Spring: The Annual High Point
Spring (March–May) consistently sets the pace for NYC real estate. Demand peaks as buyers re-enter the market after winter’s slowdown. In the Spring of 2025, Manhattan’s median sale price surpassed $1.2 million, up from the winter, which was $1,189,000
The All-Transactions House Price Index rose from 1,094 (Q1) to 1,136 (Q2), a clear reflection of spring’s competitive surge.
Q2, 2025
How to Take Advantage:
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Buyers: Be fully pre-approved and ready to move fast. Most homes sell within weeks.
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Sellers: List in early spring for maximum exposure. High-quality visuals and professional staging boost the offer's strength.
Summer: The Market Cooling Phase
From June through August, the pace steadies. Many spring buyers have closed, bringing modest price corrections.
How to Take Advantage:
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Buyers: Take your time. Negotiate seller credits or inclusions.
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Sellers: Slightly undercut spring prices to capture motivated late-season buyers
Fall: The Strategic Second Peak 🍂
Autumn (September–November) often sparks a smaller rebound in both activity and pricing. Corporate relocations, refreshed listings, and year-end urgency keep energy in the market. In October 2025, the Manhattan average condo listing reached $2.9M.
How to Take Advantage:
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Buyers: With fewer crowds, negotiate confidently, especially on listings that have been on the market since summer.
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Sellers: Emphasize fall lifestyle visuals—fireplaces, warm tones, terrace sunsets.
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Investors: Fall entries often appreciate by spring; timing is key for short-term holds.
Winter: The Seasonal Low ❄️
December to February marks the quietest quarter. Fewer listings mean more negotiable deals. The House Price Index dipped from 1,085 (Q4 2024) to 1,094 (Q1 2025) before the spring rally.
How to Take Advantage:
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Buyers: Target motivated sellers, especially those with listings carried over from fall.
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Sellers: Stand out with clean, well-priced presentations. Serious winter buyers are ready to act.
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Investors: Use the lull to analyze comps and prep assets for Q2 recovery.
The NYC market never stops; it constantly shifts. Seasonal data from 2025 highlights how prices, activity levels, and buyer psychology fluctuate over the year. This fall, trends indicate resilience, slight price increases, and eager buyers aiming to close deals before the year ends. In a city that remains active around the clock, even seasonal changes reflect unique narratives in real estate.
