Supply of retail units in core Manhattan neighborhoods has tightened to levels we haven’t seen since 2017, creating fierce competition among tenants and driving rents to historic highs. Where will supply open up next and what’s next for tenants looking for growth or expansion?

We are at a critical point in New York City housing policy. The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) has returned to the spotlight after years of debate, revisions, and negotiation. With the veto in place, the Council now has a narrow 30-day window to decide whether COPA moves forward or stalls once again.

As we head into 2026, a critical question we hear from small to mid-market office owners is whether the resurgence of Manhattan office truly benefits everyone—or mainly rewards the top tier. Class A space continues to dominate leasing activity, and rising rents are widening the gap between prime and non-prime assets. How will small and mid-market owners adapt before this divide becomes even harder to close?

Despite a shaky economy, rental demand remains incredibly high, putting 2025 on track to be one of the best years for move-ins since 2000. To keep buildings full during these uncertain times, where are landlords focused? We at NYCCREA share it here.

As the City Council wrapped up its final meeting with its current membership, we watched closely as several housing and real estate measures passed, leaving a lasting imprint on New York City’s housing market. The timing couldn’t be more critical: the incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, aims to build 200,000 affordable units over the next decade, but these bills could make that goal more difficult.

The surge in office-to-residential conversions confirms what we’ve been advising clients since the pandemic. New York’s office market is not just cycling—it’s recalibrating. Conversions won’t singlehandedly solve a 22%+ vacancy environment, but they are a meaningful pressure valve, removing obsolete supply, stabilizing challenged assets, and adding much-needed housing.

Multifamily and industrial remain strong pillars, office is stabilizing in pockets, and private buyers continue to set the pace. As long as confidence holds and financing remains accessible, we expect this momentum to carry through in 2026.

New York’s mall evolution isn’t just about retail decline. It’s about rediscovering the potential of land that has anchored communities for decades. As enclosed malls fade, mixed-use ecosystems rise — places that combine housing, health, entertainment, and everyday conveniences into a single, connected environment.