John Healy, Saunders & Associates
I would like to see buyers have more faith in agents’ knowledge and recommendations. Granted, the agent has much to do with that, which is why a veteran agent is so valuable to the process. There is a great deal of information out there with straightforward accessibility; however, that information is less filtered than the buyer knows, and that is where the agent is so important for quality guidance through a very fluid process of purchasing an “investment” in the Hamptons. The sellers, too, should use the agent as a confidant with good experience and trustworthy suggestions. When listing a property, often there is a formula that includes proper presentation of the product, and that goes for sales of any product. Proper presentation and use of high-quality marketing will speed up the process to a successful closing, but it is still imperative to “listen” and not just “hear” the agent. Again, the veteran agent has seen many different scenarios and knows how to navigate successfully.
The buyer profile has adjusted with the market news as always; however, new construction seems to be what 80-90% of the buyers are most interested in. Luxury Buyers seem more satisfied with a fully functioning, ready-to-use new product over a renovation or project. Budgets become flexible based on the quality of the location and construction. New construction has become very expensive, and having an agent with good construction knowledge is imperative when heading in that direction. The demand for new construction in the past 5-7 years has brought about many new building companies out here, and the assistance from a veteran agent who also knows construction will ensure more satisfaction in the end. Today’s buyers seem to have more patience with new listings than in the past. Living in and becoming part of the Hamptons’ landscape has become more expensive than ever, so the investment needs more scrutiny, and with that, I see buyers taking more time viewing properties to make a final decision. It’s smart, just like investing in any luxury property.
Margot Reutter, The Corcoran Group
Luxury buyers are ultimately looking for homes that align with what matters most to them, whether that’s lifestyle, location, or long-term value. In many cases, they’re thinking generationally. Out here in the Hamptons, properties often go beyond function and are viewed as assets of passion, much like art.
There’s an emotional layer to the investment. These aren’t just houses, they’re the backdrop for life’s most meaningful moments. Families are gathering, spending real time together, creating core memories. They’re celebrating milestones, hosting close friends, and enjoying a level of privacy and peace that’s increasingly rare.
When a buyer finds a home that resonates with their values and vision, where they can picture their kids growing up, summer traditions forming, or even passing it down, it becomes something more enduring. In that sense, value isn’t just about appreciation on paper. It’s about the richness of experience, the lifestyle it enables, and the legacy it can represent.
The buyer profile out here in the Hamptons has remained remarkably consistent over time. At the core, it’s people who truly enjoy life and beauty, people who value nature, architecture, art, and time well spent with family and friends. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to share this with my clients and new friends.
Judi Desiderio, William Raveis
The Hamptons market is very unique. Each hamlet is different, and within each hamlet the different price ranges vary. The reports that William Raveis puts out, and I have been writing for over 30 years, tell you where the bulk of the business is and where the exceptions are. For buyers and sellers, the key would be hiring the right broker with the experience and knowledge necessary to help guide them through the process. Just like a great attorney or a great investment banker, they’re worth their weight in gold.
The profile of today’s buyer in the Hamptons varies within each marketplace. Certain markets are seeing the demographic age-wise changing, but for the most part, the cost of getting into the Hamptons market is cost-prohibitive to most. Buying a second or a third home with a median home sale price of over $2 million truly separates populations. I think our sliver of heaven out here caters to the one percent.
Dana Trotter, The Agency
I wish more buyers and sellers understood just how important relationships and reputation are in the Hamptons market. For buyers, working exclusively with one experienced, well-connected broker is key — good brokers have access to everything, even before it hits the market. Loyalty goes a long way here; when a buyer commits to a trusted broker, that broker can truly advocate for them and leverage strong relationships to open doors that might otherwise stay closed.
For sellers, choosing the right listing agent is equally critical. The agent you work with should not only know the market but also have strong ties to the community and other brokers. Those relationships can make all the difference when it comes to exposure, negotiations, and ultimately closing the deal.
At the end of the day, working with someone who’s experienced, dedicated, and ego-free — someone who’s solely focused on your best interests — can mean the difference between just listing a property and getting a deal done.
Since 2020, the Hamptons buyer has become more discerning and lifestyle-focused. Today’s luxury buyers aren’t necessarily chasing the traditional “south of the highway” status — they’re much more open to properties in quieter, less conventional locations that offer privacy, character, and a more personalized experience.
Instead of cookie-cutter homes, buyers are gravitating toward properties that feel special and unique — homes with custom finishes, thoughtful design, and a sense of individuality. Amenities matter more than ever: buyers are looking for elevated features like home gyms, wellness spaces, luxurious outdoor living areas, outdoor kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and fire pits that extend the living space well beyond the walls of the home.
It’s no longer just about square footage or location — it’s about lifestyle, quality, and a connection to the space.
Chris Ritchey, Compass
The Hamptons market is hyperlocal and, of course, seasonal. Every village and hamlet has its rhythm, pricing nuances, and buyer pool. What’s happening in East Hampton can be very different from what’s happening in Sag Harbor or Amagansett, even though they are just a few miles apart. Timing also plays a big role. The market behaves differently in spring versus late summer or midwinter. For sellers, pricing correctly from the start is crucial in this discerning market. No one has to buy a second (or third, fourth…) home, so buyers are willing to wait for a house that fits their needs and pricing. And for buyers, coming prepared with financing in place and a clear understanding of what you’re looking for can make all the difference when the right property comes up. It’s a beautiful place to own property, but in a competitive market, local knowledge truly matters.
Since 2020, the Hamptons buyer profile has shifted toward younger design professionals, especially from tech and the creative industries. They are using their homes year-round rather than just seasonally. Because of this, today’s luxury buyers want turnkey properties with indoor-outdoor living and wellness amenities like gyms, saunas, and, for the off season, fireplaces and tricked-out garages. Privacy, home tech, and features like EV chargers and solar are high on the list. There’s a strong preference for fully furnished, move-in-ready homes in the current market, especially as pricing for renovations and furnishing a home has increased with the current tariffs.
Peter McCracken, The Corcoran Group
Stop relying on Zillow! Yes, it gives a good “base” for a price, but Zillow can be off by as much as 50%. To my knowledge, I have never heard of Zillow entering a house or looking at the property. Zillow is great for the up-island neighborhoods where there are many of the same houses located in the same neighborhoods. What Zillow is good for is after the property has sold, it does give an accurate sale date and price. As well, the Hamptons market is a secondary market, and sellers have to remember that most likely, this will be a buyer’s second, vacation home.
Absolutely, the buyer profile has changed since 2020. During the pandemic, buyers just wanted to get out of the city and get to the country, and were willing to do a renovation at a later date. The buyers now are primarily looking for a move-in-ready home. After the pandemic and with all of the supply problems, buyers are not ready, as of yet, to do major reconstruction. They just want a “spec” house or a home that has been renovated to just move in and not deal with the hassles of renovating.
