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Yes, investing in real estate is a solid option in 2025 in New York

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Thinking about investing in New York real estate in 2025? You're on the right track.

Despite economic shifts, the New York market continues to show promise, with demand and strategic developments driving growth.

In this blog post, we will explore why investing in New York real estate remains a solid option.

We rely on reliable, up-to-date data and statistics from trusted sources to guide our analysis.

By the end, we will share our own conclusions based on a thorough examination of the facts. Enjoy the read!

How this content was produced 🔎📝

At What's My Cash Flow, we study the New York real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers throughout the place. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

When working on this content, we started by gathering insights from these conversations and our own observations. But we didn’t stop there. To make sure our statistics and data are reliable, we also dug into trusted sources like NYC.gov, the NYC DOT, and the Macrotrends (among many others).

We only share real estate insights that are backed by solid facts and credible sources. If we can’t find enough reliable data, we skip it. There’s no point in giving you vague claims or unrealistic ideas that don’t add up. Our goal is simple: to give you trustworthy, well-researched information about why this market could be a smart investment—not just a random list of opinions.

We’re all about transparency, so we include all our sources and citations. That way, you can double-check or explore further if you want (we actually encourage it!).

We also use AI to make sure everything is written clearly and free from errors, so it’s easy for you to read and understand.

To make things more engaging, we’ve created custom infographics that highlight key trends and data. We hope they’re helpful! Plus, all the illustrations and media are designed in-house to ensure top quality and relevance.

If you think we could have done anything better, please let us know. You can always send a message. We answer in less than 24 hours.

This article offers thoughtful insights and analysis based on reliable sources, but it should not be considered financial advice. We work hard to research, compile, and analyze data to give you a well-informed perspective. However, as you can guess, our analysis involves subjective choices, such as source selection and methods, and it cannot fully capture the market's complexity. Please, always do your own research, consult professionals, and make decisions based on your own judgment. Any financial risks or losses are your responsibility. Additionally, you should know that we have no affiliation with the sources mentioned, ensuring our analysis is completely impartial.

1) Homeownership in New York is just 23.5%, indicating significant potential for growth

Signal strength: moderate

The fact that homeownership is currently only at 23.5% in New York suggests there is significant potential for growth in the real estate market.

This low percentage indicates that a large portion of the population is renting, which means there is a high demand for rental properties and potential for property value appreciation. Many renters in New York are young professionals and students, often working in sectors like finance, technology, and the arts, who prefer the flexibility of renting.

On the other hand, homeowners tend to be older, more established individuals or families who have settled into stable careers and are looking for long-term investments. The disparity between renters and owners highlights a market where property ownership is less common, creating opportunities for investors to capitalize on this gap.

If the homeownership rate were to rise significantly, say to above 50%, it might indicate a saturated market with less room for investment growth.

Source: NeighborhoodScout

2) New York's "livability score" of 75 indicates a good quality of life

Signal strength: moderate

The livability score of 75 in New York is considered good because it reflects a balance of factors that make the city attractive for residents. This score indicates that New York offers a high quality of life, which is a key consideration for potential property buyers.

One reason for this score is the extensive public transportation system, which allows residents to easily navigate the city without the need for a car. Additionally, New York is known for its diverse cultural and entertainment options, providing a vibrant lifestyle that appeals to many people. These factors contribute to the city's desirability, making it a strong market for real estate investment.

Another important aspect is the strong job market in New York, which attracts professionals from various industries and supports a stable economy. This economic stability is crucial for maintaining property values and ensuring a good return on investment. As a result, the livability score serves as a positive signal for investors considering purchasing property in the area.

However, if the livability score were to drop below 60, it might indicate underlying issues that could affect property values negatively. This would be a signal for investors to reassess the market conditions before making a decision.

Source: AreaVibes

housing prices New York

We created this infographic to show how property prices in New York compare to other big cities in New York. It shows the median price as well as the price per sqft, making it easy to see which places might offer the best value. We hope you find it helpful.

3) By 2026, New York City's key infrastructure projects, like the "Willets Point Transformation," are set to boost real estate value

Signal strength: moderate

New York City's major infrastructure projects, like the Willets Point Transformation, are key drivers of real estate value in the area. These projects are designed to boost the city's infrastructure and economic landscape, making them attractive to potential investors.

The Willets Point Transformation, for instance, is set to deliver 2,500 units of affordable housing, over 20,000 square feet of retail space, a 250-key hotel, and the city's first soccer-specific stadium. This development is expected to generate over $6 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years and create over 14,000 construction jobs and over 1,500 permanent jobs. Such a significant economic boost can increase demand for real estate in the area, as more people will be drawn to the new amenities and job opportunities.

Additionally, the project includes resilient infrastructure improvements, such as new streets, public open space, and improved utilities. These enhancements can improve the quality of life for residents, making the area more desirable for both living and investment purposes. As the infrastructure improves, property values are likely to rise, offering potential investors a promising return on investment.

Moreover, the Grand Concourse Capital Project and the LaGuardia AirTrain Project further contribute to the area's appeal. The Grand Concourse project aims to boost safety and quality of life by reducing traffic speeds and improving road conditions, which can make the area more attractive to potential buyers. The LaGuardia AirTrain Project, although not specified for completion by 2026, will improve connectivity between LaGuardia Airport and the city's transit system, potentially boosting real estate value in nearby areas.

Sources: NYC DOT, Office of the Mayor, City & State NY

4) The population in the New York City metro area is on the rise, increasing by 0.51%

Signal strength: moderate

The New York City metro area, with its population growth of 0.51%, presents a promising opportunity for property investment. This growth indicates a steady influx of people, which can lead to increased demand for housing and commercial spaces.

Investing in property in a growing metro area like New York City can be advantageous due to the potential for property value appreciation. As more people move into the area, the demand for real estate typically rises, which can drive up property prices over time.

Moreover, a growing population often leads to economic development and infrastructure improvements. This can enhance the overall quality of life in the area, making it more attractive to potential buyers and renters, further boosting property values.

Additionally, the New York City metro area's growth, despite the city's recent population decline, suggests a shift towards suburban and surrounding areas. This trend can open up new investment opportunities in these regions, where property prices might currently be more affordable but have the potential for significant growth.

Sources: Macrotrends, NYC.gov, FOX 5 NY, NCHStats

supply and demand real estate New York

Our team designed this infographic to show how competitive the real estate market in New York is vs. other major cities in New York. It shows the percentage of sales above the list price, a key indicator of market competition.

So, is investing in New York real estate a solid option in 2025? Absolutely, it is.

Investing in New York real estate in 2025 is a promising opportunity.

First, the homeownership rate is just 23.5%, indicating a large rental market and potential for property value growth. This low rate suggests a high demand for rental properties, especially among young professionals and students in thriving sectors like finance, technology, and the arts. This creates a ripe environment for investors to fill the gap in property ownership.

Additionally, New York's livability score of 75 highlights its high quality of life, supported by a robust public transportation system and diverse cultural offerings. These factors make the city attractive to residents and investors alike. The strong job market further ensures economic stability, which is crucial for maintaining property values.

Moreover, upcoming infrastructure projects, such as the Willets Point Transformation, are set to boost real estate value significantly. These projects promise new amenities, job opportunities, and improved infrastructure, all of which can drive up property demand and values.

Finally, the population growth of 0.51% in the New York City metro area signals a steady influx of people, increasing demand for housing. This growth, coupled with economic development, enhances the area's attractiveness for investment. In summary, these factors collectively make investing in New York real estate in 2025 a solid and strategic choice.

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