Weekly Market Pulse: February Ends on a High Note

After mid-month moderation, the market regained traction in the final week of February. The Howard Hanna NYC Consumer Sentiment Index increased from +9% to +38%, reflecting a decisive improvement in signed contract activity across both boroughs. Momentum appears to be building ahead of the traditional spring acceleration period.

Outlook: Inventory remains constrained year over year. If demand continues to strengthen without a parallel surge in listings, pricing pressure could re-emerge in select submarkets.

For buyers: Current conditions still allow room for negotiation in certain segments, but competition is likely to increase in March and April.

For sellers: Strategic pricing and early spring positioning may capture renewed demand before additional supply enters the market.

Demand is accelerating while supply remains constrained year over year, creating early signs of tightening conditions heading into the spring market.

Manhattan Supply: Inventory Tight, Sellers Still Conservative

Manhattan active inventory increased slightly to 5,376 homes (0.5% WoW | –7% YoY). Supply remains structurally below 2025 levels. New listings declined to 262 units (-4.4% WoW | –29% YoY). Both weekly and annual listing volumes indicate continued seller caution.

This constrained pipeline reinforces a supply-demand imbalance as transaction activity begins to strengthen.

Brooklyn Supply: Weekly Pullback Ahead of Spring

Brooklyn inventory edged down to 2,943 homes (-0.5% WoW | +1% YoY). While inventory remains slightly higher than last year, week-over-week contraction reflects tightening short-term availability.

New listings declined to 158 units (-17.7% WoW | -16% YoY), suggesting sellers may be timing entries for early March rather than late February.

Brooklyn supply remains orderly, but near-term listing activity slowed meaningfully this week.

Manhattan Pending Sales: Increased +0.26% WoW to 2,748 units, signaling stable forward pipeline strength.

Brooklyn Pending Sales: Decreased -0.2% WoW to 1,655 units, effectively flat and consistent with steady buyer engagement.

Photo by Rihards Gederts | Howard Hanna NYC

Manhattan Consumer Sentiment: Strong Rebound Into Spring

Manhattan recorded 234 signed contracts (+23% WoW | +5% YoY). The Howard Hanna NYC Manhattan Consumer Sentiment Index improved from -5% to +16%, moving decisively back into positive territory. The data confirms strengthening demand as February closes, positioning Manhattan for an active early spring cycle.

Brooklyn Consumer Sentiment: Gradual Improvement

Brooklyn logged 119 signed contracts (+6% WoW | -6% YoY). The Howard Hanna NYC Brooklyn Sentiment Index increased from +52% to +61%, reflecting steady but measured improvement. While annual comparisons remain slightly negative, the week-over-week trajectory indicates growing confidence. 

Brooklyn’s momentum appears to be rebuilding at a controlled pace.

If you would like a customized valuation, off-market opportunities, or neighborhood-specific data, feel free to reach out directly.

New Development Insights: Activity Surges as February Closes Strong

According to Marketproof data, new development activity accelerated meaningfully this week, recording 74 signed contracts across 44 buildings during the week of 2/23/26. This marks a sharp rebound from prior weeks and signals renewed buyer engagement as we transition into early spring.

Top-performing developments included:

• 220e9 (East Village) – 16 contracts

• The Sixth (Williamsburg) – 5 contracts

Activity concentrated in well-located, lifestyle-driven projects with strong pricing alignment. The magnitude of contract velocity suggests buyers are stepping off the sidelines in anticipation of rising seasonal competition.

If you would like to chat about the most recent market activity,

feel free to contact us at [email protected] or connect with one of our Advisors.

Howard Hanna NYC brings the nation’s largest independent and family-owned brokerage to New York City, uniting the strength of a national network with the insight and sophistication of a local firm. Formed through joining forces with Elegran Real Estate, Howard Hanna NYC delivers a seamless, full-service experience backed by more than 15,000 agents across 500 offices in 14 states. The firm’s forward-thinking, agent-first culture continues to shape the future of real estate across Manhattan and the Tri-State area.Learn more at www.howardhannanyc.com.