Is Staten Island a Buyer's or Seller's Market Right Now?

Is Staten Island a Buyer's or Seller's Market Right Now?

Quick answer: As of 2026, Staten Island remains a seller's market overall, but it's a measured one rather than a runaway market. Months of supply has stayed below the 4-month balanced threshold, which technically favors sellers — but roughly 70% of homes are still closing at or below asking price, so buyers who are patient and prepared aren't shut out.

That question — "is it a good time to buy or a good time to sell?" — is the one our agents at DiTommaso Real Estate hear more than any other, whether we're at an open house in New Dorp or fielding a call about a listing in Tottenville.

What "Seller's Market" Actually Means Here

A seller's market doesn't mean every house gets a bidding war. It means:

• Inventory is tight. Staten Island has consistently run below its five-year average for active listings.
• Well-priced homes move fast. Homes priced at fair market value are seeing multiple showings and offers within the first few weeks.
• Overpriced homes stall. Listings priced meaningfully above the comps sit — sometimes for months — while similar homes down the block sell quickly.

That last point is important, and it's why "seller's market" doesn't mean "any price works." Pricing strategy still matters more than market conditions.

What This Means If You're Buying

• You have more selection than you would have a couple of years ago, as inventory has loosened slightly.
• You'll still want a pre-approval letter in hand before you tour homes in competitive neighborhoods.
• Homes at or below market value can draw multiple offers, so be ready to move decisively on the right property.
• You have more negotiating leverage on homes that have been sitting 60+ days — those sellers are often motivated.

What This Means If You're Selling

• Pricing inside the comparable-sales band is the single best predictor of a quick, clean sale.
• You don't need to chase the market up — homes priced correctly out of the gate typically get the strongest offers.
• Staging, photography, and timing still matter. A seller's market rewards good marketing; it doesn't replace it.

Does This Change By Neighborhood?

Yes. Staten Island isn't one market — it's a patchwork of them. Waterfront and larger-lot neighborhoods like Great Kills and Tottenville tend to move differently than more affordable, higher-turnover areas like New Springville or West Brighton. A "seller's market" borough-wide can still mean a slower-moving pocket in a specific zip code, which is exactly why local, block-by-block knowledge matters more than national headlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Staten Island still cheaper than Brooklyn or Manhattan? Yes. Staten Island remains the most affordable borough in New York City by a wide margin, which continues to draw buyers priced out of Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Will Staten Island become a buyer's market if mortgage rates drop? It's possible. A meaningful rate drop could bring more sellers off the sidelines, which would ease inventory pressure and shift some leverage back toward buyers. Until that happens, low supply continues to support prices.

How do I know if a specific Staten Island neighborhood favors buyers or sellers? Market conditions vary block by block. The best way to know is to have a local agent pull recent comparable sales and current days-on-market data for your specific street or building.

Thinking about buying or selling on Staten Island? DiTommaso Real Estate has been guiding buyers and sellers across Staten Island, Brooklyn, and New Jersey since 1987. Contact us for a current, block-by-block read on your neighborhood.