Just off Fifth Avenue on one of the Upper East Side’s most coveted blocks, 21 East 81st Street presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of New York history.
Built in 1899, this south-facing, 20-foot-wide, six-story limestone townhome spans approximately 8,600 square feet and is crowned by a charming mansard roof. Grand interiors feature impressive 12-foot ceilings, multiple wood-burning fireplaces, elegant period details, and an elevator servicing all levels.
The parlor floor offers generous entertaining spaces, with sun-filled rooms and a massive windowed kitchen. Above are spacious bedrooms, oversized walk in closets, and a stately library. Crowning the residence is a beautiful landscaped roof deck with views of the Metropolitan Museum and space for dining, lounging, and entertaining.
Currently configured as an owner’s quadruplex with a separate income-producing duplex, the home offers exceptional flexibility for extended family, guests, staff, a home office, gym, or den. It can also be returned to its original configuration as a grand single-family residence.
Set on one of the neighborhood’s most elegant tree-lined blocks, 21 East 81st Street is moments from Central Park, The Met, the Guggenheim, Museum Mile, and the Upper East Side’s celebrated restaurants, art galleries, and Madison Ave shopping.
Active
$16,500,000
21 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028
6beds
8,538sqft
Multi Family
Built in 1899
-- sqft lot
$16,407,700 Zestimate®
$1,933/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Massive windowed kitchenMultiple wood-burning fireplacesStately libraryGrand interiorsSpacious bedroomsBeautiful landscaped roof deckGenerous entertaining spaces
- 16 days
- 1,237
- 76
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
SERHANT. 917-575-7621,
Frayda Resnick,
Jane Sosi
Source: StreetEasy,MLS#: S1843297
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 6
- Bathrooms: 10
- Full bathrooms: 5
- 1/2 bathrooms: 5
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer
- Laundry: Inside
Features
- Has fireplace: Yes
Interior area
- Total structure area: 8,538
- Total interior livable area: 8,538 sqft
Property
Features
- Patio & porch: Deck
- Exterior features: Private Roof Deck
Details
- Parcel number: 014930012
- Special conditions: Resale
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: MultiFamily
- Property subtype: Multi Family
Condition
- Year built: 1899
Community & HOA
Community
- Subdivision: Upper East Side
HOA
- Has HOA: Yes
- Amenities included: Laundry, Roof Deck
Location
- Region: New York
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $1,933/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $21,185,000
- Annual tax amount: $120,264
- Date on market: 8/24/2026
Estimated market value
$16,407,700
$15.59M - $17.23M
$6,852/mo
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/24/2026 | Listed for sale | $16,500,000-8.3%$1,933/sqft |
Source: StreetEasy #S1843297 Report a problem | ||
| 8/14/2026 | Listing removed | $18,000,000$2,108/sqft |
Source: StreetEasy #S1810496 Report a problem | ||
| 2/10/2026 | Listed for sale | $18,000,000$2,108/sqft |
Source: StreetEasy #S1810496 Report a problem | ||
| 5/11/2023 | Listing removed | -- |
Source: Zillow Rentals Report a problem | ||
| 1/24/2023 | Listed for rent | $11,500-8%$1/sqft |
Source: Zillow Rentals Report a problem | ||
| 11/15/2019 | Listing removed | $12,500$1/sqft |
Source: Compass Report a problem | ||
| 6/20/2019 | Price change | $12,500-3.8%$1/sqft |
Source: Stribling Report a problem | ||
| 4/1/2019 | Listed for rent | $13,000$2/sqft |
Source: Stribling Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $117,608 +6% | $1,271,100 +21.6% |
| 2024 | $110,951 -1.1% | $1,044,960 +9% |
| 2023 | $112,188 | $958,800 +2.6% |
| 2022 | -- | $934,500 -6.9% |
| 2021 | -- | $1,004,220 -12.2% |
| 2020 | -- | $1,143,780 +1.9% |
| 2019 | $46,740 -51.5% | $1,122,780 +143.9% |
| 2018 | $96,298 +3.4% | $460,339 +0.8% |
| 2017 | $93,137 +10.8% | $456,888 +6% |
| 2016 | $84,028 | $431,029 +6% |
| 2015 | $84,028 +148.8% | $406,632 +6% |
| 2014 | $33,772 | $383,616 |
| 2013 | -- | $383,616 +0.8% |
| 2012 | -- | $380,740 +6% |
| 2011 | -- | $359,191 +6% |
| 2010 | -- | $338,860 +6% |
| 2009 | -- | $319,680 |
| 2008 | -- | $319,680 +0.8% |
| 2007 | -- | $317,284 +6% |
| 2006 | -- | $299,326 +6% |
| 2005 | -- | $282,384 +6% |
| 2004 | -- | $266,400 |
| 2003 | -- | $266,400 +0.8% |
| 2002 | -- | $264,404 +6% |
| 2001 | -- | $249,439 +6% |
| 2000 | -- | $235,320 |
Find assessor info on the county website







