A Tudor-style house in Jamaica Estates, Queens, that served as the childhood home of former President Donald Trump is now on the market for $2.3 million. The residence, where Trump lived until he was four years old, was built in 1940 by his father, developer Fred Trump.
The five-bedroom property has an intriguing history, marked by periods of neglect and a significant renovation. According to the Wall Street Journal, the house was sold in February for $835,000 to developer Tommy Lin, who undertook a comprehensive restoration after discovering extensive damage, including mold from a burst pipe. Lin described the condition upon purchase, stating, “There was no water in the house, no power. It was not livable.”
Significant Renovations and Local Real Estate Trends
Lin’s renovations lasted eight months, restoring the home while maintaining its original brick and stucco façade. The interior was rebuilt almost entirely, transforming the once-uninhabitable space into a modern residence. Lin has invested approximately $500,000 in the renovation, bringing his total investment to over $1.3 million. The finished property spans about 2,500 square feet of living space, with an additional 1,000 square feet in the basement.
Jamaica Estates is recognized as one of Queens’ more affluent neighborhoods, with homes in the area often exceeding the $3 million mark. Recent sales include a six-bedroom property that sold for around $4 million earlier this year. According to listing agent Jevon Gratineau of Brown Harris Stevens, homes priced below $1 million are increasingly difficult to find, highlighting the area’s rising real estate values.
The property has previously attracted attention due to its association with Trump. On the night of the 2016 presidential election, investor Michael Davis purchased the house for $1.39 million, anticipating that Trump’s potential victory would enhance its value. His prediction proved correct; on Inauguration Day in 2017, he sold the house for $2.14 million to an international buyer from China.
A Unique Rental History
Davis briefly turned the property into an Airbnb, decorating it with Trump-themed memorabilia. He recalled, “The only thing to read in the house was ‘The Art of the Deal.’” The rental attracted significant interest until a booking for the U.N. General Assembly highlighted social issues and brought unwanted attention, ultimately leading to the Airbnb’s closure.
The home fell into disrepair after Davis concluded his rental experiment. By the time Lin acquired it, the basement was filled with mold, and the roof required replacement. Additionally, the property became overrun with stray cats, drawing complaints from neighbors. One local, wishing to remain anonymous, expressed frustration, stating, “A beautiful house was left abandoned and no one took care of it for all this time.”
As the listing for Trump’s childhood home goes live, it captures a unique blend of history, potential, and local real estate dynamics. The Trump Organization has not provided a comment regarding the property or its current listing.
