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ew Yorkers are turning to collective buying as a creative response to relentless rent hikes. StreetEasy’s latest research shows that by 2026, more than half of prospective homeowners will seek a co‑buyer, with 9% partnering with friends and 6% with relatives. This “third way” of ownership—neither solo nor couple—could reshape the city’s housing landscape.
The appeal goes beyond splitting a down payment. Many buyers target multi‑family buildings that offer separate units, allowing residents to maintain independence while sharing mortgage, maintenance and closing costs. For families with aging parents or siblings who wish to stay close, multigenerational ownership lets older adults downsize without leaving the city’s rhythm.
StreetEasy also projects a 2026 market that will be both faster and tighter. Sales are expected to reach their highest levels since 2022, and homes will move quickly. Renters, meanwhile, face higher costs and a sluggish labor market, keeping vacancies low and pushing rents higher. New developments will emerge as the most affordable rental option, with pre‑war apartments outpacing them in rent increases. Buildings featuring communal amenities—rooftop decks, party rooms, basketball courts—are likely to become standard rather than luxury.
In short, the path to owning a slice of New York may look different in 2026, but the city’s spirit of reinvention remains. Why should home ownership be any less adaptable?
