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

Commercial real estate building on long island

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.

“Investors realized, hey, now’s the time to strike. We have all this dry powder sitting on the sidelines. We need to deploy it.” — Dimitri Mastrogiannis, Cushman & Wakefield

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.

“If you were to sum up our 2025, I would say it was driven by end‑user sales and changes in ownership management.” — Dan Abbondandolo

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.

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

The 2025 Commercial Real Estate Shift: Why Private Investors Are in the Perfect Position

Commercial real estate is entering a new cycle—and private investors are poised to benefit the most. Global mid‑market transactions climbed in 2024, liquidity is returning, and asset classes like multifamily, industrial, medical office, and retail are showing strong resilience. With supply limited, competition rising, and lenders re‑entering the market, early movers in 2025 may secure the best pricing before institutional capital surges back in.

Long Island’s 2025 Real Estate Shake‑Up: Retail Giants, Housing Growth, and Big‑Box Transformations

Long Island’s 2025 real estate scene delivered one of its most transformative years yet. Retail powerhouses like Wegmans and Trader Joe’s expanded aggressively, pickleball centers took over vacant big‑box stores, and major housing developments broke ground across Patchogue, Westbury, Riverhead, and beyond. Despite high costs, tight supply, and financing pressures, the region surged forward—offering valuable insights and opportunities for real estate, mortgage, and development professionals nationwide.

AI Automation in Real Estate Is Accelerating Faster Than Anyone Expected in 2025

Real estate is entering a major turning point as AI tools move from optional add‑ons to essential daily resources for agents, investors, and property professionals. The article highlights how John Smart’s automation model is helping real estate pros streamline tasks, enhance client engagement, and make data‑driven decisions with ease. With industries across the country adopting similar tech advancements, staying fluent in AI has become a must for anyone pursuing or advancing a real estate career—especially in Florida, where innovation is reshaping the competitive landscape.

LoKation Real Estate Wins 2025 Inman AI Award as Artificial Intelligence Begins Recommending the Brokerage to Agents

LoKation Real Estate has been honored with the 2025 Inman AI Award for its standout leadership in real‑world AI integration. Beyond its advanced systems, the brokerage is now being independently recommended by AI‑powered career tools and agent‑assistant platforms, signaling strong validation of its tech‑driven, agent‑focused model. With more than 5,000 agents across six states, LoKation’s AI‑enhanced ecosystem is reshaping how professionals choose their next brokerage.

Florida’s Insurance Crisis Sparks Federal Probe — A Direct Warning Shot for Real Estate and Mortgage Pros

A trio of U.S. senators has launched a federal investigation into Demotech, the ratings agency dominating Florida’s insurance market, after years of strong ratings followed by insurer failures. With Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac relying on Demotech grades to approve mortgages, lawmakers warn that a climate‑driven insurance collapse in Florida could destabilize the national housing and lending system — echoing risks reminiscent of 2008.

How AI and Augmented Reality Are Transforming the Luxury Real Estate Experience

Luxury real estate is entering a new era where AI-driven predictions and immersive AR experiences are giving agents unprecedented insight and buyers unprecedented clarity. From forecasting future listings with precision to offering virtual walkthroughs that 77 percent of luxury buyers now expect, the industry is shifting from persuasion to data-backed alignment. Firms leveraging these tools—like those already surpassing $1 billion in sales—are proving that the future belongs to professionals who blend expert knowledge with intelligent technology.