Top 50 NYC Penthouses for Sale

The Appeal of Owning a New York Penthouse

Owning a Penthouse apartment in NYC has long been an indication of having a superior level of wealth. It’s the ultimate status symbol of the rich and guaranteed to garner wanted, and sometimes unwanted, attention in the luxury real estate market. In NYC, ultra high net worth individuals are not only showing off with these over-the-top apartments, but they are also preserving their wealth by stashing $20 million, $50 million, $100 million and now even up to $200M into these vertical bank accounts of sorts - New York real estate. Investment property in this New York is seen as a stable and lucrative option.

Why not store value outside traditional financial institutions? Let’s be honest, real estate can be a safer investment than keeping tons of money in a bank account (where the FDIC covers only $250K if the bank goes under - remember Lehman) or the stock market (again, remember Lehman Brothers when the Dow fell to 6,000?). These trials and tribulations in financial markets happen more than one would think and for the top 1%, owning a Penthouse in NYC might make a lot of sense.

Historical Significance and Modern Advancements

Looking back 100 years, the top floor of a residential building was always relegated to the staff quarters and not considered a special apartment like we do today. Staff would have to walk up 12 flights of stairs to get to their homes. Today, our wealthiest clients would never entertain anything like that, thanks to modern architectural design.

With the adoption of elevators in the 1920s, New York real estate changed dramatically. In NYC, the first Penthouse apartment was thought to be at 1107 Fifth Avenue in the Upper East Side. With 54 rooms on the top 3 floors of this 14-story building, New York City had never seen such a thing. Little did they know what was to come. Modern amenities have also played a significant role in transforming penthouse living.

Technological advancements have allowed developers to build their towers much much taller, reaching 1,500 feet in the air, such as the penthouse at Central Park Tower. Recent elevator advancements allow owners to get to their 129th floor apartments in 90 seconds. When not in the clouds (which sometimes happens), natural light floods these high-rise penthouses, enhancing the expansive interior space and allowing for all four exposures.

Features of Luxury Penthouses

Definition of New York Penthouse has Changed

While most people consider the Penthouse level to be solely the top floor of the building, today, that is no longer the case. For example, 15 Hudson Yards has 9 floors of penthouses! Many of these luxurious penthouses feature two bedrooms, catering to a variety of upscale living needs. Many also come with a private elevator for added convenience and exclusivity.

Often, penthouses will have a large living spaces, high ceilings, the grandest floor plans, huge bedroom suites, and special amenities such as private outdoor terraces, private pool, breakfast bar, floor-to-ceiling windows, and one-of-a-kind layouts and finishes.

Most New York City penthouses will have outstanding views whether they are located on the 40th floor or the 100th floor, so that is the one thing that is consistent about them. These properties offer expansive views and sweeping views of the cityscape, enhancing the luxurious living experience. No longer are double sinks sufficient, many penthouses have his and hers primary baths with luxurious finishes.

If you have a fear of heights and are considering buying a NY Penthouse, you may want to reconsider, or choose one in a low-rise building. Penthouses on the 70th, 80th or 129th floor are not made for the faint of heart.

Interior Space and Exterior Space Expectations

Developer usually build the largest units at the top of the building, so expect the size of the apartment to equal the floor plate of the building itself. The penthouses mentioned here have a minimum of 5,000 interior sq ft. While some have terraces and loggias, many do not for the simple reason that high winds can impede enjoyment of outdoor space at high altitudes.

The higher one goes in a building, the more wind and weather one will experience. This is why there are very few supertalls that have outdoor space as part of their penthouse apartments. Unless the apartments are designed in a way to limit the effects of high winds at higher altitudes, those outdoor spaces won't be as useful as one might expect.

How much does a penthouse cost in New York NY? 

Penthouses in Manhattan can be very expensive, with the price per square foot often reaching astronomical levels. The luxury market is particularly competitive, driving prices even higher. The most expensive and exclusive penthouse for sale in Q2 2024 is a triplex at Central Park tower at $195M. The price of this triplex had been reduced from $250M.

Notable NYC Penthouses in Midtown Manhattan

Central Park Tower

Central Park Tower has the tallest penthouse in New York and the world, a triplex penthouse (3 full floors) that starts on the 129th floor that is listed for $195 Million. This penthouse is the most expensive penthouse in NYC. It's also huge at 15,898 sq ft interior and 1,433 exterior space. Central Park Tower also has a duplex penthouse starting on the 127th floor with 11,535 sq ft interior space. In addition, while not penthouses per se, Central Park Tower also has 19 full floor, approx 7,000 sq ft apartments from the 107th to the 126th floors, all with skyline and 360-degree views. Apartments at CPT, as it's called have floor to ceiling windows in a glass curtain wall.

220 Central Park South

220 Central Park South, one of the most expensive buildings in NYC, is the pinnacle of luxury. The position of the building along Central Park South allows for sweeping views of the park. The most expensive penthouse to sell in this building was PH73 which sold for $188 million in December 2021, however, since then the building sold a non-penthouse apartment, a triplex on the 50th floor, for $240 million in January 2019 - a record breaking amount.

432 Park Avenue

At 432 Park Avenue the most expensive listing in 2021 was $169 million, however, the apartment didn’t sell and was taken off the market in 2022 but re-listed at $105M. At 8,255 sq ft it is one of the largest full-floor New York Penthouses.

15 Central Park West

A penthouse like the one at 15 Central Park West has 6,444 sq ft interior and 1,870 sq ft of usable outdoor space over looking Central Park from the 41st floor. This would be a great option for a buyer who wants to connect to Central Park as if it were the back yard. It's a perfect apartment for entertaining. This penthouse also offers a stunning skyline view and vistas of the East River.

NYC Penthouse in Downtown

One High Line Residences

Located in the vibrant West Chelsea neighborhood, One High Line penthouses are the epitome of sophistication, offer stunning views of the city and the Hudson River. While this building is not a super tall, like those in Midtown, these twisting towers are some of the tallest in this low rise neighborhood allowing for great views. The Faena hotel is located on the lower floors of the East tower, a rarity especially in downtown.

The Cortland

Unlike many of the buildings listed here, The Cortland, located in West Chelsea is only 25 stories tall. The top three apartments are penthouses ranging from 5,760 sq ft to 6,320 sq ft with the most expensive listed around $40M. While not a penthouse per se, unit 11AW is a most unique apartment in the building with a huge terrace that overlooks the Hudson River and is perfect for entertaining, simply unwind on a day to day basis and even gardening.

56 Leonard

Known as the "Jenga Tower," 56 Leonard is an architectural masterpiece. The penthouse has a breathtaking skyline view and unique design. Designed by Hurzog & DeMuron, it is one of the tallest buildings in Tribeca. The top Penthouse here is 7,779 sq ft interior and These residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious terraces, and bespoke interiors.

35 Hudson Yards

Offering luxury at new heights, the penthouses at 35 Hudson Yards boast stunning views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. These homes include lavish finishes, expansive living spaces, and access to premium amenities. One of the Penthouses here was featured on Succession. The Hudson Yards complex itself is home to a high-end shopping mall, class-A office buildings and the Culture Shed. 35 Hudson Yards features the Flagship Equinox Hotel and Equinox fitness center on the lower floors.

277 Fifth Avenue

Located in the heart of NoMad, the four penthouses at 277 Fifth Avenue offer sleek modern design and panoramic, skyline views of the city. The top two penthouses are 4,250 sq ft with 780 sq ft loggias. Designed by Rafael Vynoly and being sold by Douglas Elliman, these residences feature spacious layouts, luxurious finishes, and access to world-class amenities.

Of course, the best penthouses are not all located in Manhattan (although most are). Boasting amazing views of Manhattan, across the East River, the best penthouses can be found in buildings Olympia Dumbo, Brooklyn Tower or Brooklyn Point.

How to Buy a New York Penthouse

Top real estate brokers, the gatekeepers of these ultra luxury properties, are required to screen buyers of penthouse apartments as a security precaution. Be prepared to show Proof of Funds if you want to visit any of these Top penthouses. These sellers don’t want just anyone roaming their multi million dollar apartments! Be prepared to Show Them the Money if you want to get in to see one of these. Therefore, don’t expect to be able to show up to an open house, there aren't any for these types of apartments.