Dear Carol,

An 8% Dip in Luxury: A Sign of Times or a Mere Ripple in Manhattan's Real Estate Ocean?" Welcome to the year-end edition of The Pulse. Is this a cause for concern or simply a natural ebb in the ever-fluctuating tide of luxury real estate? Let’s dive into the numbers and get some insights on the Manhattan luxury market of 2023.

Market Overview:

Contracts and Volume: In 2023, the Manhattan luxury market witnessed a slight dip, with 1,198 contracts signed at $4 million and above, marking an 8% decline from 2022. The total volume tallied at $9,984,115,836, a modest fall from 2022's $10,320,149,900. Condos continued their dominance over co-ops, with 770 condos sold compared to 269 co-ops. The market also saw 27 condops and 132 townhouses changing hands.

Market Dynamics: The year 2023 was notably more challenging. Properties lingered longer on the market (615 days on average), and negotiability stretched to 9%. This shift largely stemmed from a backlog of high-end, new-development condos. Deals were not only slower to initiate but also took longer to close.

Economic Context: Contrasting 2022, 2023 was a year of high mortgage rates, peaking at 8% and easing only towards the end. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 surged by 24%, a stark reversal from the 18% decline seen in 2022. This economic backdrop had a nuanced impact on the luxury real estate market.

Trophy Market: The high-end segment remained robust, with 240 deals at $10 million and above, slightly outpacing last year's tally. Ranking third in the last decade, 2023 continued to attract high-net-worth individuals despite broader challenges.

Decade Perspective: Placed within the context of the past decade, 2023 occupies a middle ground, ranking fifth in luxury market performance. While it didn't reach the heights of the post-pandemic boom of 2021 or the 'Golden Years' of 2013-2015, it outperformed each year from 2016 to 2020.

Potential Outlook for 2024: A Brighter Horizon in Manhattan's Luxury Market

As we look toward the future, specifically the year 2024, there's a palpable sense of optimism brewing in the Manhattan luxury real estate market. While 2023 might have been a year that didn't quite meet our high expectations, it nevertheless landed squarely in the middle of the decade's performance spectrum. This positioning is not just a statistical observation; it's a springboard from which we can anticipate the coming year's trends.

The economic landscape, always a critical driver for real estate dynamics, is showing signs of positive change. A key factor in this optimistic outlook is the Federal Reserve's potential policy adjustments. With three anticipated rate cuts, totaling 75 basis points, we're looking at a scenario where mortgage rates could potentially drop to a more attractive range of 5-6 percent. This shift would be a significant departure from the higher rates that marked much of 2023 and could be a catalyst for rejuvenation in the market.

What does this mean for sellers and buyers in Manhattan's luxury segment? For sellers, these more favorable mortgage rates could translate to increased comfort in listing their properties, leading to a rise in available inventory. On the flip side, buyers, who may have been hesitant or unable to commit during a period of higher rates, might find this new landscape far more conducive to making a purchase. This influx of buyers, energized by more attractive rates, could lead to an uptick in market activity.

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However, it's not just about increased activity; it's about the balance between supply and demand. With a likely increase in inventory, the key to maintaining market health will be the demand keeping pace. The good news is that the luxury market in Manhattan has always had a strong and enduring appeal, and with economic conditions improving, we could very well see a stable, if not rising, pricing environment as demand meets the new supply.

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Douglas Elliman 4th Quarter Market Report - Sales and listing inventory in the Manhattan co-op and condo market continued to fall as prices increased. Median sales price rose year over year for the first time in five quarters to the second-highest fourth quarter on record. Listing inventory declined annually for the third consecutive quarter as sales continued to fall at a diminishing rate. Cash sales surged to exceed two-thirds of all sales to reach a record-high market share. Douglas Elliman 4th Q Report.

In conclusion, as we edge closer to 2024, the Manhattan luxury real estate market stands on the cusp of a potentially vibrant year. With economic tailwinds, a balanced market environment, and the ever-present allure of Manhattan living, we could witness a year that not only rebounds from the challenges of 2023 but also sets a new course for growth and prosperity in this prestigious market sector.

"Share Your Thoughts and Questions"

Have thoughts or questions about the Manhattan luxury real estate market? Reach out to me with your insights, inquiries, or anything else on your mind regarding the market. Click here to connect directly with me, Carol Staab, for a personalized conversation.

Warmest regards,

Carol Staab

Carol Staab Your Guide to Manhattan Luxury Real Estate

Douglas Elliman- Associate Broker

Website: CarolStaab.Com

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