Long Island Sets a New Commercial Real Estate Record with $4.1B in 2025 Deals

Long Island’s commercial real estate market just made history. According to a new report from Cushman & Wakefield, commercial property sales across Nassau and Suffolk counties skyrocketed to an unprecedented $4.1 billion in 2025—marking a powerful 71.5 percent leap over 2024’s volume.

The report, originally shared by the always-insightful team at Long Island Business News, reveals one undeniable truth: investor energy is not only back—it’s surging.

Specialty Use Assets Take Center Stage

While most asset classes grew year-over-year (with the notable exception of industrial), specialty use properties stole the spotlight. Assisted living centers, rehabilitation facilities, and self‑storage properties dominated 2025’s deal sheet, reflecting national-level investor shifts and diversified strategies.

Five of the year’s ten largest deals were specialty-use assets, totaling nearly the entire $4.1B combined across both counties.

• Nassau County: Over $1.965 billion in specialty asset sales
• Suffolk County: Over $2.126 billion in specialty asset sales
• 48 specialty‑use properties transacted across Long Island

The top deal? A monumental $603 million Ventas acquisition of five Bristal Assisted Living facilities, sold by B2K Development and Harrison Street Asset Management.

Lower Interest Rates Ignite Fresh Momentum

Dimitri Mastrogiannis, senior research analyst and author of the report, attributes the booming activity to improving conditions in the year’s second half.

Lower interest rates spurred a wave of renewed investor involvement, drawing in both national funds and seasoned local buyers.

Buyer Trends: End Users Drive Deal Activity

According to Dan Abbondandolo, leader of C&W’s Long Island Investment Sales and Capital Markets team, the surge wasn’t just institutional—it was entrepreneurial.

End-user buyers, particularly in the $5M–$25M range, created a dynamic and highly diversified year.

Major Transactions That Defined the Year

• $135.7M: Philosophy Care Centers portfolio
• $124.2M: Casata Organization multifamily portfolio
• $118.6M: 66-acre former CA Technology site in Islandia
• $107M: 420-unit rental complex at 100 Terrace Ave., Hempstead

Looking Ahead to 2026

Experts anticipate continued strength. With institutional buyers taking a step back, a wave of private capital, family offices, and equity groups are stepping forward—reshaping ownership patterns across Long Island.

Retail is poised for growth, office space has stabilized, and improving interest-rate conditions could fuel even more activity in the coming months.

Why This Matters for Real Estate Professionals

For agents, brokers, investors, and commercial specialists, these shifts represent opportunity. Specialty assets, alternative investment vehicles, and end‑user-driven sales are becoming essential sectors to understand.

Professionals looking to sharpen their skills or earn new certifications can explore programs at Cameron Academy, where both emerging agents and seasoned experts stay fully aligned with the industry’s evolving landscape.