NYC Roars Back: Recaptures 99% of Pandemic Jobs, Yet Economic Gains Dance to Different Beats

New York City‘s private sector job market has successfully rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels, although the recovery varies significantly across different industries. The recent analysis was hailed as positive news for the city’s economic outlook by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. He emphasized that while sectors like securities, transportation, warehousing, and offices have displayed resilience and growth, others such as retail, restaurants, construction, and tourism are still struggling to catch up with the national recovery pace.

This study sheds light on the ongoing challenges that New York City continues to grapple with following the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis comes shortly after the conclusion of a three-year-long national emergency officially declared by the federal government.

As of March 2023, New York City has managed to restore 99.4% of its total private sector employment figures from March 2020, when the initial cases of coronavirus were reported in the state. Specifically, the analysis reveals a 6.41% surge in securities-related positions, totaling 192,700 jobs, between March 2019 and March 2023. Office jobs also experienced a 3.72% increase during the same period, amounting to a total of 1,513,100 positions, despite a 22% current vacancy rate in commercial office spaces. Transportation and warehousing sectors exhibited modest growth, reaching 130,300 positions. However, the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry underwent a substantial decline of 14.59%, leaving a total of 79,600 jobs, down from 93,200 in 2019.

Tourism faced a similar setback, losing 14.50% of its workforce, which now stands at 243,153 jobs. Retail experienced a reduction of 12.65%, with employment dropping from 343,900 jobs in March 2019 to 300,400 jobs in March 2023. Construction jobs saw an 8.07% decrease, totaling 145,900 positions across the city’s five boroughs. Furthermore, the restaurant sector encountered a 4.54% decrease in staffing.

In total, New York City’s private sector employment currently stands at 4,078,300 jobs, reflecting a 1.06% overall increase compared to the 4,035,500 jobs recorded four years ago. DiNapoli cautioned that industries facing ongoing challenges, including the arts, hospitality, and retail sectors, must regain a substantial number of jobs to ensure the stability and long-term growth of the positions that have already been restored. He emphasized the importance of these sectors, which collectively employ hundreds of thousands of workers, in contributing to a robust and inclusive economic recovery that benefits all residents of New York City.

Il mercato immobiliare in Lombardia

Unlocking Luxury: The Preferred Choice for Milan’s High-End Homeowners. Source: Nativo/Idealista News

Owning a luxury residence in Milan can be a stroke of luck: in these cases, it’s a small treasure to be carefully managed, whether you choose to sell or generate income. According to Nativo, a company specialized in luxury short-term rentals, the latter option is preferred by luxury homeowners in Milan. According to co-founders Sara Lini and Adriano Frigoli, here are the reasons why more and more luxury property owners in Milan prefer renting over selling. According to Nativo’s data (Nativostay.com), over 30% of luxury property owners who approach them are considering both selling and renting, but almost all of them opt for renting after a thorough analysis of the market and economic factors. In short, the key factors that often determine the choice between selling and renting a luxury home in Milan are: inflation growth, difficulty in finding viable alternative investments – both in the real estate and stock markets, and government bonds – rising mortgage rates, and the increasing demand for luxury rentals influenced by events like Brexit or the introduction of a flat tax, as well as more fluid lifestyles that require greater mobility.

The reasons for choosing to rent a luxury home in Milan are diverse:

Protection against inflation: Firstly, the luxury rental sector represents a protected segment within the real estate market. A luxury property is considered a solid asset against inflation and an option that safeguards long-term investment returns.

Difficulty in investing sales proceeds: Currently, there are no convenient and alternative solutions to invest the liquidity generated from selling a luxury property. The instability of the stock market, compounded by geopolitical factors and rising commodity costs, makes residential real estate investment in Milan more profitable compared to other options, such as government bonds. For example, renting a two-bedroom apartment in Milan with an open-ended lease averaging a gross annual yield of 5.5% for the owner, which proves to be more lucrative than government bonds, generating revenue of 3.75%.

Limited supply of luxury properties: Another aspect to consider, for those who temporarily leave Milan but intend to return, is the difficulty in finding a luxury property in the city. Demand consistently exceeds supply, and many properties are owned by families who do not require liquidity, so those who own a beautiful apartment often hold onto it.

Olympic Games effect: Additionally, the Olympic Games effect should not be overlooked. Many believe that prices will continue to rise at least until 2026, which is why they choose to generate income from their assets until the market reaches its peak.

ECB interest rate hikes: Looking at the economic context, the European Central Bank’s tight monetary policy has led to a significant increase in mortgage interest rates. This means that those who purchased a property in the past at lower rates would end up paying much more if they decided to purchase another one, consequently losing the advantage of the previous rate.

Growing rental demand: Other factors influencing the choice to rent instead of selling involve the growing demand for rentals from high-spending foreigners, making this segment particularly lucrative. Many of Nativo’s tenants come to Italy to take advantage of the flat tax, while others arrive after having lived in London for an extended period due to Brexit. In general, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Milan is attracting a great deal of talent, including successful executives and entrepreneurs, which naturally drives strong demand for luxury rental properties.

Greater flexibility: Lastly, changing lifestyles and work patterns make it challenging for property owners to predict where they will live in the future. Flexibility becomes a crucial aspect, and renting offers the opportunity to keep options open for potential future use of the property.

Chelsea

Rub Shoulders with Nicole Kidman and Domenico Dolce in this New York City Home. The price? Just $9 Million!

Get ready for a luxury and glamorous adventure in the heart of Chelsea!

Located at 200 11th Ave, a building renowned for housing celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Domenico Dolce, and Diana Widmaier Picasso, it is now capturing attention with a new real estate offer. This extraordinary paparazzi-proof Chelsea duplex even had its moment in the spotlight during a Vogue photoshoot back in 2015. The Chelsea duplex, spanning an impressive 2,364 square feet, offers ample and sophisticated space, but what truly sets it apart is the private sky garage situated at the same level as the apartment. You can park your car in style without having to descend into an underground parking lot. And all of this can be yours for the price of $9 million, nearly double what it was purchased for in 2010 when it was acquired through the Perdita Real Estate LLC for $5.52 million. The sellers, David Levy and Amanda Bowman, are well-known for hosting numerous charity events in their residence. However, their generosity extends beyond that. In 2015, the same year they were featured in Vogue, they decided to donate a custom-built mansion from 1996, located in Sloatsburg, NY, to the Archdiocese of New York. Initially listed for $8 million in 2009, they later lowered the price to $3.5 million, but still had no takers. Ultimately, their altruistic spirit led them to donate the residence.

The West Chelsea home boasts towering 24-foot-tall ceilings, creating an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur. The panoramic view of the Hudson River adds a touch of enchantment to the overall picture. The design of the residence is truly a sight to behold, with window walls and French doors overlooking the splendid Hudson River panorama. These features have not only caught the attention of Vogue but have also been featured in prestigious design magazines like Casa Vogue and New York Design Magazine. The interior is equally stunning, with folding teak doors that open up to a chef’s kitchen, making it a haven for even the most discerning cooks. The main bedroom suite, situated on the top floor, ensures the utmost comfort and privacy. The spa-like bathroom is a true oasis of relaxation, while a sliding pocket door leads to a third bedroom suite with its own private bathroom. This real estate gem is a testament to the luxury and extraordinary lifestyle of its inhabitants. It presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the elegance and prestige of one of the most coveted areas of New York City. If you’ve ever dreamt of living like a celebrity, don’t miss out on this opportunity, as time is precious, and this dream residence could soon become your exclusive retreat!

Source: New York Post

La Lombardia è la regione con più transazioni in Italia

Milan’s Real Estate Market Soars: Unveiling the Hidden Gems for Affordable Homebuying!

Milan continues its upward trend in the real estate market, firmly securing its position at the top of Italy’s housing price charts, with an average of 5,186 euros per square meter. On a European scale, it ranks third among the most expensive cities for a two-room apartment, trailing only behind Amsterdam and Lisbon. However, there is still hope for those seeking to buy a home below the city’s average and with the potential for future appreciation.

The Immobiliare.it Insights Observatory, featured and reworked by Fanpage.it, has examined neighborhoods that have experienced significant price growth compared to pre-Covid times, while still offering accessible costs compared to Milan’s most coveted areas. These neighborhoods are primarily situated in the North/Northeastern part of the city, often well-connected to the metro network and undergoing a new wave of gentrification. Among the intriguing locations are Cimiano-Crescenzago-Adriano, Viale Certosa-Cascina Merlata, Pasteur-Rovereto, Affori-Bovisa, and Precotto-Turro. In these areas, the average price per square meter remains below the city’s 5,186 euros. Cimiano-Crescenzago stands out as the neighborhood with the highest price growth in the last three years, boasting a 30% increase and a current average price of 3,495 euros per square meter. Following closely are Viale Certosa-Cascina Merlata, experiencing a 29.8% surge and an average cost of 3,798 euros per square meter, and Pasteur-Rovereto, with a remarkable 28.5% growth and an average price of 4,579 euros per square meter. Affori-Bovisa and Precotto-Turro are also on the rise, with respective increases of 26.9% and 25.3%, and average costs per square meter of 3,425 euros and 3,996 euros.

Honorable mentions go to the area served by the brand-new M4 Forlanini metro line, where the average price per square meter stands at “only” 3,191 euros for a house, yet witnessed a notable 24.9% increase recently. Similarly, Udine-Lambrate is a pricier district, with an average of 4,136 euros per square meter, but still experienced a substantial 24.1% growth in recent years. These emerging neighborhoods present intriguing opportunities for homebuyers looking to acquire a property in Milan at a more affordable price while holding the potential for short-term appreciation.

Christie’s International Takes the Real Estate World by Storm at ‘Top of the Rock! (news from The Real Deal)

Christie’s International Real Estate Group has ascended to the summit of “Top of the Rock” by setting up its sleek and stylish new office at One Rockefeller Plaza.

It is truly an honor for our team at Columbus International to coexist in the same building and office space with such an esteemed titan of the real estate and auction industry!

Sonja Cullaro, the firm’s visionary co-founder and EVP, granted The Real Deal an exclusive glimpse into the innovative ways her team is making the most of this newfound space. “One Rockefeller Center nestles right in the heart of vibrant New York City,” Cullaro proudly exclaimed, emphasizing her team’s unique blend of local expertise and global connections through Christie’s International extensive network. “With over 31,000 agents across 50 countries and 940 offices, facilitating more than $100 billion in annual sales, Christie’s International real estate network truly speaks for itself.”

Regionally, Christie’s International Real Estate Group maintains its stronghold with more than 30 offices and 1,000 dedicated associates serving the tri-state area encompassing New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. A strategic location for the new office, just steps away from the famed Christie’s Auction House on 49th Street, reinforces the seamless connection between the real estate practice and the auction house, igniting a mutual drive for growth and success. Boasting an unrivaled global reach, cutting-edge technology, and an unparalleled marketing approach, Christie’s positions itself as the ultimate destination for high-end and unique properties that require expert handling. “As part of the fastest-growing real estate business in the tri-state area,” Cullaro beamed, “we take great pride in bringing the distinguished Christie’s experience and over 250 years of brand tradition to our esteemed clientele.”

For real estate agents in pursuit of a new home, aligning with Cullaro and her team proves to be a rewarding decision, particularly for those seeking increased exposure and enriched experiences. “We offer ongoing opportunities for growth and development to agents looking to elevate their business,” Cullaro emphasized, affirming that the new flagship office in New York City marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion. “This is just the beginning; more Christie’s International offices are on the horizon.”

Real Estate Mogul Josh Flagg Dives into Miami’s Luxury Market with Stunning Mediterranean Villa

Josh Flagg, the star of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, seems to be on a real estate buying spree. According to the New York Post, the renowned real estate agent, along with his business partners, Adam Rubin and Andrew Shanfeld, has recently purchased a vacation villa in Miami located at 4727 N Bay Road for $4.25 million.

TheMediterranean-style villa was initially listed at $4.45 million, but it appears that Flagg managed to strike a favorable deal. Last year, following his divorce from Bobby Boyd, a former model for Versace and Calvin Klein who is now also a real estate agent, Flagg invested in another property in Beverly Hills, featuring the same charming Italian style, with an initial price tag of $9.2 million. However, rumors suggest that Flagg still has the desire to hunt for new residences in Beverly Hills or Bel-Air. He has been a part of the “MDLLA” program since its debut back in 2006.

Flagg is the grandson of Edith Flagg, a renowned Austrian fashion designer, executive, and philanthropist, who escaped Nazi persecution and became famous for introducing polyester fabric to the United States in 1967. The new Miami property, complete with a fence, offers its buyers a delightful pool and a relaxing view with palm trees on a plot of just under a quarter acre. Inside the house, there are four bedrooms, a study, and 4.5 bathrooms, perfectly suiting Flagg’s needs and his real estate business ventures.

Manhattan’s Mega Condo Boom: Unveiling the Towering Gems Redefining the Skyline! (New York Post)

Manhattan’s real estate market is witnessing a mix of boutique and larger-scale properties hitting the scene. Let’s take a look at some of the notable developments:

Eastlight (501 Third Ave.): Eastlight is the tallest building in Kips Bay, soaring 34 stories high. The condominium, designed by CetraRuddy, offers 144 units ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, with prices starting at $780,000. Notably, 17 of these residences feature “flex spaces” that can serve as home offices, gyms, or creative studios. On the 34th floor, residents can enjoy amenities like a terrace lounge with a dining area, a game room, and a fitness center.

212 W. 72nd St.: CetraRuddy is also involved in the conversion of 212 W. 72nd St., a former luxury rental building. The property now offers 126 units ranging from one to five-bedroom layouts. Prices start at $1.25 million for a 714-square-foot one-bedroom and go up to $8.3 million for a spacious 2,534-square-foot four-bedroom apartment. The apartments feature open living and dining areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, and master bathrooms with custom-designed vanities. The building provides various amenities, including a residents’ lounge, children’s playroom, fitness center with outdoor space for yoga, and a rooftop deck with lounges and grills. Sales are being handled by Corcoran Sunshine.

200 Amsterdam: Anticipated to open this summer, 200 Amsterdam on the Upper West Side offers 112 units. Prices start at approximately $2.62 million for one-bedroom units and go up to $17 million for full-floor penthouses. The architecture was handled by Elkus Manfredi, and the interiors were designed by CetraRuddy. The kitchens feature waterfall edge islands, and the living and dining areas are wrapped with floor-to-ceiling windows. Amenities include a 75-foot saltwater pool, infrared sauna, gym, dog spa, and a music practice room. Sales are managed by Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing.

VU New York (368 Third Ave.): VU New York, located in Kips Bay, offers 100 units with starting prices at $829,000 for a studio. The 36-story building, designed by Paris Forino (interiors) and SLCE (exteriors), showcases stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. The units include three-bedroom layouts and two duplex penthouses with outdoor terraces. Sales are handled by Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing, and closings are expected to begin in the fall.

Essex Crossing (202 Broome St.): One Essex Crossing, situated in the Lower East Side’s Essex Crossing development, houses 83 units with prices ranging from $890,000 for a studio to $6.68 million for a penthouse. The building features a 9,000-plus-square-foot landscaped “Garden” with lounge seating and grills, a playroom, and a gym. The Market Line food hall is conveniently located below, offering various vendors. Sales are being managed by Corcoran Sunshine.

Bloom on Forty Fifth (500 W. 45th St.): Located in Hell’s Kitchen, the Bloom on Forty Fifth condo launched with studios starting at $750,000 and three-bedrooms at $2.87 million. The eight-story building features 92 residences, some with private terraces, all boasting oversized windows, open kitchens, and spacious bathrooms. Residents can enjoy shared amenities, including an 8,000-square-foot landscaped courtyard and a fitness center. Sales are handled by Compass Development Marketing Group.

208 Delancey: For downtown living, the ODA-designed 208 Delancey condo offers 85 units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from $630,000. Most homes come with private outdoor spaces, and all feature custom-crafted kitchens. The building’s amenities include a fitness center with a meditation terrace and yoga room, as well as a landscaped rooftop with grills and dining space. The development is represented by Compass.

The Solaire (20 River Terrace, Battery Park City): The Solaire is undergoing a co-op conversion, featuring 291 units with prices starting around $800,000 for studios to three-bedroom apartments. Notably, the co-op rules will be akin to condo rules, meaning no board interviews will be required for prospective homeowners. The property offers amenities like a doorman, live-in manager, fitness center, bike storage, and a landscaped roof terrace with lounge and dining areas. Additional parking and storage come at an extra cost. Sales are expected to launch in the spring.

Source: New York Post

Mercato immobiliare New York

Reconstruction of Penn Station in New York City is moving forward, with an Italian company leading the proposals

The reconstruction of the heavily criticized entrance of Penn Station is set to proceed despite the presence of controversial new skyscrapers. With a project value totaling $7 billion, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the construction of the skyscrapers may be delayed for several years. As per the New York Post, state authorities have already allocated $1.3 billion towards the project, but additional substantial federal funding is needed to bridge the remaining gap, particularly due to the economic threat posed by remote work in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her determination to see the project through, stating, “My focus right now is on completing this project.” Hochul and MTA officials have also revealed plans to accept proposals from architects and external firms to develop a more detailed vision for enhancing the main level of Penn Station. The vision includes merging two levels of the station into a unified entrance level, with a goal of doubling or even increasing the ceiling heights throughout the station, which have long been a subject of complaints.

Additionally, an eye-catching new railway atrium is set to be constructed between 7th and 8th Avenue, where the currently unused Madison Square Garden runway is located. This design aims to allow sunlight to reach the new entrance level, a feat not achieved since the original complex was demolished. The MTA’s vision also entails building two new main entrances at the corners of 8th Avenue. The owners of Madison Square Garden have strongly opposed the railways’ current proposal, expressing concerns over potential interference with their operations and sporting events. Meanwhile, an Italian company, with former MTA President Pat Foye serving as a high-level executive, has put forth its own plan, which involves demolishing the Hulu Theater—an auxiliary structure of Madison Square Garden—to create a new railway atrium on 8th Avenue within the complex.

Richard Tayar

Real estate market on the rise, +2.5% compared to the beginning of 2023. The most expensive city is Milan

According to a report published by the biannual Residential Property Market Observatory by Immobiliare.it Insights, the average cost of buying a house in Italy is currently €2,125 per square meter, showing a 2.5% increase compared to the beginning of 2023. During the same period, rental prices have increased by 5.4%. It is interesting to note that Milan, one of Columbus International‘s reference markets, is the most expensive location for both buying and renting properties. Despite a decrease in demand and an increase in supply in the Italian real estate market, housing prices continue to rise in the first half of 2023.

The Residential Property Market Observatory by Immobiliare.it Insights also highlights a decrease in affordability for singles and couples across the country. In major cities, the average cost of buying a house is €3,236 per square meter. However, demand has decreased by 2.9% in the last semester, while the supply of available properties on the market has increased by 8.3%. Regarding rentals, rental prices remain higher in major cities, with an average of over €16 per square meter compared to €10 in smaller cities. However, smaller cities show a higher growth rate (+8.1% in the semester) compared to larger cities (+5.5%). Milan confirms its position as the most expensive city for buying a house, with an average price exceeding €5,250 per square meter, followed by Bolzano, Florence, Bologna, and Rome. Additionally, Milan is also the most expensive city for rentals, with an average of €22 per square meter, followed by Florence and Bologna.

Il mercato dei condomini a Miami Beach

In search of Shakira’s astounding real estate portfolio: villas across the world and unparalleled luxury

Known as the Queen of Latin Music, Shakira has accumulated a remarkable collection of properties throughout her successful career. The renowned Latin diva, famous for hits like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Whenever, Wherever/Suerte,” and “La Tortura,” hails from Barranquilla, Colombia. She began her musical journey at the age of 10 and released her debut album in 1991. In 2001, Shakira ventured into the English music market with her first English-language album, “Laundry Service,” and soon started diversifying her real estate holdings. Over the years, the singer, also serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, has owned properties in the United States, Uruguay, Spain, Cyprus, and the Bahamas, each reflecting her minimalist interior style. Explore the global properties of this globe-trotting artist, showcased by Architectural Digest, and discover her recent relocation with her two children.

While conquering the American music charts, Shakira also established a presence in Miami. She acquired a Mediterranean-style house on La Gorce Island in Biscayne Bay, an exclusive enclave of private islands that has been home to numerous celebrities, including Cher, Matt Damon, and Ricky Martin. This house, built in 1988, featured four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a lovely garden, patio, and pool. Shakira sold the property in 2005 for $1.8 million. However, Shakira’s pursuit of her dream home did not end there. In the same year, she purchased another house on La Gorce Island for $3.38 million, boasting an enviable waterfront location. This six-bedroom house, originally built in 1951 and subsequently renovated, offered a 100-foot dock granting direct access to the bay and captivating water views. Notably, Shakira herself contributed to the expansion of the property by adding three additional bedrooms. Collaborating with architects Ben Lopez and Associates and interior designer Renata Lessa Bastos from Trace Design Studio, Shakira infused her Lebanese and Middle Eastern heritage into the otherwise minimalist interior, incorporating bone-inlaid furniture pieces, handcrafted decorative mirrors, and a low-profile lounge area for hookah enthusiasts.

Over the years, Shakira has listed this house for sale several times, initially in 2018 for $11.648 million, with her brother Antonio Mebarak serving as one of her real estate agents. In 2021, the property was put on the market for $15.9 million before being withdrawn. During her relationship with lawyer Antonio de la Rúa, the son of former Argentine President Fernando de la Rúa, Shakira and de la Rúa shared a seven-bedroom farmhouse near Punta del Este, Uruguay, called La Colorada. Spread across 12 picturesque acres, this property served as a vacation retreat and creative sanctuary for the Colombian singer. Shakira spent a month there in 2008, seeking inspiration for her music and embracing the ambiance of her favorite poet, Juana Ibarbourou. The farmhouse boasted additional amenities, including a gym, heated pool, tennis court, sauna, and a lake with boats. Following their separation in 2011, legal disputes between Shakira and de la Rúa ensued, with de la Rúa retaining ownership of La Colorada after the split.

Subsequently, Shakira embarked on a new romantic journey with Spanish football star Gerard Piqué. The couple first crossed paths on the set of the music video for “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Their relationship flourished, leading to the birth of their two children, Milan Piqué Mebarak in 2013 and Sasha Piqué Mebarak in 2015. Shakira and Piqué settled in Barcelona, where they constructed an expansive house in the Esplugues de Llobregat area in 2012. This remarkable five-story residence, featuring a gym, recording studio, cinema, pool, and multiple terraces, became their primary residence. Additionally, the property included a separate guest house with its own swimming pool. However, their separation in June 2022 posed challenges concerning the ownership of the house. As a result, in April 2023, Shakira and her two children relocated from Barcelona to her villa in Miami, seeking stability and closeness to family, friends, and the sea. Even after settling in Barcelona, Shakira continued to expand her real estate portfolio. In 2019, she reportedly acquired a villa in Peyia, a town located in the Paphos district of Cyprus. This six-bedroom vacation home, nestled by the Mediterranean Sea within the Cap St. George resort, offers breathtaking views and serene surroundings.


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Columbus International operates in the United States under the aegis of Keller Williams NYC and Living RE srl in Italy