2017 ended up with a modest 6% increase over 2016 in the number of contracts signed at $4 million and above in Manhattan. Year-to-date, 1,172 contracts were
signed, totaling $9,104,329,032. The 1st and 2nd quarters of 2017 were strong. The
third quarter was weak, and the 4th quarter rebounded with a performance equal
to 2016.
Still, 2017 does not come close to the golden years of new development--2013
to 2015--when a surge of buyers clamored for new construction. Overall, when
you drill down into 2017's numbers, there are no wide swings in price or $/square
foot over each of the last 4 years.
One noticeable difference: the length of time on the market was 433 days, up
from 318 days in 2016. You read that right - it took almost 4 months longer to
sell a luxury property in 2017 than in 2016. This is a continuing trend that reflects
an overpriced market, in which a typical property had to drop its asking price by
8% before it could find a buyer. This trend further demonstrates that there is
clear buyer resistance if the property is not priced correctly from the start.
The steepest fall from grace was in the townhouse market. Only 100 contracts
were signed, 11% below last year. The reason: The cost of renovating has
skyrocketed due in large part to labor shortages, while at the same time the new
condo market offers increasing competition with an expanding supply of large
units offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and robust amenities.
As always, a few bright spots at the top were evident. One buyer went on a
shopping spree in early December, purchasing three adjoining penthouse condos
at 432 Park Avenue for a total of $91,125,497 for 11,906 square feet. A record-breaking townhouse sale was also in the mix: 12 East 69 th Street went to contract
for $80 million, reduced from $114 million when it was listed in 2014. The 40-foot-wide house has 20,000 square feet and was sold to a buyer from China.
As for 2018, the big question is: What will be the effects of the new tax law, which
caps state, local, and property tax deductions at $10,000, on the Manhattan
luxury market?
Stay tuned.
QUICK STATS
for the week of
2017 YEAR END REPORT
Total Weekly Asking Price Sales Volume:
Average Asking Price:
Median Asking Price:
Average Discount from Original Ask to Last Asking Price: 0%
Average Days on Market: 0
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