How Seasonality Impacts the Westchester Real Estate Market

By Jeselle Eli, Realtor

Westchester County, NY — Trends, Timing & Strategy

Seasonality, the predictable ebb and flow of buyer and seller activity throughout the year, profoundly shapes the Westchester County real estate market. Like many Northeast markets, Westchester sees cyclical shifts in inventory, demand, pricing, and negotiation leverage, which savvy buyers and sellers can use to their advantage.

1. The Traditional Seasonal Rhythms

Across the U.S. housing market, the spring and summer months historically represent peak activity, with more new listings, higher buyer engagement, and generally faster sales. In Westchester, this pattern has been visible, with home showings, offers, and contracts signed accelerating in early spring.

Why Spring & Early Summer Are Hot:

Better weather & curb appeal – homes show better and more buyers are out touring.
School calendar aligns – families prefer moves before fall school starts.
Buyer mindset shifts – tax refunds, longer days, and moving plans often kick in.
These factors combined typically shorten Days on Market and tighten list-to-sale price ratios during April through June.

2. Shifting Seasonal Peaks in Recent Years

While spring still matters, recent data suggests the peak of activity is no longer as rigid as in the past. Historically, May was the undisputed high point for new listings — but in the last few years, that peak has shifted earlier (April) or later (summer to early fall) depending on market dynamics and mortgage rates.

Interesting local shifts include:

April sometimes outpacing May for new listings as sellers try to get ahead of competition.
Inventory peaks stretching into June, July, or even September, blurring traditional seasonality.
Some years seeing more of the annual sales volume happen in the second half of the year rather than the first, a notable post-pandemic shift.

This evolution suggests market timing is increasingly influenced by interest rate movements and inventory constraints as much as by the calendar.

3. Winter and Holiday Slowdowns

Activity tends to decline in winter, particularly December through February. Fewer new listings, limited showings due to holidays and weather, and buyers waiting for spring results in slower pace and often better negotiation leverage for buyers, if the right property is on the market.

However, the slowdown isn’t always a disadvantage, motivated buyers and fewer competing sellers can mean:

better pricing opportunities,
more time for strategic decisions,
and increased agent attention for sellers.
This aligns with broader market observations that the conventional wisdom of “spring only” listing periods may be loosening.

4. Inventory and Pricing Dynamics Across Seasons

Consumer demand and inventory levels are key drivers of how seasonality plays out in Westchester:

Low overall inventory – Westchester has seen deeply constrained listings compared to pre-pandemic norms, compressing supply year-round and strengthening seller leverage even outside peak seasons.
Pricing resilience – Despite seasonal fluctuations in activity, median home prices have continued to rise, breaking records in many segments.
Price segmentation – Entry-level homes often sell quickly even in slower months, while higher-end properties may stay on the market longer regardless of season.

This means that seasonal effects, while real, are often moderated by local supply-demand dynamics in Westchester.

5. What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

For Sellers:

Spring listings can generate higher activity and faster sales, but pricing strategy must be sharp to capitalize.
Early or late in the season can still work if inventory is especially low or your home has unique appeal.
Winter and holiday periods may attract serious, motivated buyers with less competition.

For Buyers:

Spring and summer competition is fierce, but planning early (e.g., lining up financing before peak season) helps.
Fall and winter negotiations can be more favorable when fewer buyers compete.
Inventory may still be limited, so being ready to act fast is crucial, even outside peak months.

Conclusion

Seasonality in Westchester County’s real estate market still matters, spring and early summer often bring heightened activity, but the patterns have become less predictable and more influenced by inventory conditions and interest rate trends. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding both traditional seasonal rhythms and local market shifts can help you choose the best time and strategy for your goals.

If this is the season for you, call me at 646-421-4467.