December 08, 2025
A recent report by Center for NYC Neighborhoods shows that in the first half of 2025, over 60% of all home sales in NYC were all‑cash transactions. Out of 17,924 recorded sales between January and June, 10,825 were cash‑only deals.
That’s a sharp contrast to the national trend, where cash purchases averaged about one‑third of deals during the same period.
1. Queens led the city in sheer volume with about 4,132 all‑cash closings during the first half of 2025.
2. In the Bronx, certain districts showed extreme cash dominance — in one example, 320 cash sales vs. just 5 mortgaged deals in a six‑month span.
3. In Manhattan, cash dominates especially on higher-end deals: nearly 9 out of 10 homes priced over $3M were bought entirely with cash.
These patterns highlight how cash‑ready buyers and investors are active across both outer boroughs and prime Manhattan neighborhoods.
Speed and Certainty: Cash offers bypass financing hurdles like underwriting and appraisals, giving sellers quick, reliable closings in NYC’s competitive market.
Flexibility for Investors and High‑Net‑Worth Buyers: Investors and high-net-worth buyers often use cash to streamline transactions.
Market Pressure & Financing Headwinds: High mortgage rates and stricter lending rules sideline many buyers, giving cash-ready buyers a clear advantage.
1. Cash buyers have a competitive edge with faster, more certain offers.
2. Mortgage-dependent buyers face tougher competition and may need to adjust expectations.
3. Sellers benefit from quicker closings and reduced risk of financing falling through.
4. Investors with liquidity can leverage cash to secure high-demand or prime properties.
Disclaimer: This content is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice.
