Weekly Manhattan and Brooklyn Market Update: 1/12
Real Estate Sonal Patel January 12, 2026
Real Estate Sonal Patel January 12, 2026
The first full trading week of 2026 reflects a familiar January pattern: lower absolute activity, but improving sentiment. Buyers are re-engaging, sellers are testing the market, and both sides are positioning ahead of the spring cycle. Regarding pending sales, the recent softness is short term and seasonal, reflecting timing effects rather than any meaningful pullback in buyer demand.
The Howard Hanna NYC Consumer Sentiment Index increased from –33% to –17%, signaling a typical post-holiday rebound as buyer engagement resumes at the start of the calendar year. Early-year momentum is most visible in new development, where activity remains concentrated in well-located, correctly priced projects with strong amenity offerings.
Outlook: Positioning Ahead of Spring Acceleration
Near-term weekly metrics are likely to remain mildly volatile, reflecting seasonal effects. That said, underlying fundamentals point to steadier contract growth as fresh inventory comes online and rate expectations stabilize. Overall, the market is transitioning into a clear pre-spring positioning phase:
Inventory remains constrained, particularly in Manhattan
Seller participation is increasing, but selectively and price-disciplined
Buyer sentiment continues to improve post-holidays
New development remains the outperforming segment when pricing and product align
For buyers, this period offers a strategic opportunity to secure leverage ahead of intensifying spring competition. For sellers, execution matters: preparation, realistic pricing, and positioning will be critical as the market shifts from reset to acceleration.
Manhattan active inventory declined for the eighth consecutive week, falling to 4,895 homes (–0.5% WoW | –19% YoY).
New listings rebounded sharply to 260 units (+584% WoW | –14% YoY), reflecting a seasonal reactivation rather than structural oversupply. Inventory remains historically constrained relative to demand.
Brooklyn inventory decreased to 2,793 homes (–2.8% WoW | +1.9% YoY), marking the tenth straight weekly decline.
New listings totaled 181 units (+277% WoW | +11% YoY), confirming renewed seller engagement as 2026 begins, particularly in core neighborhoods.
Manhattan Pending Sales: Declined 0.8% WoW to 3,065 units
Brooklyn Pending Sales: Declined 2.6% WoW to 1,788 units
Photo by Rihards Gederts | Howard Hanna NYC
Manhattan recorded 85 signed contracts (+16% WoW | –8% YoY). The Manhattan Consumer Sentiment Index improved from –46% to –23%, a notable early-year inflection.
Buyers are increasingly active, aligning with the gradual build-up toward the spring listing season.
Brooklyn also logged 85 signed contracts (+16% WoW | –8% YoY). The Brooklyn Sentiment Index rose from +1% to +17%, signaling growing confidence and early
momentum entering 2026, particularly among value-driven and first-move-up buyers.
Marketproof tracked 33 new development contracts across 21 buildings. Top performers included:
The Sixth (Williamsburg) signed 7 deals
The Strathmore (Yorkville) signed 5 deals.
Her experience, expertise, and engaging personality make Sonal the perfect combination of advisor, advocate, and strategist. She is the proud owner of several NYC properties and a skilled negotiator with a deep understanding of people and sharp instincts about market trends.
