New York City apartments come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, and some renters prefer certain options over others. While some renters look for a luxury Manhattan high-rise, others may dream about a historic Brooklyn brownstone. Luckily, there are numerous opportunities for renters to lease a brownstone unit in Brooklyn. However, those looking for this type of unit should prepare to pay a premium for this desirable kind of apartment. Since builders no longer use brownstone to build apartments, there is competition for this kind of unit.
What is a Brooklyn Brownstone?
A brownstone is another word for a townhouse or rowhouse. In all cases, this type of building consists of a narrow residential unit with multiple floors and staircases. Those who live in brownstones may find one or two rooms on each floor, and may have three to four floors in the building, in addition to a basement area. This type of home grew in popularity due to the abundance of its main building material, brownstone. While developers no longer use brownstone to build row houses, these apartments remain popular for buyers and renters.
What is Brownstone?
Brownstones specifically get their name from their facade material. Brownstone is a soft sandstone that starts in a pink color, but then turns to a dark brown. Developers found this material throughout Connecticut in the 19th century and used it to build row houses with brick facades. As time passed, brownstone eventually became more fashionable and easier to use than bricks, making it the go-to material for new homes.
Brownstone proved a durable material, as many brownstones still exist in modern day. New York City renters will find brownstones throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Brownstone Amenities
Many renters and buyers value brownstones for their distinct features and amenities. Developers no longer use brownstone to build apartments, meaning renters will not find modern brownstones with current trends. However, there are cases where owners renovate their properties, giving them a blank slate similar to modern builds. In most cases, even those who renovate their units will preserve the charming characteristics, including fireplaces, crown molding, hardwood floors, and bay windows.
Brownstones also often have private outdoor space, or communal outdoor space if they split the building into multiple units. The private yard typically fits furniture or provides enough space for a small dog to play.
Some owners continue to upgrade their brownstones by adding modern appliances, like dishwashers, stainless steel appliances, and in-unit laundry machines. However, renters should not always expect to find these added bonuses in a brownstone unit.
How Much is a Brownstone in Brooklyn?
Renters can expect to pay a premium for this highly sought-after style. Brownstones remain popular for their look, but they also offer renters more space than a typical new apartment. Older builds often boast larger floor plans, and brownstones may also have access to outdoor space. Some also reside in popular neighborhoods or historic districts, increasing their costs.
Since brownstones take up numerous floors, there are opportunities for owners to separate one brownstone into multiple units. This increases revenue for the owner while also providing more affordable individual apartments for renters. Therefore, during their apartment search, renters may come across entire brownstones for rent or individual units that reside in one building. Of the available units on RentHop at the moment, around 100 advertisements reside in Brooklyn brownstones.
Renters can expect to pay $3,800 for a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. However, depending on the competitive nature of brownstones, they should expect to spend more for a desirable unit. Additionally, as a brownstone offers more amenities, like in-unit laundry, renters can expect to spend more on rent.
Brooklyn Brownstone for Sale
In the market to buy a Brooklyn brownstone instead of rent? Those with enough savings for a down payment can consider buying a Brooklyn brownstone. Buyers can purchase the entire brownstone to access all floors, including any outdoor space. Those looking to buy property should expect to spend over $1,500,000 for a brownstone in Brooklyn. Buyers can reach out to local real estate experts to learn more about the differences in buying this type of property compared to purchasing other units in Brooklyn or New York City.
Rooms for Rent in a Brooklyn Brownstone
Not ready to rent an entire unit? There is an opportunity for June 2025 renters to secure a bedroom in a Prospect Heights building. 287 Park Place includes five bedrooms and three bathrooms, and renters can lease a furnished bedroom for $3,300. This primary bedroom includes three south-facing windows, original pine shutters, and a decorative mantle. Throughout the brownstone, renters will enjoy private outdoor space, a chef’s kitchen, and furnished common areas. This is a rare chance to live in a slice of history, and renters can lease the unit for three to twelve months.
Prospective renters could also lease this two-bedroom brownstone apartment. 199 Bergen Street #2 offers a short-term furnished rental for the summer. This Boerum Hill apartment boasts charming features, including multiple fireplaces, hardwood floors, and original pocket doors. Renters can spread out across the two bedrooms and the spacious living area. Each bedroom receives plenty of natural light, and the primary area rests in the rear of the unit, keeping it quiet and peaceful. Tenants can also access the basement for their in-unit washer and dryer, and storage space that fits suitcases. Finally, tenants can walk outside and down the steps to their private backyard garden.
Conclusion
Prospective tenants looking to rent a Brooklyn brownstone have numerous options at a given time, as long as they’re willing to pay a premium. Brownstone units reside in multi-floor buildings with narrow floor plans. Due to their size and layout, renters could lease an entire townhouse or a portion of a building. No matter the unit they receive, brownstones offer decorative features and some sought-after amenities, such as private outdoor space. Many Brooklyn buildings also reside in historic districts, adding another layer of exclusivity.
