Closing Costs:
Co-ps
What buyers and sellers typically pay in NYC
Closing Costs: Co-ops
Co-op closing costs vary by building, purchase price, and whether you are financing. Below are the most common line items buyers and sellers should expect in a New York City co-op transaction.
Co-op Buyer Closing Costs (NYC)
Professional fees
Buyer’s attorney: $2500 to $5000
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 (NYC)
Professional fees
Seller’s attorney: $2500 to $5000
Broker commission: Typically 5-6%
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 with your tax professional to ensure compliance. Corcoran is not a licensed tax advisor.
FAQ
Are co-op closing costs lower than condo closing costs?
Often, yes. Co-ops generally do not involve a deed transfer, and the fee structure can be simpler. That said, building fees can vary widely, so it is smart to confirm the specific schedule early.
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 reserves. Despite the name, it is not a city tax. The formula differs by building and it may be paid by the seller or negotiated depending on the deal.
What is a maintenance adjustment?
Maintenance is usually 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 commonly use UCC filings to secure their interest.
Do these costs apply to every co-op?
The categories are common, but required fees and 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
NYC 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
Seller Power of Attorney Recording Fee: $0
Building Move-out Fee: $500
Building Managing Agent Closing Fee: $500
Building Flip Tax — $35,000
Co-op UCC-3 Termination Fee: $0
Co-op Transfer Tax Filing Fee: $0
Co-op Stock Transfer Tax: $0
Estimated Seller Closing Costs: $159,088
Estimated Net Sale Proceeds: $1,590,912
Disclaimer: This breakdown is a sample estimate for planning purposes only. Actual closing costs can vary significantly based on the specific co-op’s fee schedule, the terms of the deal, financing and lender requirements, and each party’s legal and tax situation. Buyer and seller costs should be confirmed with the managing agent, lender, and your attorney for the specific transaction.
Work With Craig
Whether you are early in your search or prepared to move quickly, thoughtful planning makes a difference. If you are considering a purchase in Brooklyn or Manhattan, I would be glad to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.