485X / Sep 6, 2026
485-x Options A, B, C and D compared
A concise comparison of the four principal 485-x project profiles and the facts that separate them.
The four 485-x affordability options are best used as project profiles. Each profile bundles unit count, tenure, geography, affordability and benefit duration.
Option A
Large rental: 100+ units, generally 25% affordable at average 80% AMI, 35-year benefit. Very large rental: 150+ units in Zone A/B, 25% affordable at average 60% AMI, 40-year benefit.
Option B
Modest rental: 6–99 units, generally 20% affordable at average 80% AMI, 35-year benefit.
Option C
Small rental: 6–10 units, at least half rent stabilized, not in Manhattan, and not on a zoning lot permitting more than 12,500 square feet of residential floor area. The benefit period is 10 years.
Option D
Homeownership: 6+ units, not in Manhattan, subject to the first post-completion assessed-valuation-per-square-foot cap and primary-residence requirements. The benefit period is 20 years.
Do not choose from a chart alone
The option must be reconciled with site history, timing, project documents, affordability bands, wages and current HPD rules. Use a comparison chart to start the meeting, not to end the analysis.