The holiday lights are still shimmering, but time moves more slowly as we wait for the calendar to quietly turn its page. This in-between season is a chance to reflect — on personal goals and routines, financial planning, and real estate intentions. Just as many of us set New Year’s resolutions, the Northern New Jersey and Lower Hudson Valley real estate market is transitioning thoughtfully from 2025 to 2026.
After several fast-paced years, the housing market in Bergen County, NJ; Orange County, NY; Rockland County, NY; and Westchester County, NY moved at a more measured pace. Buyers and sellers were thoughtful, aligning expectations with current conditions rather than reacting to past trends.
2025: A Challenging Real Estate Market
In 2025, the market faced one of the slowest home sales periods in decades. Redfin reported existing-home sales near the lowest levels since the mid-1990s, as high mortgage rates and affordability challenges kept many homeowners in place. Realtor.com noted that sales activity approached levels not seen in roughly 30 years. Despite slower sales, home prices remained stable, showing resilience in Northern NJ and the Lower Hudson Valley.
Luxury and Median Market Trends
Even in a softer market, luxury homes in Northern NJ and the Lower Hudson Valley maintained strong values. Nationally, Redfin reported luxury home prices rose 5.5% year-over-year to $1.28 million. Locally, higher-end properties often require strategic pricing and marketing, while median-priced homes remain in steady demand.
This trend underscores the importance of targeted, expert guidance for buyers and sellers in Bergen, Rockland, Westchester, and Orange Counties.
Tailored Guidance for Every Move
Whether you’re buying, selling, or managing both simultaneously, Tuxedo Hudson Realty’s dual-licensed brokerage provide personalized plans. We help clients understand local pricing, timing, and market conditions — ensuring a smooth and strategic transaction whether your goals are immediate or long-term.
2026 Market Outlook: Planning for Success
Looking ahead, 2026 promises opportunities in Northern NJ and the Lower Hudson Valley real estate markets. Realtor.com predicts mortgage rates around 6.3%, modest home price growth (~2.2%), and increasing inventory. Analysts also see continued strength in luxury and higher-end homes, signaling that strategic planning will pay off.
Even in one of the toughest markets in years, over 60 clients trusted Tuxedo Hudson Realty with their real estate goals in 2025, resulting in over $66 million sold and 5-star reviews across the board. Our focus is always on showing up for our clients and the community, not just the numbers, and we plan to continue providing the same exceptional service throughout 2026.
As you enjoy the final week of 2025, reflect on your goals and intentions for 2026. Whether buying, selling, or both, Tuxedo Hudson Realty is ready to help make your real estate aspirations a reality in Northern NJ and the Lower Hudson Valley.
Here’s to a year of clarity, intention, and opportunity — in real estate and in life.
Happy New Year!
