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

Posted by Wei Min Tan on September 21, 2026

When international buyers set their sights on Manhattan, they often focus on a recognized brand (location, branded condo building, famous architect) and marketing hype.  These are often pitfalls.  Here are three examples:

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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, usually because it’s associated with a premium brand or star architect, 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.  These hot buildings are always overpriced.  The entry basis is one of the most controllable drivers for an overseas investor.  Alas, most people succumb to the hype and power of marketing.

Entering at too high a price per square foot compared to similar properties is a common mistake.  In the rush to secure a Manhattan address with a recognized brand name, many foreign 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 apartment 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