Relocating to NYC from Abroad?
Relocating to New York City is exciting, but the way things work here can be a surprise, especially if you’re coming from the UK or overseas. Rentals move quickly, buildings have their own rules, and the paperwork can look very different from what you’re used to.
We help international clients understand the process before they arrive, so they can make confident decisions once they’re here. Whether you’re renting for the first time, your company is sponsoring your housing, or you’re considering buying, we’ll walk you through what to expect and what to prepare.
For most people new to NYC, we recommend renting first. It gives you time to get to know different neighborhoods, find your community and decide where you want to put down roots. Then you can buy when you’re ready.
Renting: How Our Team Can Help
1. We help you get your paperwork in order.
Can you rent in New York without a US credit history? Yes, but be prepared. Landlords typically look for annual income of around 40 times the monthly rent, which is about $200,000 a year for a $5,000 apartment. Many international renters have excellent income and savings but no US credit or employment history. Depending on the landlord, that may mean extra documentation, a guarantor or a third-party guarantor service. We’ll figure out what you need, and what can stand in for standard US documents, before your search begins.
2. We help you budget for the full move-in cost.
The advertised rent isn’t your total move-in cost. Plan for your first month’s rent, a security deposit of one month’s rent and an application fee of up to $20. Condo buildings may charge additional application and move-in fees. If you use a guarantor service, the fee is typically 90–110% of one month’s rent, so roughly $4,500–$5,500 on a $5,000 apartment. Upfront costs add up quickly, so we’ll help you plan for them early.
3. We help when your company is paying your rent.
If your employer is US-based, a company officer may be able to co-sign the lease. If your employer is based abroad, you’ll likely need to sign the lease yourself and use a guarantor service such as TheGuarantors. A corporate lease may also limit your options, and your company should check the tax implications with its advisor. Because rentals move so fast, it’s important to sort this out before you start looking.
4. We guide your search and help you decide.
Search, view, apply, approval, lease signing, funds and keys can all happen quickly, and good apartments are competitive. You may see an apartment and apply that same day. Once your budget, neighborhoods and paperwork are in place, we’ll help you weigh the trade-offs. The same $5,000 a month might get you a 2-bed, 2-bath of about 950 sq ft in Bed-Stuy, a 1-bed in a doorman building of about 650 sq ft on the Upper West Side, or a studio or alcove of about 500 sq ft downtown. If your timing is flexible, renting between October and February is usually less competitive. If you need a furnished apartment, sites like Blueground and Furnished Quarters specialize in them.
5. We prepare you for the New York surprises.
No washing machine in the apartment? That’s completely normal here. Without central air, you may need to buy your own air conditioner. Your idea of a “large bedroom” may change, and pet rules vary by building and landlord. We generally advise renters to avoid co-ops. Renting in a condo usually means board approval, a longer application timeline and more upfront fees.
6. We help you find your community.
Every neighborhood can feel like a different city, so spend time in a few before you decide if you can. Think about what matters most day to day, such as coffee shops, a good supermarket or your commute to the office. If you have children, look into schools early. Public and private schools have very different admissions processes, and zoning can narrow your options quickly. InsideSchools.org is a helpful place to start.
Rent first. Buy when you’re ready.
Moving to New York isn’t just about finding an apartment you love. It’s about understanding the building, the finances, the rules and the neighborhood, and knowing which compromises are worth making. The market moves quickly, but it doesn’t need to feel chaotic. We’d love to help you find your place here.
Buying: What You Need to Know
Understanding whether you can buy.
You don’t need to be a US citizen or permanent resident to buy in New York. Financing is available to foreign nationals, but the terms are usually stricter and often go through a mortgage broker rather than a bank. For most buyers, the real question isn’t whether you can buy but how to structure the purchase.
True cost of buying in NYC.
The purchase price isn’t the total cost. On a $1M purchase, expect a down payment of around $400,000. Closing costs run roughly $20,000 for a co-op or $35,000 for a condo, and the 1% NYC Mansion Tax applies at $1M and above. Add moving and other costs on top. Monthly carrying costs matter just as much: mortgage, common charges or maintenance, and property taxes could total around $6,500 a month. $1M might buy a 2-bed of about 1,000 sq ft in Bed-Stuy, a 1-bed of about 700 sq ft on the Upper West Side or a studio or 1-bed of 500–600 sq ft downtown. Selling in New York is expensive too, so think long term.
Condos, Co-ops & Townhouses
Condo: owning real property.
Co-ops: owning shares in a building.
Townhouses: owning building and the land.
Condos are more flexible and usually more expensive, and they’re easier for international buyers, though there’s still a board process. Co-ops have more rules and stricter financial and board requirements, but they’re often better value. They make up a large share of the city’s housing and work very differently from anything most UK buyers know. Owning a townhouse means you own the building and the land, with the most control and no board approval. You’re also responsible for all upkeep and repairs, and townhouses are the priciest and rarest option.