If you're searching for an apartment in New York and hoping to score the best deal possible, here’s the strategy the savviest NYC buyers are using right now: focus on apartments that have been sitting on the market longer than average.
Why? Because when an apartment lingers, sellers tend to become more realistic—and more open to negotiation. And in a city where competition can get intense, these overlooked listings can be your best opportunity.
The Opportunity: 1 in 5 Apartments Has Had a Price Cut This Year
According to Realtor.com, about 1 in every 5 listings nationwide (20.2%) has dropped its asking price at least once. And this trend absolutely shows up in New York City too.
That means no matter which neighborhood you’re exploring—Tribeca, the Upper West Side, FiDi, Brooklyn Heights, Long Island City—there’s a real chance to secure a better deal.
And the key is knowing where to look. That’s where the right real estate advisor comes in.
The Tactic: Target Apartments With Longer Days on Market
A knowledgeable NYC agent can quickly identify which apartments have been sitting the longest—those “quiet” listings where sellers are getting anxious and more willing to negotiate.
These are the units where:
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You can secure concessions
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You may avoid bidding wars
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You could negotiate on closing costs, repairs, or credits
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You may even get a meaningful discount on price
As Realtor.com explains:
“Less competition means fewer bidding wars and more power to negotiate the extras that add up… these concessions can end up knocking thousands of dollars off the price.”
And Bankrate adds:
“During the quieter fall and winter months… sellers may be more willing to lower prices or offer concessions.”
NYC follows this same seasonal pattern year after year.
The Data: Apartments That Sit Longer Sell for Less
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the longer a property stays on the market, the lower it tends to sell for compared to its original list price.
Even a small discount—say, paying 94% of the asking price—can mean tens of thousands of dollars in savings on the typical New York apartment. That’s real money that stays in your pocket.
Zillow puts it simply:
“If you’re hoping to strike a deal, look for homes that have been on the market for a while… You may find a motivated seller who is more willing to negotiate.”
Bottom Line
If you're serious about maximizing your purchasing power in New York, start looking at the apartments other buyers are skipping.
With 1 in 5 sellers reducing their price, and many becoming more flexible the longer the listing sits, this could be your best strategy to save in today’s market.
And remember—Who You Work With Matters!
If you’re looking for an experienced New York real estate advisor who knows how to identify value and negotiate strategically, I’m here to help.
