help me buy the rights to build a rooftop house

I’m looking for someone who can help me buy the rights to build a small home and deck on top of the roof of a building. I do not have a specific building. I am planning to approach owners in my community with offers. Generally these are 6 to 10 story buildings from the early 1900s. I need help in structuring the offer and agreements to make sure that when the purchase is made I actually have the right to build the home I want (and of course help me get the best price possible). Who has experience in purchasing buildable air rights, especially at the early (looking) stage?

nyc0411

in General Discussion 4 years and 9 months ago

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resident2 | 4 years and 9 months ago

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Any owner that has enough build-able square feet available in the zoning codes is not going to “sell” it to a novice!

stickerhappy | 4 years and 9 months ago

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After all the expense and hassle of attempting a project like this, you’d probably be better off just buying a top floor coop or condo apartment and renovating it to your specifications.

Guest User | 4 years and 9 months ago

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Assuming you build a rooftop home, how do you plan to get to it? elevator? stairs? Where will your pipes go? The builder owner would have to allow a lot of construction (and probably demolition) work to support your home. I can’t see it interesting anyone.

JohnHancock | 4 years and 9 months ago

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“I do not have a specific building. I am planning to approach owners in my community with offers.”

hkapstein | 4 years and 9 months ago

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Are you proposing to buy the air rights to build on top of a building you own, or to build a house on top of someone else’s building?

ceci | 4 years and 9 months ago

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Consult with a Real Estate attorney, this is your best bet!!!