Tiny UWS Studio Highlights Absurdity Of NYC Real Estate

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — New York City apartments keep shrinking – the latest listing to test exactly how far New Yorkers will stoop for a decent rent appeared in the form of a 49-square-foot studio on the Upper West Side.

That's only just long enough to fit a bed.

The miniature apartment is in a building on West 71st Street near West End Avenue. Real estate firm Citi Habitats put the listing on its website, but has since removed it. Luckily, real estate publication 6sqft caught a glimpse of the listing and reported on some of the home's "merits."

According to 6sqft:

At first glance, the SRO could easily be mistaken for a prison cell, but in fact, the 49-square-foot (yes, you read that right) apartment is asking $510/month plus a 15 percent broker’s fee. Beware of the sticky NYC summers, though; as the listing generously divulges, “No Air conditioners are allowed. You can only use a fan."

The unit comes with electricity included and features a small sink, mini fridge and wooden bed frame, according to the 6sqft report. Like all other SRO buildings, bathrooms and kitchens are shared with other residents.

Read the full 6sqft article here.

This listing isn't the first time landlords have gotten creative in marketing SRO apartments. In April a "micro studio" located in a building just one block away on West 71st and Riverside hit the market asking $1,000 per month.

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Photo by Google Maps street view