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The Mayoral election result has most predictions for 2026 in the “to be determined” phase...but optimism prevails. We expect increased liquidity, deal volume and moderate yet methodical price appreciation.
We’ve experienced lower rates* and consequently improved sentiment. These factors will spur activity from buyers who will re-enter the marketplace and sellers, who’ve been waiting to list their properties as well. *Note, when I say “lower rates,” it’s a relative term. Yes, we’re down to 6.5% on 30 year fixed jumbo, compared to 8% 24 months ago; but many still consider this to be elevated, particularly for those who are locked into a 3% rate. Regardless, this improvement is material and for both sides of the equation, buyers and sellers. These conditions will be increasingly favorable and sets the stage for a very healthy and balanced marketplace. I’ll qualify that a bit…like baseball when the tie goes to the runner; in Manhattan real estate, when there’s a tie (when market dynamics are essentially equitable between buyers and sellers), the tie goes to the seller. I say this because the force of demand for property in Manhattan, more often than not, outstrips supply. Although inventory will flow at an accelerated rate, we’re always in a chronically tight environment. Meaning, as a buyer, you need to be ultimately prepared...even more than sellers.
This increase in demand and deal volume will be the most substantial in over 3 years and will be the source of the price appreciation mentioned. As I said last month, we don’t expect there to be any spikes, as it will be based in buyer confidence and not speculative purchasing. What we expect is methodical appreciation for years to come. This pivot towards purchasing will also serve to ease pressure on rentals…but again, this is relative. We still anticipate strong demand and continued record highs, but at a reduced pace from what we’ve seen over the past handful of years.
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All of this, of course, is a broad stroke. The marketplace is very segmented, most notably the differing performances between the luxury and mid-market sectors. In retrospect the traditional uncertainty that precedes any consequential election, seemed to be "certainty" instead. In that, it seemed the outcome was a forgone conclusion and the market shrugged it all off and moved forward as if it was "business as usual." Ironically, the result was brisk deal volume across the board; a sign that improving rates are having an effect. Particularly of interest is the luxury sector of $4M+, where the depth of global wealth, all cash deals and subsequent price appreciation are clearly evident, well above the seasonal average. Whether this level of momentum persists is to be determined.
Let’s Go Shopping ! ®
| | Anyone interested in buying or selling, should be rolling up their sleeves to determine whether the time is right to sell or if there's a home/investment property out there for them. Who represents you matters…your best investment is often in the broker you choose; find someone with experience, who you feel you can trust. |
| It was an honor to have been invited to and participate on a panel at this years SIMED conference in Malaga, Spain. We discussed the global future of luxury...the trends and the must-have experiences demanded by the ever-growing international buyer population. Centrally located on the global map with an average of 300 days of sun annually, there are many extraordinary opportunities in this region of Andalucia, which include Marbella and Estepona. Reach out to me if you would like to learn more; we can discuss your interests, goals and specific needs. Click here to see an impressive presentation on Malaga City's growth. | | * MANHATTAN MARKET NEWS * | | |
* Featured Listing *
32 Washington Square West, #14E
The Heart of Greenwich Village
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Right in the heart of New York is Washington Square Park, a neighborhood gathering place cherished for its vibrant energy and artistic legacy. Here, on its 100th anniversary, is 32 Washington Square West, one of the premier full service downtown prewar cooperatives.
Within, we find this thoughtfully renovated 7 room, 3 bedroom, 3 bath home; where great attention was placed on every detail. Upon entering, you're struck by the streams of sun and light provided from innumerable outward facing windows and four exposures. See listing details. Watch video.
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As we enter 2026, the Hamptons market is expected to remain tight, reflecting strong price stability and modest appreciation. Tight inventory continues to be the driving force behind that appreciation, particularly in the high end, above $10M where deal volume is stronger. Ironically, this marketplace is quite closely mirroring Manhattan's activity. Sentiment is similar and optimism is cautiously in the air; the anticipation of ample Wall Street bonuses could translate to accelerated deal flow. That said, many would‑be buyers remain renters first, using seasonal and year‑round rentals to “test‑drive” neighborhoods before committing.
As mentioned, the ultra‑luxury generally out performs the rest of the market. Demand for "turnkey" product in exclusive locations leads the pack. More rate‑sensitive and value‑conscious buyers (below that trophy level), tend to push back on aspirational pricing and wait out listings that do not reflect value, generally measured by condition, location, or current financing realities. However, once the math works, they are indeed buyers.
Interestingly, buyer demands have become more textured. As always, investors and end‑users alike prioritize properties that can function as both lifestyle assets and income‑producing holdings in a “quiet luxury” environment. Now, however, there's been increasing interest in sustainability and climate‑resilient features and flexible multi-generational needs.
Q3 PERCENTAGE OF SALES BY PRICE
| | * WHAT REPRESENTATION LOOKS LIKE * | | |
Click on each respective image to watch the video.
| | Above charts courtesy: Mortgage News Daily | | * MOST RECENT MARKET REPORTS * | |
Seeing Silence:
The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck
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Seeing Silence: The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck is the first exhibition to showcase the work of the artist in a major United States museum. Featuring nearly 60 works—including generous loans from the Finnish National Gallery / Ateneum Art Museum, other Finnish museums, and private collections in Finland and Sweden—Seeing Silence illuminates Schjerfbeck as a valuable voice of modernism.
Beloved in Nordic countries for her highly original style, Finnish painter Helene Schjerfbeck (1862–1946) is relatively unknown to the rest of the world. Overcoming immense personal struggles and working in a remote location for decades, she produced a powerful body of work through sheer force of will. This exhibition affirms her rightful place in the story of modern art.
Following Schjerfbeck’s journey from art school in Paris to her final days in Sweden, the exhibition illustrates her shift from traditional and realistic subjects to a simplified, spare style. In the early 1900s, using her mother and neighbors as models, she painted abstractly, paring down her subjects in form and color and developing a bold, new language. Through April 5, 2026. For more click here.
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The 100 Best Restaurants
In New York City for 2025
(according to the New York Times - click here)
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Let's Compare Lists: Eater vs. Resy
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The Hottest Restaurants
Open Right Now
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Eater's Heat Map (click below) - Some of the Hottest Restaurants open right now. This list will be updated monthly.
Eater editors get asked one question more than any other: Where should I eat right now? Here, we’ve put together a map of the latest Manhattan debuts drawing NYC’s dining obsessives.
New to the list in December: Taishoken, having expanded in the East Village, and Bufón from the folks behind Demo, on the Lower East Side.
For more New York dining recommendations, check out the new hotspots in Brooklyn and Queens.
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Hit List: Where In New York You’ll Want to Eat Right Now
| | The buckwheat pancake at Smithereens. Photo by Tom Wilson, courtesy of Smithereens | | |
New to the Hit List (December 2025):
The 10 Restaurants That Defined New York Dining in 2025
By Deanna Ting - If there’s a common thread among New York’s standout restaurants this year, it’s that they were fearless. They possessed clear points of view, and didn’t waver. They did things their way. And we were all the better, and fuller, for it.
Some, like the pitch-perfect Lei, the thrilling Bong, and the revived Adda, pulled no punches when it came to celebrating the personal heritage and culture of their chefs and owners. Others, like Smithereens and I Cavallini, marched to a more conceptual beat, extolling the bounties of New England and Italy in their own unique ways. At Banh Anh Em and Schmuck, commitment to craft was always on full display, whether it revolved around bánh mì or cocktails. There was inspiration from across the Atlantic, a joyous Mexican twist on the steakhouse, and so much more.
For the full list...keep reading here.
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ARE RESTAURANTS SPYING ON YOU?
Is it a restaurant
. . . or is it the CIA?
The show Cheers got it right: we all like to go where everybody knows our name. But how much more do we want our favorite restaurant to know about us? Read Article.
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Cookbook Author, Culinary Journalist and Food Humorist©, Rob is a Manhattan born man-about- town who writes, produces and hosts programs about food. I highly recommend his new book for Dads like myself. There is a new kind of dad, and he's doing far more domestic duty than at any time in history, including cooking. Although it's written with a sense of humor, this book is a serious resource for dads and anyone else interested in upping their game to make great tasting foo d bat home, even if they have never used a chef's knife or a roasting pan before.
Order: Short Order Dad ...A Great Gift for Dad!
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Rob is also on iHeart Radio & SPOTIFY with his ALL YOU CAN EAT podcast about delicious food, cooking and luxury travel.
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PRIVATE ONLINE COOKING CLASSES:
Ask Rob about his privates…by which he means that he offers customized cooking lessons to individuals and to groups. You learn, you laugh, and you eat well.
Now that ALL of us need to pitch in when it comes to feeding the family, I suggest picking up some serious tips from Rob. As he says, he went to cooking school so you don't have to. These sessions are fun and literally provide prized skills for upping your game. Enjoy. See Rob's intro here.
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With Partnering Worldwide, Brown Harris Stevens continues to leverage
its very productive relationships with top brokerages nationally and
internationally by inviting partners to high-light key properties in their
respective markets on BrownHarrisStevens.com, and to feature
our important properties on their sites.
Learn more.
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Brown Harris Stevens
1934 Broadway
New York, NY 10023
917-701 3907
| | | Disclaimer: The opinions and content in this newsletter are assembled solely by Roberto Cabrera (a licensed real estate broker in New York State) for informational purposes only and and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No financial or legal advice provided. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. All Coming Soon listings in NYC are simultaneously syndicated to the REBNY RLS. Equal Housing Opportunity. Everyone has unique circumstances and should consult the their own respective professionals. |
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