Many buyers think that the market “get off” for the holidays, but often the opposite happens. This year this is what happens: new properties are coming to the market just as sellers usually wait for January. In the coming days I will put on the market a 2-bedroom in the Upper East Side, and timing is not random.
For serious buyers in New York, understand the pace of this season, how the inventory moves, how sellers reason and how the negotiations change, can open opportunities that at other times of the year simply do not exist. Below, the key trends to better address the last weeks of 2025.
1. Less buyers – but motivated sellers remain active
During the holidays many buyers stop: travel, dinners and end-of-year commitments reduce visits and competitiveness. The sellers who remain on the market in December, on the other hand, are often those who really want to see: who has already purchased another house for example, who moves to another city, who wants to close by the end of the year. Less competition between more motivated buyers and sellers creates favorable conditions during trading.
2. Reduced inventory, but “forgotten occurrences” emerge
In December the inventory falls, but clarity grows. It becomes evident what properties had been neglected in autumn and which, after a price adjustment, are now ready for a new look of interest. There are also more sophisticated opportunities: off-market, whisper listings i.e. houses that sellers prefer not to publish online during the holidays but privately advertised.
3. The negotiations in December follow a different pace
The pace of negotiations is calmer Buyers have more time to make spotted deals and sellers often show more flexibility, both on price and on timing. Understanding what motivates the seller is essential to build an effective offer.
4. Why December is crucial to prepare for 2026
Those who are well prepared can obtain significant advantages. Having ready financial documents, a pre-approval to get the mortgage, clarity of what you want to buy allows you to move faster than others. Even those who think of buying in 2026 should take advantage of December to define budgets, priorities, differences between condo and co-op and to start monitoring buildings of interest. Planning now means starting January with a real advantage.
Summing up holidays do not stop the Manhattan real estate market: They turn it so much to remember that the big apple never stops!
Article The most surprising period for the Manhattan real estate market comes from IlNewyorkese.
