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n the West Village, luxury condos have overtaken the long‑standing townhouse dominance. A wave of high‑priced listings underscores the shift. The new 80 Clarkson complex, now the tallest in the area, features two towers reaching 420 and 450 feet. Its 112 units have already generated almost $1 billion in off‑market sales, and a 7,120‑sq‑ft duplex penthouse is poised to set a downtown price‑per‑square‑foot record at $80 million, backed by strong comparable sales.

    A duplex on the 140 Jane St tower went into contract for $87.5 million in August. The 9,500‑sq‑ft, 70‑ft‑wide unit would break the downtown record if it closes at that price. In March, a nearly 6,000‑sq‑ft condo at 150 Charles sold for $60 million—twice the price paid by its owners in 2016—highlighting the premium on new high‑rise living.

    Townhouses, once the neighborhood’s hallmark, are now emerging as value plays. According to Sotheby’s International Realty, the townhouse market has slowed, with no sales above $25 million in over a year. New buyers from outside the city favor condos for their security and concierge services, but the price drop in townhouses may soon surprise investors.

    A standout example is 78 Morton St, a converted firehouse that now offers a five‑story, three‑bedroom mansion with a four‑car garage. Priced at $21 million, the 6,850‑sq‑ft home boasts a 25‑ft width, open loft‑style floors, a 1,000‑sq‑ft terrace, a chef’s kitchen, a wine cellar, and a private “jazz club” with hand‑painted murals. Its unique amenities and recent renovations make it a rare find.

    Another townhouse, 20 Charles St, is listed for $17.9 million. The 4,500‑sq‑ft, five‑bedroom property dates back to 1890 but has been restored by Kushner Studios and Coco Kanakis Design, blending historic Corinthian capitals and herringbone floors with modern fixtures.

    For those seeking space, 262 W 11th St offers a 5,100‑sq‑ft, semi‑detached townhouse with a back garden and a horse‑walk alleyway. Currently split into three units, it is on the market for $17.5 million, presenting an opportunity to create a sizable private residence in the heart of the Village.

    As the West Village continues to evolve, condos dominate the luxury scene while townhouses present compelling value opportunities for savvy buyers.