M
anhasset’s North Hills: a 7,200‑sq‑ft home listed at $9.2 M. Irene Rallis of Douglas Elliman is the agent. Courtesy of Douglas Elliman.
Alana Benjamin (COMPASS, Manhasset) notes that fall 2025 feels like spring on Long Island. Bidding wars return, buyers flood open houses, and activity across all price points exceeds a typical September. The market seems to have paused briefly in summer and is roaring back. Buyers—driven by rising city rents and expanding families—are ready to move, making fall 2025 livelier than the calmer 2024 season and setting the stage for a busy 2026.
Tara Fox (Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, Greenvale) highlights a clear trend: buyers now demand turnkey, renovated homes. Modern kitchens, refreshed bathrooms, new flooring, and well‑maintained roofs and HVAC are essential. Even modest upgrades like fresh paint or updated lighting boost appeal. Homes sell above asking, with sold‑to‑list ratios over 100% and inventory at just over three months. Fast sales come from well‑presented, correctly priced properties; those needing work linger. Sellers must invest in presentation and smart pricing to stand out.
Irene Rallis (Douglas Elliman, Manhasset) observes that North Shore luxury demand remains resilient despite higher rates and uncertainty. Updated, move‑in‑ready homes trade quickly, often with multiple offers at the top end. Limited inventory keeps prices strong. Buyers act decisively when a modern, high‑end property appears. Sellers who prepare homes thoughtfully will continue to excel; buyers must stay agile.
Ryan Springer (The Corcoran Group, Cutchogue) reports a shift in the secondary vacation home market. Buyers now seek modern, move‑in‑ready properties, not fixer‑uppers. Must‑haves include state‑of‑the‑art kitchens, resort‑style pools, and designed outdoor living. Buyers pay premium for turnkey luxury, creating opportunities for investors renovating for resale. Homeowners upgrading now can expect future dividends.
Claudia Alvarez (The Agency, Bay Shore) says Nassau County remains active and competitive. Median single‑family sale price is about $875,000; homes sell at or above asking, averaging 35 days on market. Inventory is tight; listings down YoY, pushing prices up. Falling borrowing costs may open buyer opportunities, but affordability remains a challenge. Rising foreclosure filings signal financial stress. Interest rates, new listings, and economic conditions will shape the fall market. Sellers still hold advantage, but buyers can find openings if rates soften or inventory grows.
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