A Tudor-style home in Queens with a unique presidential connection is back on the market for $2.3 million. The house, located in the Jamaica Estates neighborhood, was the childhood residence of Donald J. Trump until he was four years old and has undergone a complete eight-month renovation after falling into severe disrepair.
Built in 1940 by Fred Trump, the five-bedroom property was purchased in February for $835,000 by developer Tommy Lin, who has since invested approximately $500,000 to restore the structure from the inside out.
Key Takeaways
- Donald Trump's childhood home in Jamaica Estates, Queens is for sale for $2.3 million.
- The property was recently purchased for $835,000 and underwent a $500,000 gut renovation.
- The house has a history of speculative sales, including a flip for $2.14 million on Inauguration Day 2017.
- The interior was rebuilt due to extensive mold damage, while the original brick and stucco exterior was preserved.
A Complete Transformation
The residence on Wareham Place has been restored after years of neglect. When developer Tommy Lin acquired the property earlier this year, it was uninhabitable. A burst pipe had caused extensive water damage, leading to a severe mold infestation that overtook the basement.
According to reports, the home lacked basic utilities like water and power. The renovation was a top-to-bottom effort, with the interior being gutted down to the studs. Lin's project focused on rebuilding the living spaces while preserving the home's original 1940s character on the outside.
By the Numbers
- Purchase Price (Feb 2025): $835,000
- Renovation Investment: ~$500,000
- Total Cost for Developer: ~$1.335 Million
- Current Asking Price: $2.3 Million
- Square Footage: 2,500 sq ft (plus 1,000 sq ft basement)
While the brick and stucco façade remains, nearly everything inside is new. The updated home now features modern amenities, including smart toilets and smart entry hardware. The total living space spans approximately 3,500 square feet, including a finished basement, and contains five bedrooms. A sunroom off the kitchen provides a view of the backyard.
A Property with a Peculiar Past
This is not the first time the home's connection to a president has driven its market value. The property has a notable history of high-stakes real estate transactions tied directly to political events.
In 2016, investor Michael Davis purchased the house for $1.39 million on the night of the presidential election, betting on a Trump victory to increase its value. His wager paid off. On Inauguration Day in January 2017, he sold the property to a buyer from China for $2.14 million, securing a significant profit.
"I thought I’d make 100 grand. I did not think that I would make millions of dollars on this. That was not on my bingo card," Davis recalled of his successful speculation.
Following the sale, Davis leased the home back and briefly operated it as a Trump-themed Airbnb rental for $4,000 a month. The rental was decorated with memorabilia, and he noted that the only book available for guests was "The Art of the Deal."
From Rental Gimmick to Ruin
The Airbnb experiment was short-lived. After the rental arrangement ended, the house sat vacant and quickly deteriorated. Neighbors reported that the property became an eyesore, and at one point, it was overrun by as many as 30 stray cats.
The neglect culminated in the burst pipe that caused the extensive mold damage, rendering the home unsellable until Lin stepped in with his plan for a full restoration.
The Jamaica Estates Market
The listing price is positioned within the context of a strong luxury market in Jamaica Estates. Considered one of Queens' more affluent enclaves, the neighborhood regularly sees home sales exceed $3 million. Earlier this year, a six-bedroom home in the area sold for approximately $4 million. According to listing agent Jevon Gratineau of Brown Harris Stevens, homes priced under $1 million are becoming increasingly rare in the neighborhood.
Betting on History and Location
The developer's decision to invest in the property was reportedly based on its historical significance and the strength of the local real estate market, rather than political sentiment. The combination of its presidential provenance and its location in a sought-after ZIP code is expected to be a major draw for potential buyers.
The completed renovation aims to blend the home's historic roots with modern functionality. An old wood stove, believed to be original to the house, remains in one corner, serving as a nod to its past. The rest of the home is now equipped for contemporary living after its extensive, eight-month overhaul.
With its unique backstory and fresh interior, the property is once again testing the market value of a presidential legacy in one of New York City's quiet residential corners.
