The Risk for Overseas Investors Is Not the Manhattan Market—It’s Entering Incorrectly

Posted by Wei Min Tan on February 3, 2026

When international buyers set their sights on Manhattan, they often focus on the overall market trend.  But the real pitfalls lie in the details of how they enter.  Here are three key mistakes:

Read about Wei Min’s style in Best Manhattan property agents and Role of a buyer’s broker.

First, the wrong building.  Some buildings shine with flashy marketing, but that doesn’t always translate into strong investment fundamentals.  Investors may chase the “hot” building without scrutinizing its long-term appreciation potential.  A “great” building in hype might not be a great investment.

Wei Min’s article,  Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Investing In New York Property

Deal example:  The Sutton in Midtown East.  Represented investor client to reserve at pre-construction, waited 2 years for completion, rented out immediately.  Notice the casement windows and luxurious finishings, key drivers of the decisioning process.

Second, the wrong basis.  Entering at too high a price per square foot compared to similar properties is a frequent misstep.  In the rush to secure a Manhattan address, some buyers pay a premium far above comparable units.  Overpaying upfront can flatten or reverse returns down the line.

Third, the wrong apartment line.  Even within a good building, choosing the wrong line of apartments is a hidden danger.  Sometimes, certain lines are discounted for reasons that should raise questions—limited views, odd layouts, or future construction impact.  Selecting the right line is just as crucial as selecting the right building.

Wei Min’s article,  Why Our High-Net-Worth Clients Invest in Manhattan Real Estate

Overseas buyers don’t lose money because Manhattan failed.  They lose money because they entered incorrectly.

What We Do

We focus on global investors buying Manhattan condos for portfolio diversification and long term return-on-investment.
1) Identify the right buy based on objectives
2) Manage the buy process
3) Rent out the property
4) Manage tenants
5) Market the property at the eventual sale