SOLD NOV 17, 2023. 075%. The New York State transfer tax is . Common charges are $355 a month. Nearby homes similar to 100 Clinton Ave Unit 4A have recently sold between $180K to $440K at an average of $345 per square foot. The roughly 1,006,000 rent-stabilized homes make up about 28 percent of the overall housing stock and 44 percent of all rentals. We have 41 properties for sale listed as sponsor unit rego park, from just $285,000. Buying a new development condo can take about 20 weeks from the initial search to closing. 1% Full Service;. A sponsor unit differs from other units in that it has never been sold before. Also, see our Legal Assistance page and our Primary Residence FAQ. it depends on what is written into the offering plan. A grown child buying an apartment for a parent presents some unique challenges. There is an upside to buying a sponsor unit, most popular is that it usually is a co-op and with a sponsor sale, there is no board approval. Search NYC Apartments . NYS Tenant and Neighbors Coalition 212-608-4320. Sales of cooperative. So, instead of buying your new apartment from the prior owner, you are buying it from the original developer or corporation who made the building. , #BA, up to $280,000—which is still, to anyone used to Manhattan prices, a good deal. undivided interest in the common elements of the building. HPD rehabilitated some of these buildings and, over the years, gave the tenants the opportunity to own their apartments and become shareholders in limited-equity. There are two types of sponsor units you may encounter while browsing real estate in NYC: condo sponsor units and co-op sponsor units. 98-120 Queens Boulevard, Unit 4G. Find apartments with sponsor unit in Manhattan | 50 Rentals. 17. 05% on mortgages under $500,000 and 2. He has finished a postdoctoral schedule at Columbia University and has acknowledged adenine new job in New York City. I read online that this is undesirable because the majority owner can increase HOA fees significantly at any point or change up the rules that may negatively impact people who own their units. Rego Park, NY 11374. Similar to when buying in a new development, it is customary for the buyer of a sponsor unit to pay the New York State transfer taxes and New York City transfer taxes on behalf of the seller. A guide to using a no-fee renovation loan from a NYC real estate firm. NORWOOD, BRONX: We like the look of the kitchen in this fully renovated one-bedroom co-op—note, a sponsor unit—which boasts cherry wood cabinetry, granite countertops, and a dishwasher. , 75 Wall Street, and Greenwich West at 110 Charlton Street. The 4,600-square-foot unit had an asking price of $13. Buy Menu Toggle. Obviously it’s a no-brainer, if you can afford it. The sponsor will pay the transfer tax for all accepted offers received before January 31. 2 million in 2019. licensed real estate brokers licensed to do. Post A Rental Listing. John Gasdaska and Jonathan Conlon are expert, experienced brokers and they are ready to help you buy or sell your piece of NYC real estate. No board approval required; Tend to be renovated; Cons of buying sponsor unit in NYC. Currently on Streeteasy, income-restricted apartments in Manhattan. Search NYC Apartments . New Construction. That equates to $875 per month in common. One of the sticking points that stops some people from buying coops is that you're buying shares in the coop's corporation which gives you the right to live in a particular unit. Once your purchase contract is; countersigned, your condo board will. Or in the case of a co-op, it is owned by the original owner or the corporation that originally converted rental units into co-ops. When it comes to multifamily real estate investment, rent-stabilized housing can be an under-appreciated asset in the right circumstances. Your attorney will provide this and detail some important protections you must know before deciding to buy. Negotiating the deposit. A condo or condominium is real property unlike a co-op. The lowest rate of 1% applies to purchases at or above $1 million and less than $2 million. It's one of the last. Nice perks: free rolling racks and shelves, climate-controlled units, package acceptance, and a free storage shuttle for you and your stuff. 75% New York. The 'personal use' rule usually do not apply to units cooperatives that have a 'non-harassment' plan filed as part of the conversion. However, it is likely that you will have to pay the seller's transfer tax (usually around 1. 4% for sales under $3 million. ) Without this document, buildings cannot be legally inhabited. They often lack amenities other than a doorman, which means you usually pay lower maintenance fees. Due to a change in state law, the Cooperative and Condominium Property Tax Abatement has changed for tax year 2022-23 (which begins July 1, 2022) and subsequent tax years. Most Common Contingencies in NYC Real Estate Purchase Contracts. The Living Room Features Floor-to-Ceiling Windows, Plenty of Natural Light, Hardwood Floors Throughout, Open Concept. Conversion or Alteration. 425%. The appeal of these sponsor units is that there is no need to comply with co-op bylaws such as board approval or right of first refusal and other perks of buying directly from a sponsor can be. Capital contribution fees. What does it mean and. In addition to the NYC transfer tax, New York State also applies a transfer tax on all properties sold within the state. Renters can expect to pay up to 15% of a unit’s first year’s lease to brokers. For a $1,750,000 co-op in New York City, the typical buyer closing costs would be $27,000. February sponsor contracts totaled $48. HDFC buildings were created in the 70s, and 80s to allow tenants to break free from their “slumlords” to form cooperative buildings. Unfortunately, since the 421a tax abatement program got a major makeover in 2016, new developments with this type of abatement will become. Y. Morningside Heights one-bedroom, one-bath co-op, $749,000: This renovated sponsor unit at 535 West 110th St. No. A Chinese investor bought two sponsor units at 111 West 57th St. These apartments are sold by the building’s owners or the corporation that established the co-op, and you get to skip the dreaded co-op board interview, making the process much easier—and faster. Many of my out of town buyers have often seen 'SPONSOR' unit Co-Ops, I thought it will be helpful to create a post so everyone can understand the difference between a traditional Co-Op and a Sponsored Co-Op apartment. 4 All checks for closing adjustments aggregating in excess of $2,500. 4% for homes sold under $500,000, 1. You’ll often encounter more rules in a co-op building vs a condo building. Here's a checklist of things to look out for in a New York City apartment. This seems like an issue you’ve been asking all over Reddit this past week. The pandemic upended New York City’s real estate market,. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. There are three people on the board, with the sponsor being one of them - all equal weighted votes. 📅 Stay informed and up to date with what is going on in your city - whether or not you are ready to start a real estate transaction, the information we provide can help you make smart decisions. The mortgage recording tax is 2. In New York City, the transfer tax is 1% of the purchase price on properties less than $500,000, while it is 1. The condo is a sponsor unit, so the builder hasn't sold it yet. 10453 is home to approximately 75,320 people and 4,921 jobs. 5 Sadore Lane, Unit 6E, Yonkers, NY 10710 is a co-op not currently listed. A sponsor unit is an apartment in a building that’s still owned by the original builder/developer of the building. So if the loan amount is conforming. Below, see the insights we learned from the team based on their years of experience advising New Yorkers in the real estate market. 4% of the sales price for properties below $3 million, and 0. 65% on those valued over $3 million. $360,000. Sold 10/31/22. #4FE) Prices are based on the U. $440,000 Last Sold Price. primary residence). Not all co-ops require board approval for renting. ) And they’re right. $330,000. , buying will most likely always make more sense than renting. coop . 9 million and reselling it for $7. With fewer residences, these co-ops or condos offer greater community involvement and decision-making power. The exact time will depend on the property and whether you’re making an all-cash purchase or financing. For more information, call 347-846-2421. New York. Special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, have been around in various forms for decades, but during the past two years they’ve taken off in the United States. 3 bds; 3 ba; 1,700 sqft - Condo for sale. HDFC coop in Brooklyn. Co-ops still make up a big percentage of housing in New York City—about 75%, according to brokers—and sponsor units are actually "unsold shares" in the building. If you’re interested in purchasing an apartment in a condominium building and wondering how to do it, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process. For instance, if you're buying a $1 million dollar property and taking out an $800,000 mortgage, you'd be taxed on the full amount of the loan at a rate of 1. It's located in 11415, Kew Gardens, Queens County, New York City, NY. out this great listen on Audible. A sponsor co-op apartment is one that is owned by a building's original owner or the corporation responsible for converting the building from a rental into a co-op. A “The tenant/shareholders in a housing cooperative are bound by the proprietary lease, bylaws, rules and regulations,” says Albert Pennisi of the law firm of Pennisi Daniels Norelli in Rego Park, Queens. 3 Seller is not a “sponsor” or a nominee of a “sponsor,” or a successor. 425 percent on purchases of $500,000 or less), plus there’s a 0. 2. 4) transfer tax to New York state. 05% of the initial mortgage principal (includes a 1% New York City tax). Yes sponsor rights can be sold. This 5,000 BTU unit is the best-selling model on Amazon, and is ideal for a 100- to 250-square-feet room. They didn't give a reason but I was told by the seller it was my proposed renovations (ventless washer/dryer combo unit, jacuzzi, ventless fireplace). Since it’s a sponsor unit, the transfer taxes for NYC are 1% (since it’s under $500k) and 0. How buying real estate in NYC is unlike anywhere else. 4 billion in the the third quarter, 7% less than during the same period in 2022. Each apartment owner will be required to pay the assessment. Listing by Alexander Madison Realty Inc. In addition to houses in 10453, there were also 4 condos, 1 townhouse, and 7 multi-family units for sale in 10453 last month. 📅 Stay informed and up to date with what is going on in your city - whether or not you are ready to start a real estate transaction, the information we provide can help you make smart decisions. If your buyer’s agent hasn’t already explained to you the differences in closing costs associated with buying a sponsor unit in NYC, then you should consider getting rid of your real estate agent after reading this article. There are so many questions, but all you need to know it's out there on the web just google "buying a co-op in NYC" and read all there is out there, really. Most sponsors ask for 10. 5 million (May 22, 2023)Example: One unit of a two-family house is used for residential purposes, and the other unit is used for commercial purposes as a retail store. Calculating the transfer taxes you may pay for a sponsor unit coop purchase can be tricky and beyond the grasp of even many real estate lawyers. In a condo building, a sponsor co-op is a unit the developer owns and is offered for sale for the first time. This means that buyers of new housing developments. 175% of the initial mortgage principal (includes a 1. Once the landlord gets the requisite number of purchasers, the conversion will be approved and the building will go condo—but for those stabilized tenants who don’t want to buy, they can continue to rent. In the 1980s, when many buildings were converted into co-ops, the original tenants had the option to purchase. , #4A, saw its price drop a couple weeks ago by $35,000, bringing the asking price to $845,000, which is just slightly north of the median for a two bedroom in the neighborhood, per StreetEasy. (and California!)Minimum downpayment and asset requirements in co-ops vs condos. Recently Sold. Next, let’s assume this property has $1. 2. A downside to buying a sponsor condo is that the buyer pays the New York State and New York City transfer taxes. Contract of Sale—Condominium Unit. $225,000--bds; 1 ba--sqft - Coming soon. That’s because buyers are expected to pay city and state transfer taxes on co-op sponsor sales. 125% New York City tax) All other mortgages with initial loan balances of $500,000 or more. The new rates start at 1% beginning with properties of $1,000,000 or greater and gradually increase to a maximum of 3. If you plan on financing, you should start looking at lenders and obtain a mortgage preapproval. 825 percent of the purchase price (depending on the price of the property) that are paid. They often lack amenities other than a doorman, which means you usually pay lower maintenance fees. Nearly half of luxury units across seven buildings in the uber-exclusive Midtown Manhattan stretch — where apartments have sold for. Property types in NYC range from condos, coop, townhouses, multi-family properties to new construction and sponsor units. The first step in buying a condo in NYC will be setting a budget for your purchase. The details of the transaction need to be worked out and due diligence needs to come back clean. If you plan on financing, you should start looking at lenders and obtain a mortgage preapproval. An offering plan becoming effective means the building is happening - the sponsor is committed to constructing the building and buyers are going to buy their apartments. If you’re looking to buy a sponsor co-op in New York City right now, you have more options to choose from, possibly a result of Covid deaths. 10018, or by. And you would pay 0. Go! Manhattan Homes. , #5K, in Prospect Lefferts Gardens is on the market for $695,000. As a result, you are buying a sponsor unit from the building’s original developer or company rather than the previous owner. You might be able to organize with the other tenants into buying the whole building and going co-op, but that’s a huge undertaking. Street View. The amount of leverage you have depends on whether you are an early buyer and what kind of market it is. 2. most of the time, you become like other unit owners. So, what is a sponsor unit anyway? Essentially, it's a unit that's never been sold. The new, conforming loan limit for mortgages that can be acquired in high-cost areas like New York City is $970,800, an increase from $822,375. Sale Contingency. In a Prewar Co-op. Those making a purchase in NYC should allocate money for both local and state transfer taxes. by REW November 23, 2020 November 23, 2020 0 4260. Come visit. Here are five great sponsor units. Other perks of buying directly from a sponsor can be lower cost or a. Listing by EXP Realty. NYC Real Property Transfer Tax, $ If price $499,999 then 1%. This info includes the price, buying procedures, the. In 2008, it sold for $442,000, and in 2018, for $560,000, before ending up with. If you plan on financing, you should start looking at lenders and obtain a mortgage preapproval. A sponsor unit is a type of apartment unit, typically found in condominiums (condos) and co-ops. How to handle problems with a condominium board of managers. My own converted in the early '90s with a bit more than 50% sold, and is now at 22% of shares still owned by the sponsor. You can find this luxury amenity at new developments like Jolie at 77 Greenwich St. There is an upside to buying a sponsor unit, most popular is that it usually is a co-op and with a sponsor. 05% for any property that sells for over $3,000,000. E. . The application process for buying a co-op in NYC is notoriously daunting and one of the main advantages of the sponsor unit is that you don’t need board approval to buy. 6 million, according to his longtime broker and real. A sponsor can sell all remaining sponsor units as a bundle to another sponsor, coupled with all other sponsor rights/responsibilities in the building. NYC Transfer Tax Calculator; Capital Gains Tax Calculator; Co-op Flip Tax Calculator; Rent Menu Toggle. Closing costs involved in buying a new condo in NYC are usually higher than in resale transactions. NMLS #507535. The sponsor is selling 2 similar studio units for $565K and $575K, without Board approval. 65% on sales from $3m. 9% for sale prices of $25 million or more. Tend. I also understand that sponsor unit condos can come with significantly higher closing costs due to the transfer taxes and mortgage taxes. Mortgages of one to three family houses and individual residential condo units with initial loan balances of $500,000 or more. In this episode of the Real Talk NYC Real Estate Podcast, John and Jonathan will cover what a sponsor unit/apartment is, the pros and cons of sponsor sales, how to know if a sponsor unit is the right fit for you, and what the pros and cons of purchasing a sponsor unit are. It typically takes between two to three months to close on a sponsor co-op apartment in NYC. If you stumble upon a sponsor unit, that’s an apartment still owned by the building’s original owner, and is therefore exempt from the co-op board review. A condominium, co-op, or apartment that the builder or investor has kept after selling the other units is referred to as a sponsor unit. Hi, I'm looking to purchase a condo in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 2. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties’ President Ellie Johnson invites you to an intimate conversation with one of New York City’s super brokers and a 30-year industry veteran,. 9% for properties purchased for $25,000,000 or greater. SPONSOR UNIT, No Board Approval Needed, As Easy as buying a condo. We also have a blog post that goes in-depth on the topic - check it out!Great article defining a sponsor unit and illustrating both the pros and cons of purchasing one. 4% to 2. Council 212-979-0611. Landing a rent-stabilized apartment in New York City can be a lifeline for renters who would otherwise struggle to afford to live here. Basically the sponsor waives their right to evict on these grounds for themselves and their successors and assigns and in return stabilized tenants are incentivized to vote for the plan to convert. Only eneral downside I can think of is that you pay higher closing costs as stated by #4 and #5. . The lower rate applies to sales of $500k and below. By virtue of the fact that these are sponsor units, no board approval is required for these co-ops. A New York sponsor unit Sponsor units are apartments in a co-op where the real estate developer or building owns the unsold shares allocated to the unit. Inspection Contingency. We discuss the impact of the conversion on property condition, the relative pricing of converted units to new construction condominiums, its impact on homeownership rates, New York State and New York City tax and fee incomes generated, and the related economic activities that result. We’ll teach you everything you need to. Extell's rent-to-own offering allows you to credit a year of rental payments towards a condo purchase if you buy within 12 months. Sort: Homes for You. 25 Tudor City Place #617. 89-00 170th Street UNIT 2N, Jamaica,. 125% New York City tax) All other mortgages with initial loan balances of $500,000 or more. , #405, is going for $975,000. From Future New York Buying or Renting in New York City as a Foreign National + See the most popular NYC Buildings by Country Friday, October 20,. $139,000. RECOMMENDED IN RENT. Appraisal Contingency. Both were sponsor units and have been on the market for months despite being fairly priced for the neighborhood. Rent stabilized tenants are. The boutique building at 100 West 15th St. That can be up to 1. and filed with the New York City Register. 84% of the purchase price. For Luis Vargas, the answer was to buy a sponsor co-op for his mom—one of the big incentives to buying these types of apartments is that you can skip the board approval process. 101 Jackson Ave Unit 1E, Mineola, NY 11501. A Chinese investor bought two sponsor units at 111 West 57th St. most of the time, you become like other unit owners. In a co-op, a sponsor unit is owned either by the original owner or is one the co-op corporation converted from a rental. Here’s a hypothetical example: You own a 2-bedroom apartment in a 90-unit co-op building on the Upper East. • Quicker buying process: There’s no board review or interview necessary when buying a sponsor unit, which makes the buying process much quicker and easier. Often such problems can be resolved, ifBuying and renovating a sponsor unit in New York City offers the benefits of a simplified purchase approval process and extensive customization opportunities, while considerations include the potential need for significant renovations, absence of certain modern features, financial implications, and the importance of working with knowledgeable. It works this way: When you inspect a multifamily property, you’ll make a list of what. It can take up to 10 to 15 weeks (or more) to find the right condo for you. Yep they can be pricey. A condominium (condo) is a single real estate unit in a multi-unit development in which an owner has both of the following: separate (individual) ownership of a unit. Getting an accepted offer is the first big step in buying apartment. However, it is likely that you will have to pay the seller's transfer tax (usually around 1. For a $1 million home, this would equate to $4,000 – $6,000. It's not the regulations of the co-op board, but rather it's the terms of the proprietary lease. Before you buy a co-op or condo — PDF version. (OneKey® MLS as Distributed by MLS Grid) For Sale: 2 beds, 2 baths ∙ 1200 sq. There are many types of apartments in NYC for home buyers and renters to choose from. For context, there are 217 current HDFC listings in NYC, according to StreetEasy, ranging in price from $89,000 for a one bedroom in the East Tremont neighborhood of the Bronx to $1. 8% of the initial mortgage principal (includes a 1. The OP needs to find out exactly which of units the sponsor owns. With 40 years of lending to buyers in New York City, NCB is the bank for co-ops. For example, sponsors allocate common areas to individual units, and some sponsors measure the outside of the walls if it gets disclosed. , #5S, is a sponsor unit in a new building with occupancy expected for fall 2019. Any residential sale below $3 million will remain at the already established 0. Once upon a time, you knew you had finally made it in New York City when you could afford to buy a penthouse apartment. Each apartment owner will be required to pay the assessment. The argument for buying is even more persuasive in a market with low mortgage rates. 5 million. Minimum sublet term: In order to deter short-term rentals, co-ops require minimum sublet terms of at least 1 year. 4% for NY State. 5-2% of. Glacier bought unsold sponsor units in nine co-op buildings, which was the equivalent of 255 apartments, 218 of which were not rent. Listing by E Realty International Corp. Here's why these units can be advantageous for NYC buyers. Most sponsors ask for 10 or 15 percent down when you sign the contract. It’s Energy Star certified and has a dBA of 50. The tax is as high as 3. Board Approval Contingency. Aaron2, you're right. Map. The short answer: it’s an apartment that has never been sold. You’ll need to know how much you can afford or want to spend before starting your search. ∙ 4 Sadore Ln Unit 1Y, Yonkers, NY 10710 ∙ $340,000 ∙ MLS# H6260960 ∙ SPONSOR UNIT with NO Board Approval and only 10% down!sponsor unit means you are the first to have bought that unitYou bought it from the developer as opposed to a previous owner. “ Procuring cause” does not get defined precisely anywhere. 8 million, down from $27. This 688-square-foot, one-bedroom condo sponsor unit condo has an open kitchen with a breakfast bar, stained oak flooring, radiant heat flooring in the bathroom, and a washer and dryer. According to attorney Aaron Shmulewitz, a partner with the New York City-based law firm of Belkin Burden Wenig & Goldman, LLP, a sponsor unit is an. Additionally, buyers might be responsible for paying the sponsor's lawyer. A $41,000 increase about five weeks ago brought the price of this one-bedroom Riverdale sponsor co-op, 3840 Greystone Ave. These documents are usually pretty long, so set aside some time to read through it yourself. The owner sells the house for $1. Exceptions include sponsor units that were held aside by. Online searches for sponsor co-ops, which are. In most cases, the actual NYC coop sublet policy. The purchase price for new development may include: Sponsor’s attorney fees. The offering plan to buy a new development apartment in NYCHowever, with many sponsor units, even when the market favors buyers, the developer will insist on the buyer paying the transfer tax of 1 percent of the purchase price on purchases over $500,000, plus a point four percent (0. LISTING BY: SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY. If you’re interested in purchasing an apartment in a condominium building and wondering how to do it, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process. But the sponsorHi, I have noticed that many sponsor units I am looking at in brooklyn and queens are at least $20,000-$50,000 over market comps. When they refer to post-closing liquidity, co-op boards mean the amount of months’ worth of “rent” you. The Business Corporation Law (BCL) is the main New York State law which governs how most co-ops must operate, with court decisions providing the case law which interprets the statute. The system has been extended and amended frequently, and now about one million apartments in the City are covered by rent stabilization. 7 million and $2,665 per square foot) and lowest. . A number of units in the building have already entered contract, and remaining availabilities start at $570K for studios, $940K for two-bedrooms, and $1. Tudor City homes for sale. However, when a sponsor unit is purchased, the buyer is traditionally responsible for paying the transfer taxes. In March, according to StreetEasy, a four-bedroom on the 22nd floor was the condo’s least-expensive unit, at $6. A sponsor unit is an apartment in a co-op or condo that the developer or investor has retained after selling the other units. The big advantage of a sponsor co-op--and the reason they are so sought-after--is that buyers do not. Appraisal Contingency. Glacier bought unsold sponsor units in nine co-op buildings, which was the equivalent of 255 apartments, 218 of which were not rent. 1bd. The city transfer tax is 1 percent of the purchase price on sales over $500,000 (or 1. To negotiate a transaction that benefits both parties, work with a buyer's agent. 800 ft². There are many advantages as well as considerations to buying a sponsor unit in NYC. 1 Bath. Frigidaire FFRE053WAE window-mounted AC, Amazon, $209. The state passed new transfer taxes in April 2019. This is the reverse of a traditional private resale where sellers pay the Transfer Taxes and cover their own attorney fees. Other negative aspects of buying a sponsor unit. branch and doing business in New York State; 1. However, the real market for sponsor units is in cooperative buildings, most of which underwent conversion from rentals to co-ops over the past three decades. New York City has about 75,000 pieds-a-terre. 72% per year, or $7,200 per year according to average NYC property tax rates discussed in our article on NYC real estate taxes. NORWOOD, BRONX: We like the look of the kitchen in this fully renovated one-bedroom co-op—note, a sponsor unit—which boasts cherry wood cabinetry, granite countertops, and a dishwasher. How buying real estate in NYC is unlike anywhere else. NYC WEATHER & 7 Day Forecast; New York Times; Annualcreditreport. This condo overlooking the High Line comes with a rather startling deal: Two free years of common charges. Investors often overlook this strategy, but it can be a powerful way to generate your multifamily property down payment funds. 65% for properties over $3 million. 814 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY. However, this term can have a different meaning depending on whether the unit is in a. ” What's Next? As with anything that involves a major investment or purchase, it's important for the potential buyer of a. The apartment was listed back in November, which is the first time the apartment has been. How buying real estate in NYC is unlike anywhere else. The sponsor will still need to assess your finances but as long as your offer is accepted—and assuming you can get a mortgage—the apartment is yours. Listing by: Douglas Elliman Real Estate. 125% New York City tax) All other mortgages with initial loan balances of $500,000 or more. What are the Benefits of Buying a Sponsor Unit? What are the Benefits of Buying a Sponsor Unit? New York City co-op buyers who want to skip the board approval process have more sponsor co-op listings to choose from these days. Use the filtering options available (number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, year built, etc. If you were buying an apartment for $1,000,000, that would add approximately $18,000 onto the purchase price. RECOMMENDED IN SELL. 5 million. If a tenant didn’t buy, the sponsor of the co-op conversion, usually the building owner, retained ownership of the apartment and continued renting it to the tenant. A sponsor is a person or business entity starting a condo or co-op through conversion or as new construction. The big advantage of a sponsor co-op--and the reason they are so sought-after--is that buyers do not. Since owners of co-op apartments are technically tenants vs owners of real property, the board of the co-op corporation which actually owns the building has enormous power over the residents. coop #507534.