Business & Finance
New York City second-home tax pushes wealthy owners to seek advice, but mass sales remain unlikely
Tax experts say high-net-worth residents are exploring options under New York City's pied-à-terre tax, while nearby towns leverage lower rates to attract buyers.
The short version
- New York City's tax on second homes has led wealthy property owners to consult accountants and attorneys, though experts expect few to sell their real estate.
- Specialists note there are very few loopholes available to bypass the city's pied-à-terre tax.
- Nearby municipalities like Greenwich, Connecticut, are highlighting financial advantages, including lower property tax rates and an absence of New York's mansion tax.
Key facts
- New York City has implemented a tax on second homes, prompting wealthy residents to seek professional tax and legal advice.[Business Insider]
- Tax and legal advisors report that there are few available loopholes to avoid the new city tax.[Business Insider]
- Real estate experts do not expect the tax to trigger a widespread sale of luxury properties by ultra-wealthy owners.[Business Insider]
- Greenwich, Connecticut, features property taxes roughly 50% lower than neighboring Westchester County, New York, and does not impose New York's mansion tax on home sales of $1 million or more.[Business Insider]
- Caspi Development is constructing luxury condominiums in downtown Greenwich selling for up to $12 million, surpassing the town's previous condo sale record of $6.75 million.[Business Insider]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unknown whether lower-tax suburban jurisdictions will successfully draw high-net-worth buyers away from New York City over the long term.[Business Insider]