Weekly Manhattan and Brooklyn Market Update: 1/26
Howard Hanna NYC January 26, 2026
Howard Hanna NYC January 26, 2026
The market entered a short-term normalization phase following the stronger early-January rebound. Inventory is rebuilding across both boroughs, while buyer sentiment shows divergence between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Howard Hanna NYC Consumer Sentiment index framework indicates a post–New Year recalibration, not a trend reversal, with sentiment easing from –3% to –11% as early momentum normalizes.
Key KPIs shaping the week:
Inventory: Second consecutive week-over-week increase across both boroughs
New listings: Mixed signals, still lagging year-over-year
Pending sales: Short-term pullback driven by timing effects
Signed contracts: Manhattan softened while Brooklyn strengthened
This week reflects absorption of new supply rather than demand deterioration. Buyers remain active but increasingly price-sensitive, while sellers are re-entering the market selectively. Pricing accuracy continues to be decisive. Bottom Line: selectivity is the theme.
Inventory is rebuilding, not flooding the market
Manhattan shows temporary cooling; Brooklyn continues to gain momentum
Sellers must align pricing with current absorption capacity
This is a positioning phase, not a turning point. The spring market narrative is still forming.
Outlook
Expect near-term volatility in weekly indicators as inventory rebuilds. Directionally, sentiment and activity should stabilize heading into February, with clearer acceleration expected closer to the spring listing cycle.
Manhattan inventory expanded for the second consecutive week, reaching 5,143 homes (+3.9% WoW | –5.4% YoY). New listings rose to 301 units (+11.9% WoW | –17% YoY). While weekly growth is notable, supply remains below last year’s levels, underscoring ongoing structural tightness.
Brooklyn inventory increased to 2,914 homes (+2.7% WoW | +1.4% YoY), marking the second straight week of growth. New listings totaled 169 units (–0.6% WoW | –11% YoY), indicating that seller participation remains subdued relative to last year, though inventory momentum suggests activity should improve in coming weeks.
Manhattan Pending Sales: Declined 8.3% WoW to 2,818 units
Brooklyn Pending Sales: Declined 4% WoW to 1,690 units
These declines reflect timing and seasonal effects, not a breakdown in buyer demand.
Photo by Rihards Gederts | Howard Hanna NYC
Manhattan recorded 154 signed contracts (–10% WoW | –22% YoY). The Howard Hanna NYC Manhattan Consumer Sentiment Index declined from –15% to –23%, signaling a short-term pause following the stronger first half of January. Buyer activity remains present but more selective.
Brooklyn logged 101 signed contracts (+13.5% WoW | +1% YoY). The Howard Hanna NYC Brooklyn Sentiment Index surged from +25% to +38%, highlighting strengthening confidence among value-driven and first-move-up buyers entering 2026.
New development activity moderated but remained constructive. Marketproof tracked 26 signed contracts across 21 buildings, reflecting continued buyer focus on quality assets rather than broad-based momentum.
Top performers this week:
The Strathmore (Yorkville): 3 signed contracts
96 + Broadway (Upper West Side): 2 signed contracts
The West Residence Club (Clinton): 2 signed contracts
Buyer behavior continues to emphasize location, pricing discipline, and delivery certainty, consistent with an early-cycle environment.
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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.
