Memorial Day Weekend unofficially marks that start of summer across the United States, but bears extra importance and celebration in the Hamptons. It kicks off the posh coastal area’s high season, when summer residents arrive for to embrace their second homes and vacationers start to descend.
The spotlight is also on Hamptons real estate all summer as it’s a prime time to both sell and buy. See what expert agents, who know these affluent enclaves inside and out, had to say in The Hamptons Design Guide 2026 about the state of the market this year.
How is the market currently impacting sales in the Hamptons?
“The Hamptons continues to benefit from its unique position as both a lifestyle destination and a long-term investment market. Its proximity to New York City, accessibility from major U.S. and intemational cities, and the extraordinary natural setting continue to draw buyers. What we’re seeing now is a more thoughtful buyer-focused on quality, land, and long-term value- which ultimately reinforces the strength of the market. – Jennifer Friedberg, Compass
“We have a strong buyer pool waiting in the wings for new inventory, which is at the lowest level ever historically.” – Tim Davis, The Corcoran Group
“The market is still supporting strong pricing, particularly at the upper end, but buyers are more disciplined than they were during the frenzy years. While demand remains strong for well-designed, well-located homes, properties are taking longer to sell if they are overpriced or not presented well. It’s a more thoughtful market now, where quality still trades well, but pricing and positioning have become increasingly important.” – Harald Grant, Sotheby’s International Realty
Is it currently a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?
“I would call it a selective market. In prime locations and for exceptional turnkey properties, sellers still have the advantage because quality inventory remains limited. But broadly speaking, buyers have negotiating power when a property is overpriced, dated, or has lingered.” – Harald Grant
“Inventory remains relatively limited, though we expect more homes to come to market as the season approaches. With buyers largely adjusted to the current interest rate environment and with travel becoming more challenging-there is meaningful pent-up demand for well-priced homes that present beautifully.” -Jenster Friedberg
“Seller’s market in general, however, the buyer pool is highly educated on pricing, recent sales and ‘trends.’ That being said, they still need a seasoned sales agent to help weed through data. Often times there are underlying circumstances in transactions that the public is not privy to.” – Tim Davis
