Foreigners Buying Property in New York: Step-by-Step 2025 Guide
This page is designed to help non-U.S. buyers navigate the legal and tax complexities of purchasing real estate in New York: whether it’s a condominium, townhouse, or commercial property—while avoiding the most common and costly pitfalls.
We address critical issues such as U.S. estate tax, FIRPTA withholding, gift tax exposure, and New York City taxation—providing practical guidance on how to structure your investment strategically, efficiently, and in full compliance with applicable laws.
The videos below walk through each topic step-by-step to help you make informed, tax-efficient decisions.
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Avoid Costly Mistakes: Foreign Buyer’s Guide to Manhattan Real Estate
In this video, attorney Max Dilendorf introduces the biggest mistakes foreign buyers make when investing in Manhattan real estate—from poor tax planning to using inefficient ownership structures. Learn why proper planning before sending funds to the U.S. is essential to protect your investment and avoid unnecessary taxes.
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How to Structure Your NYC Real Estate Investment as a Foreign Buyer
What’s the best way for a foreign investor to own real estate in New York? In this video, Max Dilendorf explains how to create a tax-efficient, legally sound ownership structure based on your goals, tax residency, and family circumstances—while avoiding costly mistakes like holding property through a U.S. LLC or in your own name.
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FIRPTA and New York Real Estate: What Foreign Sellers Need to Know
FIRPTA can result in a 15% federal withholding on the entire sale price of your U.S. property—plus additional state taxes. In this video, Max Dilendorf breaks down how FIRPTA works, how New York imposes its own 10.9% withholding, and how foreign investors can avoid both with the right advance planning.
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How Foreign Buyers Use Trusts to Optimize U.S. Estate Tax on NYC Property
Trusts are one of the most effective tools for foreign investors to protect their U.S. real estate from estate tax exposure. In this video, Max Dilendorf outlines how irrevocable trusts can remove property from your taxable estate, ensure privacy, and provide long-term control—making them ideal for cross-border families and investors holding digital assets.
5. U.S. vs. Offshore Trusts for Foreign Buyers of NYC Real Estate
Should you set up your trust in the U.S. or offshore? In this video, Max Dilendorf compares U.S. domestic trusts (in states like Delaware and Wyoming) with offshore trusts (in jurisdictions like the Cayman Islands or BVI). Learn how to choose the right structure based on your residency, beneficiaries, and long-term planning goals—plus how each trust is managed and how long it takes to set one up.
Ready to Invest in New York Real Estate the Right Way?
Proper planning makes all the difference. Contact Dilendorf Law Firm at 212.457.9797 or at info@dilendorf.com to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you structure your U.S. real estate investment strategically and securely.
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Max (Maksim) Dilendorf, Esq.
General Counsel Specializing in Family Office Services, Real Estate Investments, and Crypto Matters
Max Dilendorf is an experienced General Counsel with a specialized focus on Family Office Services, Real Estate Investments, and Crypto.
With broad legal knowledge and an extensive professional ...
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Adam is one of the nation’s leading young whistleblower lawyers. He brings with him a special ability not just to litigate, but to investigate – and understand – complex organizations and transactions. His extensive familiarity with tech issues is built on a computer science degree and work as a ...
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Bari Zahn has nearly 20 years of experience practicing at global law firms in New York. Bari has represented a broad array of multinational clients on U.S. and cross-border transactions. She has supervised legal teams worldwide and has extensive management experience as the Founder, former CEO and General ...
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Steve served on Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign ...
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A New York licensed attorney with three decades of legal and business experience in the U.S. and Asia, Robin recently joined the law firm as a partner and leads the Asia-Pacific practice.
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Craig S. Redler
Craig S. Redler has held positions with Amicorp in its offices in Auckland New Zealand and Miami Florida, and Southpac Trust International, Inc. with offices in the Cook Islands and Tauranga New Zealand. His responsibilities included serving as Trustee for off-shore trusts settled by high net-worth clients ...
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Pamela A. Fuller, Esq.
Pamela A. Fuller is a corporate and international tax attorney, with over two decades of experience. She advises a wide range of clients–including private and public companies, joint ventures, private equity and hedge funds, C-Suite executives, private U.S and foreign individual clients, and government ...
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