Quick Answer: Yes – according to the Douglas Elliman Q3 2025 Market Reports, this October is a prime moment for NYC homeowners to list their properties. Prices in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens are at or near record highs, while buyer demand remains strong and listings are moving faster than last year.
Why October Offer a Seller’s Advantage
For NYC homeowners debating whether to sell before winter — the answer, according to Douglas Elliman’s latest data, is a resounding yes. Fall 2025 marks a rare stretch of sustained price growth across all three boroughs, and listing now can help you capture momentum before the seasonal slowdown.
Across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, the Q3 2025 Elliman Reports show that prices are climbing, sales activity remains healthy, and homes are selling faster than a year ago. With mortgage rates stabilizing and inventory expanding modestly, October represents a “sweet spot” for sellers — competition is still limited, but serious buyers remain active.
The Data Behind The Opportunity
Brooklyn:
Median sales price hit a record $1.05 million, up 7.7% year-over-year, with the average at $1.39 million. Sales rose 7.1%, marking the fourth straight annual increase, while days on market dropped to 59. Nearly half of all purchases were all-cash, reinforcing Brooklyn’s strength as a seller’s market. Take a deeper look at the report here.
Manhattan:
Median sales price rose 5.8% to $1.18 million, with 3,158 closed sales — the highest in over two years. Despite a modest rise in listings, inventory is still being absorbed quickly, and days on market fell 11%. Roughly two-thirds of all Manhattan sales were all-cash, highlighting robust demand from investors and international buyers. Take a deeper look at the report here.
Queens:
Median sales price climbed 2.1% to a record $730,000, while inventory plunged 23.9% year-over-year, leading to faster sales. Nearly one in four sales involved a bidding war, and homes sold with an average 11.7% premium over asking — a clear sign of competition. Take a deeper look at the report here.
Why Timing Matters
Historically, buyer activity drops mid to late November as colder weather and holidays approach. The data confirms sellers still hold leverage today — especially as new listings taper off in late fall. By winter, fewer buyers are touring, and properties tend to sit longer, often requiring price reductions to attract attention.
Listing now allows you to:
- Capture strong fall demand and limited competition.
- Benefit from premium pricing before the seasonal cooldown.
- Close before year-end while mortgage rates remain steady.
The Bottom Line
According to Douglas Elliman’s Q3 2025 Market Reports, NYC sellers are entering one of the last active windows before winter. With median prices at all-time highs and demand still outpacing supply, October remains one of the best months of the year to list your home in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens.
Thinking of selling this fall?
Contact Ryan Roberts, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson specializing in successfully listing homes in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, for a customized market analysis to price your home strategically.