Thirty contracts were signed last week at $4 million and above, an unexpected pre-holiday gift---the first time since the third week in June 2018 that total deals hit 30. It also marked the third straight week that total contracts signed registered 20 or more sales. The usual factors seemingly contributed to this relief rally: stubbornly low interest rates, a robust stock market, continuing consumer confidence in the economy--- and perhaps most importantly, a meaningful reduction in prices (a year-to-date average drop of 10% off asking prices) across the Manhattan luxury market.

The No.1 contract was M5 at 150 West 12th Street, asking $16.995 million, reduced from $21.5 million when it was listed in May 2018. This 5,71- square-foot triplex has 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. The ground-floor entertaining space has a 592-square-foot garden and a 103-square-foot loggia off the upstairs bedroom wing. The unit comes with storage and an SUV parking spot. The owner purchased the unit from the sponsor in April 2016 for $14,342,736. The building is known as The Greenwich Lane, a 5-building complex comprised of 193 apartments and 5 townhouses. Amenities include a concierge, doorman, parking, fitness center, a 25-meter swimming pool, golf simulator, garden, residents’ lounge, and children’s playroom.

The No. 2 contract was a sponsor unit on the 58th floor at 45 East 22nd Street, asking $14.75 million. The week before, the 57th floor was the No. 1 contract signed, asking $14.5 million. The 58th floor has 4,660 square feet including 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and sweeping 360-degree views from the East River to the Hudson River. The apartment is in a new 65-story glass condo with 83 units next to Madison Square Park. Amenities include a fitness center, basketball court, children’s playroom, and an outdoor terrace.