Manhattan’s $10 Million Market Is Booming—Even as Sales Slow Elsewhere

If Manhattan’s first quarter felt sluggish, the weather didn’t help. A stretch of record-breaking winter storms collided with geopolitical uncertainty and stock market swings, softening overall activity. At the very top of the market, however, it was a different story entirely. Call it a tale of two markets. While much of Manhattan hesitated, the ultra-wealthy kept moving—and in some cases, moving quickly when the right opportunity appeared.

The biggest gains came from homes priced above $10 million. According to Compass’s Q1 2026 report, contracts at that level jumped a whopping 47.4 percent compared to last year. The tippy-top of the market saw serious traction too, with condo sales above $20 million rising 30 percent, albeit at slightly lower average prices.

RELATED: Ultra-Luxury Real Estate Is Booming Even as the General Housing Market Cools

Getting a bit more granular, new developments tell an even more revealing story. Sales above $10 million largely drove the market, according to Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing, with 56 contracts signed in the first quarter alone—the highest total in a decade. That figure is up a staggering 87 percent from a year ago and is nearly triple the 10-year average, underscoring just how much momentum has shifted to the top.

“The highest end of the market is moving well,” said Stephen Kliegerman of BHSDM, pointing to strong demand in neighborhoods where new inventory has been scarce.

That doesn’t mean buyers are throwing money around. Far from it. Today’s luxury buyer is sharp, patient, and very aware of pricing. “Today’s high-end buyer is incredibly sophisticated,” said Compass broker Nicole Hay. “They recognize opportunity, and they’re negotiating accordingly.”

Step outside that rarefied tier, however, and the picture softens. Manhattan logged 2,279 closed sales in the first quarter, down 3.2 percent year over year, while signed contracts slipped 6.7 percent, according to Compass. Inventory is still tight, with fewer listings coming online as many sellers wait for calmer conditions and clearer economic signals.

RELATED: Inherited Wealth and International Demand Are Expected to Fuel the Luxury Market in 2026

Even so, the market isn’t exactly struggling. Sales are down, but prices are holding firm. Indeed, the median Manhattan sales price climbed to $1.285 million, up eight percent year over year, according to the Coldwell Banker Warburg Q1 2026 Market Update. “The underlying tone of Q1 is one of quiet confidence,” notes the report. In plain terms, well-priced homes are selling, sometimes quickly, while everything else sits a bit longer.

As spring approaches, more inventory is expected to hit the market, which could ease some of the tension between buyers and sellers. But one thing already feels clear. Manhattan’s wealthiest buyers aren’t waiting around. When the right property comes along, they’re still ready to make a move.