In a recent roundtable discussion, leading local real estate agents shared their insights into the East End’s growing areas and changing buyer preferences.
susan harrison, compass
susan harrison, compass
There are several areas that are popular this season. Sag Harbor, especially waterfront homes, remain very popular. Additionally, we have seen a lot of interest from Southampton Village customers this year. People love being able to bike or walk into town. Southampton Village is the first and oldest “summer colony” in the Hamptons. Traffic congestion has gotten worse in recent years, so I often hear people say they want to go somewhere closer to the city center. The charm and elegance of the city is incredible and the beaches are my favorite.
Dominic Cousins. hedgerow limited
Dominic Cousins. Provided by Hedgerow Exclusive
You may think you know the market well and *might* be able to buy it yourself, but don’t sell yourself short (I’m not kidding). Work with a great agent and team! Without a doubt, that’s always my number one piece of advice. When you buy, you’re building a team, so take some time to build your team. We recommend working with someone who is dynamic, collaborative, and knowledgeable about the area. This is essential to securing the best assets while making the most of your time in a highly competitive and sensitive market.
Stacey Cohen, Sanders & Associates
Stacey Cohen. Provided courtesy of Saunders & Associates
Well, obviously it’s Shelter Island, but I’m not the only one who sees it. We all see how much this island has to offer and how it integrates into the Hamptons community. Restaurants, bars, and Sunset Beach remain the undisputed sunset capital of the East End.
why? Once you get off the ferry, you’ll be there in no time. It’s a different world within the Hamptons. Still, it’s exactly what people are looking for in the East End. Some of my clients have moved from Sag Harbor to Shelter Island to get some tranquility without leaving the Hamptons.
I recently sold a Shelter Island waterfront property for over $10 million, and the property went under contract within 30 days. It’s not just me, there were a lot of deals on Shelter Island.
Mary Slattery, Corcoran
Mary Slattery. Provided by Corcoran Group
Some of the more affordable parts of the Hamptons, such as Springs, North Sea, and Hampton Bays, are seeing significant growth. Generally, a buyer’s area of interest is determined primarily by their budget. Our prices have generally increased over the past few years, and inventory remains at historic lows, so any properly priced property will find a buyer quickly, regardless of location. The villages of East Hampton, Southampton, and Sag Harbor are always interesting to buyers, but they can be pricey for some buyers. You’ll find that these buyers gravitate to other areas closer to your target location. The Hamptons remains a highly desirable area for buyers, and many buyers are willing to step into the market in hopes of getting a better deal within a few years. I have had many buyers transact with me over the years and it is a very satisfying process for me as a broker.
Jennifer Friedberg, Compass
Villages, waterfront properties, and areas south of the highway have always attracted strong interest in the Hamptons. These areas are highly sought after due to limited opportunities, and real estate located in these locations tends to hold very high values. The charm of these villages, combined with the appeal of waterfront access and proximity to beaches, have made them perennial favorites for buyers looking for both investment potential and lifestyle. In terms of growth, transactions are occurring in areas where lower-priced options are available, providing an opportunity for a broader range of buyers to enter the Hamptons market.
Ty Wenzel Co-Publisher and Contributor
Ty Wenzel, a recent breast cancer survivor, began her career as a fashion coordinator at Bloomingdale’s and later served as fashion editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. She was also a writer for countless publications, including a memoir (St. Martin’s Press) and a feature article for the New York Times. She is an award-winning writer and designer who covers lifestyle, real estate, architecture, and interiors for the James Lane Post. She previously worked as a writer and marketing director at The Independent. She has won multiple PCLI and NYPA awards in journalism, social media, and design, including Best Website Design and Best Magazine for the James Lane Post, which she co-founded in 2020. Wenzel is also the co-founder of a meditation app for kids. DreamyKid and the Hamptons social media agency, TWM Hamptons Social Media.
