The unused development potential above an existing building, based on the difference between maximum allowed FAR and built FAR.
Last updated: March 2026 · 9.4M+ properties indexed
Air rights — more precisely called "unused development rights" — represent the difference between what is built and what is allowed by zoning. In NYC, these rights have significant value, especially in high-density districts.
Air rights can be transferred between adjacent lots through a zoning lot merger, allowing a neighboring building to be built taller than its own lot would allow. In special districts, Transferable Development Rights (TDR) can be moved between non-adjacent lots.
Example: A 2-story building on a lot with FAR 10.0 has significant unused development rights that can be worth millions of dollars in prime Manhattan locations.
Air rights are the unused development potential — the difference between what's currently built and the maximum allowed by zoning (FAR × lot area).
Yes. Through zoning lot mergers, development rights can be transferred between adjacent lots. In special districts, TDR can be transferred between non-adjacent lots.
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