Hi!,

Welcome to the Year of the Fire Horse!


Market Pulse: Activity is Building into the New Season

  • Late 2025 closed with stronger-than-usual deal activity, as new contracts rose from November to December
  • Inventory remains historically tight, though some supply is beginning to reappear in select segments
  • Added listings are giving buyers slightly more choice, but competition remains strong

Luxury Market Continues to Lead

  • The luxury sector remains a steady foundation for overall market performance
  • January recorded just over 100 contracts signed at $4M+, slightly ahead of the same time last year
  • The ultra-luxury tier remains very active, reinforcing NYC’s appeal to long-term and cash-focused buyers

Pricing & Buyer Behavior

  • Buyers are active but selective, prioritizing value and condition
  • Cash remains a major driver, with approximately 64% of Manhattan co-ops and condos closing without financing last year
  • Properties aligned with market expectations are moving, while others may require more patience and strategic pricing adjustments

Rental Market Snapshot

  • The rental market remains tight, continuing to shape housing decisions citywide
  • Median Manhattan rents are approximately $4,900
  • Renter mobility has declined sharply, with nearly 90% of renters renewing or staying in place year over year

Looking Ahead to Spring

  • February is a key planning window for sellers considering a spring listing
  • Proper preparation, such as pricing, staging, and marketing, can significantly impact timing and results
  • Buyers are focusing on being prepared rather than waiting for perfect conditions, making strong advisory guidance more important than ever
  • As the market transitions toward the spring season, early indicators suggest steady momentum ahead.


Happy Lunar New Year and best wishes for the Year of the Fire Horse!


Tip of the Month: New Law on Coop Applications from Richard N. Cohen, Esq - see below


If you’re thinking about your next move, the LivNY Team is here to offer thoughtful, strategic guidance tailored to your real estate goals.


360 Central Park West #8A/9A

Upper West Side | Condo


4 beds | 2.5 baths


$6,995,000


View listing →

360 Central Park West #15C

Upper West Side | Condo


2 beds | 2 baths


$3,995,000


View listing →

261 West 22nd St #20

Chelsea | Coop


2 beds | 1 baths


$775,000


View listing →

4621 Waldo Avenue

Fieldston | House


6 beds | 6.5 baths


$4,995,000


View listing →

261 West 22nd St #11

Chelsea | Coop


1 bed | 1 bath


View listing →

Tip of the Month: New Law on Coop Applications from Richard N. Cohen, Esq


A new law, the Co-op Admissions Timing Act, will take effect on July 28, 2026, establishing clearer procedures and timelines for how many NYC cooperative boards handle purchase and transfer applications.


Key highlights:

  • Boards will be required to maintain a standardized application package outlining all requirements, documents, and fees.
  • New timelines will apply to acknowledging receipt of applications and issuing decisions once a package is submitted:
  • Within 15 days of receiving an application, the board must acknowledge receipt and confirm whether the package is complete or specify what is missing.
  • Within 45 days after acknowledging a completed application, the board must issue a decision: approval, conditional approval, or denial. A limited extension may be permitted in certain cases.
  • These rules are intended to create more transparency and predictability in the co-op purchase process.


For more details about how this may affect your building or transaction, contact Richard Cohen, Esq. at Cohen & Cohen, LLP for guidance.


Richard N. Cohen, Esq.

Cohen & Cohen, LLP

(212) 829-9090 telephone

richard@cohencohenllp.com email


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