NYC Condos with In-Unit Laundry Under $1 Million: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

New York City’s real estate market is a labyrinth of high prices, fierce competition, and unique demands. For many buyers, finding a condo with in-unit laundry under $1 million feels like chasing a unicorn. Yet, this coveted feature—once considered a luxury—is increasingly a must-have for modern urban dwellers. In-unit laundry offers convenience, privacy, and a touch of self-sufficiency in a city where time is as valuable as space. This blog post explores the landscape of NYC condos with in-unit laundry priced under $1 million, diving into market trends, desirable neighborhoods, key considerations, and practical tips for prospective buyers. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this guide will help you navigate the market and uncover opportunities in the city that never sleeps.

Why In-Unit Laundry Matters

In a city where laundromats are common but often inconvenient, in-unit laundry is a game-changer. No more hauling laundry bags down elevators or across streets, waiting for machines, or dealing with shared laundry room schedules. For families, professionals, or anyone with a busy lifestyle, having a washer and dryer in the home saves time and adds comfort. Additionally, condos with in-unit laundry tend to hold their value better, as this feature aligns with growing buyer expectations. In a 2024 report by StreetEasy, listings with in-unit laundry commanded a 5-10% price premium in some NYC neighborhoods, reflecting strong demand.

However, finding such condos under $1 million is challenging. NYC’s median condo price hovers around $1.4 million, according to Q2 2025 data from the Douglas Elliman Real Estate Report. Budget-conscious buyers must balance location, size, and amenities, often making trade-offs to secure this feature. The good news? Opportunities exist, especially in emerging neighborhoods or with strategic compromises.

The NYC Condo Market in 2025

The NYC condo market in 2025 is shaped by several factors: rising interest rates, post-pandemic shifts in buyer preferences, and a push for modern amenities like in-unit laundry. While Manhattan remains the priciest borough, with median condo prices around $1.8 million, outer boroughs like Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx offer more affordable options. Inventory has tightened slightly since 2024, with a 3% decrease in listings under $1 million, per StreetEasy data, but new developments and conversions continue to add supply.

In-unit laundry is no longer exclusive to luxury buildings. Developers in mid-tier projects, particularly in Brooklyn and Queens, are including washer-dryer hookups to attract younger buyers. Co-op buildings, while more common in NYC, often lack in-unit laundry due to plumbing restrictions or board rules, making condos the better bet for this feature. Condos also offer fewer ownership restrictions, appealing to investors and first-time buyers alike.

Top Neighborhoods for Condos with In-Unit Laundry Under $1 Million

To find condos with in-unit laundry under $1 million, buyers often need to look beyond Manhattan’s core. Here’s a breakdown of promising neighborhoods across NYC’s boroughs, based on 2025 market data and trends.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn has become a hotspot for affordable condos with modern amenities. Neighborhoods like Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, and Bedford-Stuyvesant offer options under $1 million, often in newer boutique buildings or renovated pre-war structures.

• Prospect Heights: Known for its proximity to Prospect Park and cultural hubs like the Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Heights offers one-bedroom condos with in-unit laundry starting around $700,000-$900,000. Recent sales include a 650-square-foot one-bedroom at 550 Vanderbilt Avenue for $825,000, featuring a stacked washer-dryer unit.

• Crown Heights: This neighborhood is gaining traction for its affordability and vibrant community. One-bedroom condos with in-unit laundry can be found in the $600,000-$800,000 range, particularly in new developments along Franklin Avenue. A recent listing at 341 Eastern Parkway, a 700-square-foot unit, sold for $750,000.

• Bedford-Stuyvesant: Bed-Stuy’s historic charm and ongoing gentrification make it a prime spot. Condos here, often in converted townhouses, start at $550,000 for studios or small one-bedrooms with in-unit laundry. A 600-square-foot unit at 1234 Bedford Avenue sold for $695,000 in early 2025.

Queens

Queens offers some of the best value for condos with in-unit laundry, especially in neighborhoods like Long Island City, Astoria, and Jackson Heights.

• Long Island City (LIC): LIC’s skyline is dotted with new condo towers, many of which include in-unit laundry. Studios and one-bedrooms under $1 million are common, with prices starting at $650,000. A 500-square-foot studio at The Harrison (27-21 44th Drive) sold for $680,000, boasting a washer-dryer combo.

• Astoria: Known for its diverse dining and proximity to Manhattan, Astoria has condos in the $600,000-$850,000 range. A 750-square-foot one-bedroom at 21-45 31st Street, with in-unit laundry, sold for $790,000 in Q1 2025.

• Jackson Heights: This historic neighborhood offers spacious condos in pre-war buildings, some retrofitted with laundry hookups. Prices start around $500,000 for studios, with a 650-square-foot one-bedroom at 35-65 86th Street selling for $720,000.

The Bronx

The Bronx remains NYC’s most affordable borough, with condos in neighborhoods like Riverdale and Mott Haven offering in-unit laundry at lower price points.

• Riverdale: This leafy enclave has condos in the $400,000-$700,000 range. A 600-square-foot one-bedroom at 3636 Greystone Avenue, with in-unit laundry, sold for $550,000 in 2025.

• Mott Haven: An up-and-coming area, Mott Haven’s new developments include condos with modern amenities. A 650-square-foot one-bedroom at 305 East 139th Street sold for $620,000, featuring in-unit laundry.

Manhattan

Manhattan is the toughest borough for finding condos under $1 million with in-unit laundry, but neighborhoods like Inwood, Washington Heights, and Harlem offer possibilities.

• Inwood/Washington Heights: These Upper Manhattan neighborhoods have condos starting at $500,000. A 700-square-foot one-bedroom at 100 Bennett Avenue in Washington Heights, with in-unit laundry, sold for $675,000.

• Harlem: Central and East Harlem have seen new condo developments with modern amenities. A 600-square-foot one-bedroom at 2280 Frederick Douglass Boulevard sold for $780,000, including a washer-dryer.

Staten Island

While less popular with Manhattan-centric buyers, Staten Island offers spacious condos with in-unit laundry at lower prices. In St. George, a 900-square-foot one-bedroom with laundry sold for $450,000 at 100 Bay Street Landing. The trade-off is a longer commute to Manhattan, but the affordability and space are unmatched.

Key Considerations for Buyers

Finding a condo with in-unit laundry under $1 million requires careful planning. Here are key factors to consider:

Budget and Financing

• Price Range: Studios and one-bedrooms dominate this price bracket. Expect 400-800 square feet, with occasional two-bedrooms in the Bronx or Staten Island.

• Additional Costs: Condo ownership includes monthly common charges ($300-$1,000) and property taxes ($200-$600/month). Factor these into your budget.

• Financing: Interest rates in 2025 are around 6.5-7% for 30-year fixed mortgages, per Freddie Mac. Pre-approval strengthens your offer in a competitive market.

Building Type

• New Developments vs. Resale: New condos often include in-unit laundry as standard, but they may come with higher common charges. Resale units in older buildings might require retrofitted laundry, which can involve plumbing costs.

• Boutique vs. High-Rise: Boutique buildings (under 50 units) offer charm but may have higher fees. High-rises often have more amenities but less character.

Location Trade-Offs

• Commute Time: Outer boroughs and Upper Manhattan require longer commutes (30-60 minutes to Midtown). Weigh this against cost savings.

• Neighborhood Amenities: Prioritize areas with good transit, dining, and green spaces. For example, Prospect Heights offers subway access (2/3, B/Q) and proximity to Prospect Park.

Laundry Logistics

• Washer-Dryer Type: Many units have compact or stacked units to save space. Confirm the setup (vented vs. ventless dryer) and check for hookup reliability.

• Building Rules: Some condos allow in-unit laundry but require board approval or specific installations to meet plumbing codes.

Tips for Finding and Buying Your Condo

1. Work with a Buyer’s Agent: A real estate agent familiar with NYC’s market can identify listings with in-unit laundry and negotiate on your behalf. Look for agents with experience in your target neighborhoods.

2. Use Online Tools: Platforms like StreetEasy, Zillow, and Realtor.com allow filtering for in-unit laundry. Set alerts for new listings, as inventory moves quickly.

3. Attend Open Houses: Visit properties in person to assess laundry setups, unit condition, and building amenities. Bring a checklist to compare features.

4. Research New Developments: Developers often release units in phases. Check sites like NewYorkYIMBY.com for upcoming projects in Brooklyn or Queens.

5. Consider Fixer-Uppers: Some older condos can be retrofitted with laundry for $5,000-$15,000, depending on plumbing. Factor this into your budget and negotiate the purchase price.

6. Act Quickly: Desirable units under $1 million, especially with in-unit laundry, often receive multiple offers. Be prepared to bid competitively or include a personal letter to stand out.

Case Studies: Recent Sales

To illustrate what’s possible, here are three recent sales of NYC condos with in-unit laundry under $1 million, based on 2025 market data:

1. Prospect Heights, Brooklyn: A 675-square-foot one-bedroom at 438 Sterling Place sold for $799,000. Features: in-unit washer-dryer, hardwood floors, and proximity to the 2/3 subway. Monthly charges: $450 (common), $300 (taxes).

2. Long Island City, Queens: A 525-square-foot studio at 5-49 Borden Avenue sold for $670,000. Features: washer-dryer combo, modern kitchen, and river views. Monthly charges: $600 (common), $250 (taxes).

3. Riverdale, Bronx: An 800-square-foot one-bedroom at 3601 Johnson Avenue sold for $580,000. Features: spacious layout, in-unit laundry, and parking access. Monthly charges: $400 (common), $200 (taxes).

Challenges and Trade-Offs

Buyers should be aware of potential hurdles:

• Limited Inventory: Only about 15% of NYC condos under $1 million have in-unit laundry, per StreetEasy’s 2025 data.

• Space Constraints: Units in this price range are often small, with laundry units taking up closet or kitchen space.

• Higher Costs in Manhattan: Manhattan condos with in-unit laundry rarely dip below $700,000, pushing buyers to outer boroughs.

• Bidding Wars: Popular neighborhoods like Prospect Heights see fierce competition, driving prices up 5-10% above asking.

Future Trends

Looking ahead, the demand for in-unit laundry is likely to grow as remote work and urban lifestyles prioritize convenience. Developers are responding by incorporating washer-dryer hookups into more mid-tier projects, especially in Brooklyn and Queens. Additionally, city initiatives to streamline permitting for laundry retrofits in older buildings could expand options for buyers. Keep an eye on emerging neighborhoods like East New York or Soundview, where new developments may offer affordable condos with modern amenities by 2026.

Conclusion

Finding a NYC condo with in-unit laundry under $1 million is challenging but achievable with the right strategy. By focusing on neighborhoods like Prospect Heights, Long Island City, or Riverdale, leveraging online tools, and working with experienced agents, buyers can secure a home that meets their needs without breaking the bank. While trade-offs like longer commutes or smaller square footage may be necessary, the convenience and value of in-unit laundry make the search worthwhile. As NYC’s real estate market evolves, staying informed and acting quickly will be key to landing your dream condo in 2025.