$850,000
 $4,563 est/mo Sourced by Back At You

38 E 85th Street 1,New York City, NY 10028

New York City, NY 10028

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Description

Pre-Approved Conversion Opportunity - Renovation Required An exceptional opportunity to create a two-bedroom residence in one of the Upper East Side’s most coveted locations, at the corner of Madison Avenue and East 85th Street in the heart of Carnegie Hill. The co-op board has approved the residential conversion, and the New York City Department of Buildings has issued a pre-determination approval, providing a clear path toward transforming the space into a private home. The approved layout reimagines the current ground-floor office into a highly functional and desirable two-bedroom apartment featuring a spacious living and dining area with an open kitchen, two bedrooms, one bathroom, washer/dryer, entry foyer, and generous storage throughout. Please refer to the floor plan in the listing for the proposed configuration. The space offers up to 10’10 high ceilings, central air conditioning, direct street access, and north, east, and west exposures. Architect Marta Satwin-Ramberg of Satwin Architect, P.C. is available to assist the purchaser in obtaining final permits and completing the project. A written estimate from a trusted contractor places the labor cost for the renovation at approximately $120,000, excluding materials. While most windows overlook a quiet interior courtyard that contains not always appealing building service areas, they still provide good natural light and privacy. Therefore, the Installation of bottom-up shades is recommended to maximize both discretion and light. The property also benefits from its own private street entrance while maintaining full access to all building amenities. Whether maintained as a professional office or transformed into a stylish residence, this offering presents exceptional flexibility, value, and upside in a premier Manhattan neighborhood. Located on a charming tree-lined block just one block from Central Park, the building is moments from Equinox, Butterfield Market, Starbucks, and Le Pain Quotidien, as well as some of the city’s best restaurants, boutiques, and cultural institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Convenient access to the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, and R subway lines provides excellent connectivity throughout the city. 38 East 85th Street is a distinguished pre-war co-op built in 1925 by Schwartz & Gross. Full-service amenities include a 24-hour doorman, resident manager, porters, fitness center, recreation room, and bike room. Pets and washer/dryers are permitted, and financing of up to 50% is allowed. Pieds-à-terre and subletting are not permitted. There is a 2% flip tax. A capital assessment of $358 per month is in effect through December 2026, followed by $597 per month through December 2027 for elevator modernization. A rare opportunity offering flexibility, low maintenance, and significant potential in one of Manhattan’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Virtually staged images have been included in the listing to better illustrate the potential of the finished residence. Please contact us to schedule a private showing.

Details

MLS #RLS20070671
Listing TypeFor Sale
StyleHouse
HOA Dues$1,612
Sub-TypeResale
StatusActive
Year1925
Days On Site222
Listing Provided BySothebys International Realty | Harry Nasser

Features

Bed(s)2
Bath(s) 1 Total
SQ Feet107,547
Story(s)12
Units60
Acreage0.23

Interior

Rooms Total4
Heating Yes / NoNo
Cooling Yes / NoNo
AppliancesDryer, Washer
FurnishedUnfurnished
Fireplace Yes / NoNo
Fireplaces Total0
Laundry FeaturesBuilding Washer Dryer Install Allowed, Common On Floor, Common Area, In Unit

Parking

Attached Garage Yes / NoNo
Garage Yes / NoNo
Parking FeaturesGarage

Taxes

Tax Annual Amount0
Tax Block01496
Tax Lot0054

Area Information

StateNY
CountyNew York
CityNew York City
Zip Code10028
AreaManhattan
Community NameUpper East Side
Listing VS Median (in Upper East Side)
Price:
$850,000
low | high
Med:
$2,475,000
100% of Average
sqft:
107,547
low | high
Med:
2,318
100% of Average
$ / sqft:
$8
low | high
Med:
$1,068
100% of Average
On site:
222
low | high
Med:
201.5
100% of Average
Sourced by Back At You

Market Activity 10028

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Learn More About This Property

StateNY
CountyNew York
CityNew York City
Zip Code10028
AreaManhattan
Community NameUpper East Side
Listing VS Median (in Upper East Side)
Price:
$850,000
low | high
Med:
$2,475,000
100% of Average
sqft:
107,547
low | high
Med:
2,318
100% of Average
$ / sqft:
$8
low | high
Med:
$1,068
100% of Average
On site:
222
low | high
Med:
201.5
100% of Average
Sourced by Back At You
Nearby Listings (Within 1/10 mile)
Price: $637K - $1.62M
sqft: 80,500 - 134,000
Nearby Listings Property ImageNearby Listings Details
49 E 86th Street 3B Property Photo 1
$975,000
49 E 86th Street 3b
New York City, NY 10028
Listing Updated: August 6, 2026 at 8:22:50 AM PDT