We recently published our report on the Queens sales market for 4Q 2012. This is part of an evolving market report series I’ve been writing for Douglas Elliman since 1994.

Key Points

– Although year-over-year inventory slipped nominally, it was the lowest fourth quarter total in 7 years.
– Price indicators up from same period last year year.
– Number of sales declined from year ago levels restrained by limited inventory.
– Luxury market prices rise but not at pace of overall market.
– Mortgage underwriting remains “irrationally tight” but record low mortgage rates and improving employment continue to drive demand.

Here’s an excerpt from the report:

…In the final quarter of 2012, the Queens housing
market saw a sharp year-over-year bump in
prices, a modest slip in sales and listing inventory,
shorter marketing times, and less negotiability
between buyers and sellers. The historically tight
mortgage underwriting standards continued to
hold the impact of record low mortgage rates in
check.

Both price indicators pressed above prior year
levels. Median sales price was up 13.7% from the
prior year quarter at $390,000, the highest level
in nearly 4 years. Average sales price showed a
similar result, rising 9.4% to $432,503 over the
same period. All market quintiles generally saw
gains in median sales price compared to the
prior year period…

Our Queens data tables are now updated for 4Q12 and charts will be available soon.

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The Elliman Report: 4Q 2012 Queens Sales [Miller Samuel] The Elliman Report: 4Q 2012 Queens Sales [Douglas Elliman] Aggregated Custom Market Data Tables [Miller Samuel]