Barbra Streisand’s Former Upper East Side Townhouse Sells for $15.9 Million—Leading Luxury Sales in New York City

The New York City luxury market had a $15.9 million celebrity sale with Barbra Streisand‘s former Upper East Side townhome going to a new owner.

The 25-foot wide mansion comes with its own private garage. It’s one of two townhomes that sold during the week ending Aug. 24, according to the Olshan Report.

The townhome was once the home of the legendary songstress, who bought it in 1970 for a reported $420,000. It’s described as the epitome of the art deco era.

“The house has some art deco touches, and it was built in 1930,” explains Donna Olshan, president of Olshan Realty. “Few townhouses were built around this time because it was the Depression. It is over 9,000 square feet, has an elevator and a garage—which is rare in New York.”

It boasts five stories and a basement—totaling about 9,193 square feet. There are eight bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and three powder rooms. An elegant entertainment space includes a living room, formal dining room, library, and two kitchens.

There are also six wood-burning fireplaces to warm the rooms, which have ceilings up to 12 feet. The new owners do not need to worry about walking up and down the five stories, as there’s an elevator that stops at every floor, including the basement.

A original sweeping staircase adorns what’s called the parlor floor. The main library has a wood-burning fireplace and a terrace overlooking the garden. The third floor has another bedroom that can be turned into a second library, also with a fireplace.

The gourmet eat-in kitchen is on the fifth floor with a breakfast area, terrace, oversized pantry, and a hallway bathroom. Another bedroom on this floor is currently used as a game room but can be transformed to a home office or staff room.

Central air conditioning can be found throughout the home, and the top floor welcomes natural light with four skylights.

The garden floor has the formal dining room and French doors that open onto a garden that’s 37-feet long. There is also access to the private garage with its own curb cut on the street.

The asking price of $15.9 million was reduced from $17.95 million when it was listed in June 2024.

“It’s also a superb location on 80th between Park and Madison,” says Olshan. “The asking price may appear like a good deal but considering the quality work for a townhouse runs $800 to $1,000 a square foot, it seems like it sold for fair market value.”

Living luxe

Streisand’s former townhome is one of 22 contracts signed last week in Manhattan for residential properties at $4 million and above.

Condominiums led New York City’s real estate market with over $112 million worth of contracts signed. The No. 1 condo contract is at 35 Hudson Yards with a list price of $11.95 million. This is the tallest residential building at Hudson Yards, and it has unique characteristics to match.

The residences start on the 53rd floor above the flagship Equinox Hotel. This condominium has four bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Residents will have exclusive access to 22,000 square feet of private amenities, including a fitness center with a stretching and yoga studio, meditation room, business center and boardroom, cocktail lounge and bar, screening room with wet bar, golf simulator lounge, and a private dining room with catering services overlooking the Hudson River.

Another condo in the same building also went into contract with a list price of $7.95 million. This property has three bedrooms and 3.5 baths. It’s one of only seven terraced residences in this building. Future owners will get to enjoy 206 square feet of private outdoor space.

“The August market in luxury sales has held up well,” explains Olshan. “The month is shaping up to be the second or third best August since we started keeping track in 2006. A lot of the market momentum is tied to the stock market. The rich are getting richer, and they are still buying.”