By Lokel Realty Group  •  Brooklyn, New York •  June 18, 2026

NYC’s New Pied-à-Terre Tax: What It Actually Means for the Market

If you’ve been following the real estate news this spring, you’ve probably seen the headlines about New York City’s new pied-à-terre tax. Depending on which outlet you read, the tax is either going to crash the luxury market or barely register as a blip.

The reality, as usual, is more nuanced. And if you’re a buyer, seller, or owner in New York City, the nuance matters a lot more than the headline.

Here is what you need to know.

What Is a...

By Lokel Realty Group  •  Brooklyn, New York

This is the question we hear more than almost any other. And the honest answer is: it depends. Not on the market. Not on what’s trending. It depends on how you want to live.

Both boroughs offer extraordinary quality of life. Both have world-class dining, culture, transit access, and strong real estate fundamentals. But they deliver those things in very different ways. And the right choice comes down to what matters most to you on a daily basis.

What Does Everyday Life Feel Like in Each Borough?

Manhattan is vertical. It moves fast....

By Lokel Realty Group  •  Brooklyn, New York

If you’re looking to buy your first home in New York City, chances are you’ve come across the term “co-op.” And if you’re coming from anywhere else in the country, the concept might feel completely foreign. That’s because it is. Co-ops are a distinctly New York institution, and understanding how they work is essential before you start making offers.

Roughly 75% of the residential housing stock in New York City is co-op. That’s not a typo. In most other cities, you buy a home or a condo. In New York, the majority of apartments available for...

By Lokel Realty Group  •  Brooklyn, New York

Why Does Everything Feel So Expensive Now?

Because most things are.

I used to say that there were two things you could get cheaply in New York: laundry and barber services. I don’t know if that is still the case for laundry because we have a washer/dryer in our apartment. However, in my early years in New York, I was rather broke and lived in a Chelsea walk-up with no laundry in the building. Working long hours, I became accustomed to dropping it off at the local laundromat for full service. It was cheap, and I just loved the way my...

By Lokel Realty Group  •  Brooklyn, New York

Dramamine is a small pill designed to quiet the nausea that comes from too much motion. These days, you might need a steady supply to simpy keep up with the news cycle.

Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. A dysfunctional federal government. Stubborn inflation. Equity markets in correction territory. Even gold — the classic refuge asset — under pressure. It is relentless, and it is loud.

And yet: the New York City real estate market keeps moving.

Are we becoming Fear-Fatigued?

Something interesting is happening culturally. Each...

By Lokel Realty Group • Brooklyn, New York

If you've been sitting on the fence about selling your home, you're not alone — and honestly, the timing couldn't be more interesting. The NYC real estate market in 2026 is shaping up to be something worth paying attention to, especially if you're thinking about making a move.

Let's break down what's happening and what it means for you as a seller.

It's a Competition Story, Not a Price Correction Story

Here's the headline: 2026 is shaping up to be a competition story, not a price correction story. Well-priced listings are benefiting...