Scroll Top

The Winter Advantage: Why February is a Smart Time to Buy or Sell in NYC


The Winter Advantage: Why February is a Smart Time to Buy or Sell in NYC

When people think about buying or selling a home, the “Spring Market” often comes to mind. While spring is a popular time for real estate transactions, it’s not the only window of opportunity—especially in a city like New York, where vertical living dominates and curb appeal isn’t tied to lush landscaping. In Manhattan, buyers evaluate a building’s lobby rather than a front yard, making seasonality less of a factor. Here’s why February might be the perfect time to make your move in NYC real estate.

New Year’s Resolutions Are Still Fresh

Not everyone abandons their New Year’s resolutions by mid-January. Many buyers and sellers in the market during February are highly motivated to close deals.

If you’re planning on selling, chances are you’ve already spent January decluttering, making minor repairs, and preparing your home for listing. Before greeting your first open house visitor, you’ll need to complete a checklist of pre-market tasks. One of the most important steps? Interviewing real estate agents who specialize in your neighborhood. Pricing your home correctly requires hyper-local expertise—online estimates only tell part of the story. Sellers also tend to fixate on small imperfections that buyers may not even notice. Consulting an agent can help you prioritize the improvements that truly add value.

For buyers, preparation is just as critical. Before scheduling showings, ensure you’re pre-approved for a mortgage and have a clear understanding of your non-negotiables. While your wish list may evolve as you view properties, defining your top three must-haves—such as a target monthly payment—will keep you focused.

Less Competition, More Negotiation Power

In a typical month, around 800 contracts are signed in Manhattan alone. NYC real estate is always competitive, but the winter months see fewer active buyers, reducing the likelihood of bidding wars. Many buyers hesitate to enter multiple-offer situations for fear of overpaying. February’s quieter market offers an advantage: more negotiating power and a greater chance of securing a favorable deal. It helps to be focused on a neighborhood which is best for you to narrow your search while competition is lower.

For sellers, a slower season doesn’t necessarily mean settling for less. While Spring and Fall bring more buyers, they also bring more listings—meaning more competition. A well-priced, well-presented property can stand out in February, attracting serious buyers without the distraction of an oversaturated market. Some sellers assume that a flurry of initial interest means their home will sell quickly or above asking price. However, the real indicator of success isn’t foot traffic—it’s offers. And while it feels counterintuitive, your first offer is frequently the best offer you will receive.

Pro Tips for Buyers and Sellers

For Sellers: If your home has outdoor space, showcase it at its best—even in winter. High-resolution photos of your terrace or garden in full bloom can make a powerful impression on buyers scrolling through listings online. I’ve used this strategy successfully for many clients, helping them sell properties even when the actual outdoor space was covered in snow.

For Buyers: Pay attention to Days on Market (DOM) as a negotiation tool, but put it in context. A property sitting for 100 days in a market where the average DOM is 80 may signal flexibility from the seller. However, if a home has only been listed for 30 days, it might not be under pressure to sell yet. This helps to understand if a seller might negotiate. Jonathan Miller recently wrote about this topic in depth after he and I discussed how buyers need a more nuanced approach to this metric.

Conclusion

Buying or selling in February has clear advantages. Serious buyers, motivated sellers, and reduced competition make it a strategic time to enter the NYC market. If you’re considering making a move, I’d love to help you navigate your options and find the best path forward. Let’s talk!

Julia Boland