if more than $500K
NYS transfer tax: 0.4% of sale price for transactions under $3M; 0.65% for transactions $3M and up
Withholding, in certain cases
NYS capital gains tax withholding: 8.97% of taxable gain on sale, only applicable to non-New York residents
Federal withholding tax, FIRPTA: 10% to 15% of sale price if seller is a non-U.S. resident
Additional taxes on capital gain may apply. Consult your tax professional. This is not tax advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are co-op closing costs lower than condo closing costs? Generally yes. Co-ops do not involve a deed transfer, which eliminates several condo-specific costs including title insurance and mortgage recording tax. Building fees can still vary widely, so confirm the specific schedule with the managing agent early in the process.
What is a flip tax? A flip tax is a fee charged by some co-ops at the time of sale to support the building's reserve fund. Despite the name, it is not a government tax. The formula varies by building and is typically paid by the seller, though it can be negotiated depending on the deal. Before making an offer on a co-op, find out whether the building has a flip tax and what the formula is.
What is a maintenance adjustment? Maintenance is typically paid monthly in advance. At closing, the buyer reimburses the seller for the portion of the month after the closing date.
Why are there UCC filings for co-ops? Co-op ownership is represented by shares and a proprietary lease rather than a deed. When there is financing, lenders use UCC filings to secure their interest in those shares.
Do these costs apply to every co-op? The categories are common but the amounts vary by building, managing agent, and lender. Your attorney will confirm what applies to your specific transaction.
Sample Co-op Closing Cost Breakdown
Assumes $1,750,000 purchase price, 2% flip tax, 5% broker commission, and $3,500 attorney fees.
Estimated Buyer Closing Costs
Mansion Tax: $17,500 (1% of purchase price)
Buyer's Attorney Fee: $3,500
Move-in Deposit: $1,000
Board Application Fees: $500
Move-in Fee: $500
Building Questionnaire Fee: $350
Lien Search Fee: $300
Credit Check: $100
Financing Related Costs, If Financing
Bank's Attorney Fee: $1,000
Loan Application Fee: $1,000
Appraisal Fee: $750
Recognition Agreement Fee: $350
UCC-1 Filing Fee: $100
Estimated Buyer Total Closing Costs: $26,950
Estimated Seller Closing Costs
Broker Commission: $87,500
NYC Transfer Tax: $24,938
NY State Transfer Tax: $7,000
Seller's Attorney Fee: $3,500
Mortgage Satisfaction Recording Fee: $100
Bank Loan Satisfaction Fees: $50
Building Move-out Fee: $500
Building Managing Agent Closing Fee: $500
Flip Tax: $35,000
Estimated Seller Closing Costs: $159,088 Estimated Net Sale Proceeds: $1,590,912
This breakdown is a sample estimate for planning purposes only. Actual closing costs vary based on the specific building's fee schedule, the terms of the deal, financing requirements, and each party's legal and tax situation. Confirm all costs with the managing agent, lender, and your attorney before closing.
Questions About Closing Costs?
Every co-op transaction is different. If you want a clear picture of what to expect for a specific building or deal, I am happy to walk you through it.