As we enter 2025, the East End real estate market continues to captivate buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Known for its unparalleled beauty, luxurious properties, and unique blend of tranquility and vibrancy, the Hamptons has always been a barometer for luxury market trends.
We’ve gathered insights from top East End industry experts to shed light on what the future may hold. In this roundtable discussion, they share their predictions for East End real estate in 2025 and their hopes for how the market can evolve. From emerging trends to challenges and opportunities, this is a glimpse into the year ahead through the eyes of those shaping it.
We asked, “What are your predictions for the Hamptons and/or North Fork real estate for 2025, and what are your hopes for 2025’s market?” and “What is your 2025 New Year’s resolution, and why?”
Terry Cohen, Hedgerow Exclusives
The real estate market remains tight overall, contributing to ongoing buyer frustration. However, there is promising news as numerous new projects are currently underway, particularly south of the highway, where demand has been exceptionally strong. These developments are expected to drive increased transaction activity in 2025 and into 2026.
The rental market is already robust, with strong demand for summer 2025 properties. From my perspective, we anticipate a busy season, assisting clients eager to transact in this competitive market.
On the North Fork and Shelter Island, we are observing a clear upward trajectory. Recent trades highlight this trend, signaling strong growth and opportunity in these areas. It’s an exciting time, and I am optimistic about a thriving market ahead.
Rather than focusing on specific changes, my resolution is to embrace the ever-evolving nature of the real estate market and remain adaptable to those changes. Staying informed and current is key to success in this dynamic industry. Additionally, I aim to maintain gratitude for every transaction I am fortunate to be a part of, as each one represents an opportunity to grow and serve my clients.
Bonita DeWolf, Christie’s International Real Estate Group
As the new year approaches and into Spring 2025, the real estate market should stabilize and begin to show growth. We have numerous buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines for inventory to increase, interest rates to decline (or at least stabilize), and the election to conclude. At some point, their desires to purchase a home outweigh circumstantial factors, and they will step into the market. Once people adjust to “a new normal,” they jump in feet first.
It’s important that both sellers and landlords price their properties within an attractive range to buyers and tenants. Aspirational pricing leads to frustrated potential buyers and tenants and listings with no offers. Let’s leave behind the aspirational pricing of years past and focus on pricing properties closer to what the market bears, allowing transactions to move forward on a faster timeline!
Randi Ball, The Agency
I am predicting a year of high volume. We should start to see the cycle of the pandemic buyers ready to trade out their properties, which will be the first time in several years that we will have ample inventory to satisfy the buyers who have been on the sidelines waiting for their perfect home to come available. I hope that with the increase in inventory, we start to see the extreme rise in home prices cool off and allow for some relative affordability for buyers entering the market.
Greg Schmidt, The Corcoran Group
I am very optimistic about Hamptons real estate in 2025. This past year slowed down for a number of reasons, but I think one of the biggest was concern about the then-pending election. Many people postponed making decisions about buying or selling because they felt they needed to know the outcome. It’s the classic ‘fear of the unknown.’ Now that we all know the results, this paralysis has ended. I have heard from a number of my clients, and other agents, that there will be more inventory coming to the market this winter. The great news is there are currently buyers waiting in the wings for that inventory right now. Additionally, I believe that a lot of potential buyers who held off their searches entirely this past election year will come into the Winter/Spring market and further increase demand.
Even though 2024 was slower than some years, the high end of the market saw substantial activity, especially in the last quarter. Many expect that high-end activity to trickle down to the rest of the market. Also, the word from many New York City-based agents is that business there has picked up recently, and this is usually a very positive signal for Hamptons sales. Finally, we’re all hoping that interest rates will come down further in 2025. If so, that could really boost the number of real estate transactions in our region – and nationwide.
I have a few New Year’s resolutions for 2025. Here they are: Listen more, talk less. Dress up more. Spend more time with family, friends, and real estate colleagues (my favorite ones). Deepen my relationships and friendships. Go even further to see how I can get involved and help my community. Find new trails and take them, both in nature and in life.
Meka Brown, Douglas Elliman
I’ve never been more excited to enter the new year! 2025 is definitely the year I see myself evolving as an agent, but more importantly, I see the market evolving as well. My biggest prediction is the redefining of North of Highway. I predict not only will a lot more deals be done, but there will also be more desire, particularly on the north side of Montauk Highway, in 2025. Sure, South of Highway will always serve significance, but based on recent transactions, specifically land trades, I see North of Highway really making its mark in the new year. The way the market has picked up post-election makes me excited for all the new development projects I have coming up. Witnessing a few developers I work closely with simultaneously scale up their business has also become a trend. Developers are making some notable plays this 4th quarter, purchasing bigger lots with plans to build bigger homes. Based on that alone, 2025 has already proven to be a great year, but I guess we’ll have to wait and find out!
Each New Year, I have a word of the year. This word indicates something I wish to highlight and/or change about myself. This year, my word is “Evolution,” I simply wish to evolve in every aspect of my life. So often, we get caught up in our daily routine that after 365 days of it, we look back and feel as if nothing has changed. As much as I thrive from routine, I want to be better. I plan to evolve in my personal life, I wish to create healthier relationships with people socially and romantically. I plan to evolve in business by investing more in myself and becoming a stronger real estate agent. Lastly, I wish to evolve both physically and spiritually. Stricter eating and fitness habits, as well as enhancing my relationship with God. Each day, I will do something to evolve, focusing on the micro efforts as opposed to the big ones we start the year off with and end up forgetting before January is over!
Rich Dec, The Corcoran Group
This past year has been steady, with a healthy number of transactions across various categories. However, we’ve noticed some market hesitation recently, largely influenced by inflation and high interest rates. A number of sellers, including both end-users and developers, have been aggressively pricing their homes, which has contributed to a slower market by some measures in Q4. Additionally, we’re seeing more properties stay on the market longer, which could indicate that home prices may begin to level off—at least for now.
The great news is the financial markets are thriving with record-breaking numbers. This typically bolsters our luxury market, as consumer confidence plays a crucial role in driving transactions. Looking ahead to the new year, I’m optimistic that we’ll see increased activity and, hopefully, more inventory to meet the demand that persists in the marketplace.
My hope for Hamptons real estate in 2025 is that it remains strong overall, with more opportunities emerging for buyers at every price point. The Hamptons is truly a one-of-a-kind market, cherished by so many for its natural beauty, coveted lifestyle, and close proximity to the New York metro area.
As for my New Year’s resolution—or one of them, at least—it’s to be more engaged and proactive within my community. I want to give back and make a positive impact because I feel incredibly fortunate to call this magical place home.
Aleksandrina Penkova, The Corcoran Group
In the latter half of 2024, we observed a notable rise in inventory levels, offering buyers a broader selection of properties to consider. I anticipate this trend will carry into 2025. The Hamptons remain a highly sought-after area, and many buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines due to elevated mortgage rates, constrained inventory, and high prices may re-enter the market. I expect prices to stabilize in the coming year, leading to an increase in sales activity.
My hope for 2025 is that sellers approach the market with realistic expectations, buyers become more decisive, and those who are strategically minded seek the guidance of knowledgeable local agents to navigate the process effectively.
Work Goals: To refine and elevate the level of service I provide, ensuring I remain an indispensable resource for my clients throughout their real estate transactions.
Personal Goals: To maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle by continuing my focus on wellness through nutritious eating and a consistent workout routine.
