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October 4, 2007
Buying a Brownstone Over FAR
This is related to a previous post about FAR. Is it not worth it to buy a brownstone that is 660 over FAR? Is it a significant disadvantage for a house to be that much over FAR?
Comments
Assuming the building was constructed or expanded within the limits of the allowable zoning square footage at the time (and, of course, correctly filed and built to DOB standards) there's no disadvantage whatsoever. All it means is that you will neither be able to make your space bigger nor sell air rights to any possible nearby development in the future. When FAR rules change in a neighborhood, nobody makes anyone remove square footage that was legal under prior zoning.
Posted by: johnife at October 4, 2007 10:50 AM
You are actually in an advantaged position, since the property is larger than what is allowed. Also, I'm not sure about the comment above re: the inability to sell air/development rights. My instinct tells me that is incorrect.
Posted by: Espresso at October 4, 2007 11:02 AM
Espresso,
How can you sell unused FAR if you don't have any to sell?
Posted by: johnife at October 4, 2007 12:06 PM
The only caveat is that a building over FAR maybe awkward, with dark rooms in the center, so check it out from that standpoint. Otherwise, a good layout above FAR for a neighborhood should in fact command a premium in price, all other things being equal.
Posted by: an architect in Brooklyn at October 4, 2007 1:14 PM
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