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If you're looking to buy a home in NYC, timing can be as much a factor as price. A new report from StreetEasy dug into years of NYC market data to find out the best time of year to buy a home in NYC. While the “right” moment to buy always depends on your finances and your life situation, real estate in the city does follow patterns. And if you know them, you can shop smarter.
If you want the most options, May is the month for you. Over the past three years, inventory has peaked in late spring, after a steady build through March and April. Sellers tend to list once the weather improves and before summer distractions kick in. That means more one-bedrooms in Brooklyn, more Upper West Side co-ops more everything.
A surge of new listings at the end of 2025 suggests early spring buyers may see solid inventory with slightly less competition than the May frenzy. After Memorial Day, listings typically dip as New Yorkers flee to the Hamptons or anywhere with a pool. If you miss spring, September and October bring a smaller but reliable second wave of homes on the market.
Another strategy is to hold out for price cuts. Historically, May and October are the sweet spots. About 12.5 percent of homes on the market in May saw price reductions over the past three years. October was a close second at 12.4 percent. Sellers who listed high in spring or early fall may adjust to attract buyers before the season wraps.
That said, don’t bank on dramatic discounts. In 2025, June actually edged out May for price reductions. Mortgage rates and buyer demand can shift quickly, and well-priced homes still move fast. Think of these months as moments of opportunity, not clearance sales.
June is the time for serious browsing, when buyers can find more open houses. The data shows an average of 40,000 open houses scheduled citywide in June over the last three years. October is the runner-up for open houses, with a noticeable drop-off in July and August. Seeing homes in person is a must in NYC, so you can assess light, noise, layout quirks and the feel of a neighborhood.
When it comes down to it, the best time to buy a home in NYC is when you’re financially ready and planning to stay put for at least five to ten years. But if you want more choices, aim for spring. If you’re hunting for motivated sellers, watch May and October. And if you want to see as much as possible in one weekend, make it June.