Long Island’s Commercial Real Estate Market Surges to Record-Breaking $4.1 Billion
Long Island just posted its strongest commercial real estate year in history, with 2025 deal volume blasting through previous records and reaching an unprecedented $4.1 billion. The findings come from a new deep-dive market report released by Cushman & Wakefield, and the numbers reveal a seismic shift in how investors, developers, and end users are engaging with the market.
The surge represents a stunning 71.5% increase from 2024, signaling that investor confidence—and capital—returned to the region in force, particularly in the second half of the year as interest rates eased.
Specialty Use Properties Lead the Charge
While nearly every property type experienced gains, specialty-use assets stole the spotlight. Assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and self-storage units dominated the top deal lists, accounting for half of the ten largest trades of 2025.
The combined volume was massive: more than $1.965 billion in Nassau and over $2.126 billion in Suffolk. One of the most eye-catching deals was a blockbuster $603 million portfolio acquisition by Ventas, including five Bristal Assisted Living facilities.
Click to expand: 2025 Major Deal Highlights
$603 million Ventas purchase of Bristal Assisted Living portfolio
$135.7 million acquisition of the Philosophy Care Centers portfolio
$124.2 million purchase of the Casata Organization multifamily portfolio
$118.6 million purchase of the former CA Technology site in Islandia
$107 million purchase of a 420-unit rental complex in Hempstead
Transactions Surge Across Nassau and Suffolk
Nassau County recorded 436 completed transactions—a 29% jump—while Suffolk wasn’t far behind with 423 deals, nearly 16% more than in 2024. This combination of volume and high-dollar activity pushed Long Island to its strongest performance ever.
Research analyst Dimitri Mastrogiannis noted that specialty assets roared back as national portfolios targeted Long Island “at a clip we haven’t seen.” Lower interest rates also reignited investor urgency after a period of hesitation.
A Market Powered by New Buyer Profiles
Dan Abbondandolo, who leads the Cushman & Wakefield Long Island Investment Sales and Capital Markets team, highlighted a meaningful shift: end users became far more active—especially in the $5 million to $25 million segment. Ownership transitions, debt restructuring, and generational turnover significantly contributed to buyer momentum.
Looking ahead, the path seems bright. New capital sources are stepping in, with private equity, family offices, and private capital filling the gap left by stepping-back institutional investors.
Abbondandolo emphasized that the office market “has found its bottom,” retail is strengthening, and lower interest rates will continue to activate sidelined demand.
What Professionals Can Learn From This Surge
This record-setting year reinforces a powerful truth: commercial real estate remains one of the most opportunity-rich and resilient sectors in the United States. For professionals aiming to elevate their careers in real estate, finance, insurance, or related fields, understanding regional market behavior is invaluable.
If you’re considering licensing or continuing your education, Cameron Academy offers flexible, top-tier professional programs across all 50 states. Staying educated is one of the smartest ways to stay competitive in fast-moving markets like Long Island’s.
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 Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) has announced a new policy requiring sellers to directly pay the buyer's agent, effective from January 1. This significant shift aims to enhance transparency and address potential conflicts of interest in real estate transactions. The policy comes amidst ongoing lawsuits related to commission sharing and allegations of unethical practices. The implementation of this policy is expected to impact the real estate industry significantly, with sellers needing to factor in the cost of the buyer's agent commission when pricing their properties.
In a significant development, the U.S. Senate has voted to block the implementation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) small business lending rule. This decision has sparked a heated debate over the impact it may have on small businesses across the country. President Biden, in response, has threatened to veto the Senate's decision, emphasizing his commitment to fair lending practices and supporting small businesses. The CFPB's rule, implemented in October 2020, requires lenders to collect and report data on small business lending. This includes information on the race, sex, and ethnicity of borrowers, with the aim of identifying and addressing potential disparities in access to credit for minority-owned and women-owned small businesses. The Senate's decision to block the CFPB's rule has been celebrated by small business advocates and industry groups critical of the CFPB's regulatory approach. However, the implications of this decision remain uncertain, as President Biden's threatened veto looms large.
The world of real estate has recently been shaken by a wave of class-action commission lawsuits, sparking a contentious debate. These lawsuits demand scrutiny to understand their implications and validity. A primary counter-argument is the freedom of consumer choice. In today's digital age, potential buyers and sellers have access to a wealth of online resources, enabling them to undertake real estate transactions independently. Another critical factor is the negotiability of commissions in the real estate sector. Commission rates are not fixed, they are subject to negotiation between the agent and the client. This flexibility allows for open discussions, leading to mutually agreeable terms. Despite the emergence of discount brokerage firms, consumers continue to place their trust in traditional real estate agents. This preference stems not only from cost considerations but also from the value of expertise, guidance, and personalized service that agents offer. Real estate transactions are complex and often involve significant financial investments. Trusted agents provide invaluable insights, market knowledge, and negotiation skills, helping clients make informed decisions and navigate potential challenges confidently.
In the last two years, the housing market has seen a dramatic shift. Soaring mortgage rates and rising home prices have led to the fastest erosion in housing market affordability in modern history, with first-time homebuyers feeling the impact the most. The housing market has undergone significant changes over the past two years, leading to a substantial increase in the income required to purchase a median-priced home. According to recent data from Redfin, a homebuyer must now earn $114,627 to afford the typical U.S. home. This is a 15% increase from the previous year and more than 50% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The housing market has shown remarkable resilience in the face of rising mortgage rates. Despite rates reaching 8%, new listings data remains steady, indicating a healthy supply of homes for sale. This stability is a positive sign for both buyers and sellers, demonstrating the strength of the housing market. Despite the increase in mortgage rates, sellers in the housing market have maintained their confidence. This confidence is reflected in the steady new listing data, as sellers continue to list their properties without hesitation. It indicates that sellers believe there is still strong demand from buyers and that the potential financial impact of higher mortgage rates does not outweigh the benefits of selling their homes.
The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) has introduced a groundbreaking requirement for sellers to directly compensate buyers' agents. This significant change has the potential to transform the real estate industry, eliminating conflicts of interest and promoting a more client-centric approach. This shift in the compensation landscape aims to create a more transparent and trustworthy environment for buyers. Moreover, this shift towards a client-centric approach aligns with the mission and values of Cameron Academy. As a leading provider of real estate education, Cameron Academy is committed to empowering professionals to navigate the evolving industry landscape and prioritize the best interests of their clients.
