Once defined by a clear divide between city life and weekend escapes, the Hamptons buyer is changing that story. The post-pandemic era has brought about the co-primary lifestyle, where New York City and the East End are not seen as opposites but as parts of the same experience. Many of today’s buyers aren’t just heading to the Hamptons for weekends — they are living between these worlds. They move easily from Manhattan boardrooms to East End beaches and expect both homes to offer the same level of comfort, design, and connectivity.
To understand how this new dual-address trend is developing and which features are driving sales, we spoke with top Hamptons brokers and agents. From flexible layouts and fully equipped offices to spa-like wellness amenities and hotel-style guest areas, these experts are observing a change in how people view home, luxury, and balance.
Here’s what they shared about the evolution of co-primary living and what is fueling the next wave of demand on the East End.
The Oakley-Leicht Team, Saunders & Associates
Co-primary living between New York City and the Hamptons is becoming a reality for more and more people. What was once known primarily as a Hamptons summer escape has evolved into a full-time lifestyle for many. With the flexibility of remote work, long weekends, extended summers, and holiday stays are no longer something to plan — they simply happen.
Today’s buyers are focused on finding homes that are both functional and aligned with their needs and lifestyle. At the top of the wish list are newly constructed or move-in-ready properties that require little to no work. Homes must also be work-friendly, offering dedicated office space and reliable connectivity. Wellness features like private gyms, saunas, spas, and generous outdoor areas with kitchens add major appeal. And above all, buyers expect city-level design and finish, paired with the relaxed sophistication that defines Hamptons living.
Kieran Brew, SERHANT
Put simply? They want out here what they don’t have in the city. Sure, that includes space, but also certain amenities that you might not expect, like a luxurious mudroom. Laundry rooms are the new wine rooms: they have more features, more space, and there’s one on every floor… The home gym is coming out of the cellar and is getting windows, views, and proximity to the rest of the house. And of course, closets are always important. A seller recently asked me if a fireplace was necessary in the upstairs primary bedroom. I told him I’d rather he spend the money on the closets!
Meegan Darby, The Corcoran Group
Co-primary buyers aren’t just “weekenders” anymore — they split their time between New York City and the Hamptons, so they shop like year-round residents. What attracts them most right now are homes that function like both a city apartment and a country house: true workspaces, reliable infrastructure, and smooth daily living.
The top features driving offers include dedicated, quiet work suites (ideally two) that are separate from the main living areas and allow for discreet movement. At 15 Water Mill Heights, the room off the back staircase is a great example — it’s tucked away, ready to be a home office, and doesn’t interfere with the household flow.
Redundancy and convenience: a whole-house generator, strong Wi-Fi (hardwired where possible), EV charging, organized storage, and a heated attached garage. Wellness and year-round usability: a gym or flexible studio, a sauna or steam room, a mudroom or beach room, and outdoor living spaces for all seasons (with covered dining, heaters, and wind screens). Turnkey finish and low-maintenance grounds: buyers want to move in and start working on Monday — no big projects.
In short, co-primary living is about everyday function without compromise. If a home allows you to take a Zoom call at 10, hit the beach at 1, host at 6, and never worry about power, Wi-Fi, or parking — it will sell.
Dana Trotter, The Agency
As more companies embrace remote and hybrid work, families are choosing a lifestyle-driven approach over cramped city living and redefining what “home” truly means. Increasingly, they are splitting their time between New York City and the Hamptons, finding a rhythm that offers the best of both worlds: professional opportunity in the city and the space, privacy, and calm of Hamptons country life. East End homes are being reimagined to support this balance, with dedicated offices, guest suites, and dependable high-speed technology now among the most sought-after features. The off-season commute remains easy by train or Jitney, allowing families to stay connected to the city while spending more time together and embracing the relaxed pace of coastal living. Co-primary living isn’t a luxury escape anymore; it’s the new model of modern life where career and quality of living comfortably coexist.
Bonita DeWolf, Christie’s International Real Estate Group
One of the greatest shifts I’ve observed is purchasers transitioning to living in the Hamptons for more of the balance of their time. They are seeking a true home, rather than just a summer house or an investment property. Potential purchasers are searching for a home that resonates with their lifestyle.
Every buyer has a different set of criteria. For some, it means having plenty of space for a dedicated work-from-home office. For others, it may be an in-house gym so they can fit in workouts without the travel time. A subset of buyers is seeking a formal dining room. They view it as essential because they envision hosting more elaborate gatherings, not just casual summer get-togethers. Many times, once optional features — like a garage — can become priorities for those living in the Hamptons year-round. Outdoor spaces that showcase changing seasonal views also carry extra value.
Ultimately, the details that align with an individual’s lifestyle and priorities drive a home seeker’s decision. Purchasers are choosing homes that support how they want to live, all year long.
Angela Boyer Stump, Sotheby’s International Realty
Co-primary living between NYC and the Hamptons has evolved into a vibrant, intentional lifestyle. Today’s buyers are drawn to homes that support a seamless blend of city energy and coastal serenity. What converts them fastest are properties with remote-work readiness, elevated outdoor spaces like heated pools and fire pits, and access to our thriving cultural scene — from Bay Street Theater and the Hamptons International Film Festival to galleries, wellness studios, and year-round dining. The Hamptons’ breathtaking beaches remain a timeless draw. These buyers aren’t just purchasing real estate — they’re investing in a richer, more inspired way of life.
