The Hamptons housing market started 2026 with mixed signals. While the number of sales declined, prices continued to rise. Inventory tightened, yet the luxury segment saw noticeable growth.
A report from William Raveis, compiled by Judi Desiderio, showed that home sales across the Hamptons dropped 12 percent compared to the same period last year, falling from 457 to 403 transactions. Meanwhile, median prices jumped more than 21 percent, reaching $2.4 million. Total sales volume also increased by nearly 7 percent, hitting $1.56 billion.
These figures indicate a market undergoing change rather than a slowdown. Fewer homes are selling overall, but those that do attract higher prices.
Much of this shift is linked to limited inventory, especially among more affordable homes. Properties priced under $4 million are becoming scarce, making it harder for entry-level and midmarket buyers to find options. On the other hand, sales at the luxury end have picked up pace.
Sales in the $10 million to $19.99 million range rose 35 percent year over year, and transactions above $20 million grew by an impressive 125 percent. These high-value deals played a significant role in boosting the quarter’s total dollar volume.
Local markets around the Hamptons showed different patterns within this broader trend.
Sag Harbor Village saw home sales increase by 31 percent, with total sales volume nearly doubling at a 96 percent rise. Median prices climbed over 53 percent, reaching $3.525 million, helped by more sales topping $3 million.
Bridgehampton also experienced growth. Sales rose by 10 percent, and volume climbed nearly 62 percent. The median home price there increased 26 percent to $6 million, reflecting continued strength in the luxury sector.
Some areas recorded fewer sales but stable or rising prices. In Amagansett, sales dropped 39 percent and volume declined 56 percent, yet the median price still went up by nearly 8 percent to $3.88 million. East Hampton Village saw a 40 percent decline in transactions and a 20 percent drop in volume, but transactions at the highest prices increased.
Southampton Town showed a mild slowdown. Sales decreased 4 percent, volume fell 20 percent, and median price dropped by over 15 percent to slightly above $2 million. Interestingly, sales in the $1 million to $3.49 million bracket rose, hinting at ongoing demand in that segment.
In Hampton Bays and Westhampton, sales fell sharply—down 36 percent and 27 percent, respectively—but median prices gained 14 percent and 23 percent. These price increases suggest that limited supply is keeping upward pressure on values, even as demand softens.
Shelter Island’s sales remained flat compared with last year’s first quarter, yet its median price surged more than 76 percent to $2.65 million, indicating a shift toward higher-priced transactions.
Montauk showed gains across key measures: sales were up 11 percent, volume rose 44 percent, and median prices increased 17.5 percent to $2.585 million.
Looking at the overall picture, these numbers point to a market shaped more by limited availability than by a drop in buyer interest. With fewer homes to choose from — especially in lower price ranges — fewer transactions are occurring. At the same time, buyers competing for what’s available are driving prices upward.
As the Hamptons move deeper into their active spring and summer seasons, these trends are expected to continue. Inventory constraints will likely keep limiting sales volumes, while sustained demand at the luxury level may keep pushing prices higher.
Ultimately, this is not a market simply cooling off—it is adjusting. Access to the right properties, more than buyer enthusiasm alone, is increasingly shaping the outcomes.