A Buyer Just Snapped Up an $80 Million Penthouse in the West Village

The prevailing narrative that wealthy buyers are fleeing New York may be getting harder to sell. Just weeks after state lawmakers approved a new pied-à-terre tax targeting luxury second homes in New York City, an $80 million penthouse at the under-construction condominium 80 Clarkson has entered contract in Manhattan‘s West Village. If the deal closes near its asking price, the residence would set a new downtown record at roughly $11,236 per square foot, according to the project’s representatives.

The hefty contract arrives at a moment when many industry observers have questioned whether New York’s new tax on non-primary residences might dampen demand at the top end of the market. The measure, approved as part of the state budget, targets second homes valued above certain thresholds and is expected to generate hundreds of millions in annual revenue. So far, however, Manhattan’s wealthiest buyers don’t appear to be backing away.

Case in point: the four-bedroom duplex atop the development’s West Tower, which will span 7,120 square feet, with an additional 900 square feet of private outdoor space. Rising more than 400 feet above the street, it will be the highest condominium residence ever offered in the traditionally low-rise neighborhood. The unidentified buyer was represented by Compass agents Christine Miller Martin and Kyle Blackmon.

The $80 million deal is reportedly the most expensive contract signed in downtown Manhattan this year and the second-largest condominium contract citywide. It follows a string of headline-making transactions at 80 Clarkson, including a reported $129 million contract that could ultimately become the most expensive residential sale in downtown Manhattan history.

Developed by Zeckendorf Development and Atlas Capital Group, with backing from The Baupost Group, the 112-unit project has already surpassed $1 billion in reported sales, reinforcing the significant financial commitments wealthy buyers are still willing to make in New York City. Designed by COOKFOX Architects with interiors by the late Thierry Despont, the limestone-clad development has become one of the most closely watched luxury residential projects in the city.

The timing of the latest contract is notable given concerns that higher taxes could push affluent buyers to markets like Miami or Palm Beach. Instead, the deal adds to growing evidence that trophy properties in prime Manhattan neighborhoods continue to command extraordinary prices despite shifting tax policies.

For now, at least, the ultrawealthy don’t appear to be abandoning New York. Indeed, they’re still signing contracts for $80 million (and more) at a time.