Brooklyn’s commercial real estate market has shown a notable resilience in the first half of 2025, with investment sales totaling $3.25 billion across 453 transactions, according to Ariel Property Advisors’ Brooklyn 2025 Mid-Year Commercial Real Estate Trends report. This performance marks a modest 4% increase in transaction volume and a slight 2% decline in dollar volume compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring the borough’s enduring appeal to investors amidst macroeconomic uncertainties.

The multifamily sector emerged as a standout, with transaction volume up 10% and dollar volume climbing 14% to over $2 billion. Investors are increasingly targeting smaller, free-market buildings to navigate around rent regulations, a strategy that has become more pronounced since the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019. A highlight of the sector was the sale of 395 Leonard Street for $127.5 million, signaling strong demand for value-add opportunities.

Development land values reached an all-time high of $313 per buildable square foot, driven by local initiatives aimed at addressing the housing shortage. Williamsburg continued to lead in development activity, with most sites earmarked for smaller condo projects. The retail sector also saw significant growth, with a 16% increase in dollar volume, propelled by institutional investments in prime locations like Williamsburg.

Conversely, the industrial market experienced a slowdown, with transaction and dollar volumes decreasing by 21% and 51%, respectively, from the first half of 2024. This shift reflects broader trends in New York City’s industrial vacancy rates, which have risen to their highest in over a decade.

The report highlights the strategic pivots investors are making in response to regulatory and market conditions, with a clear focus on sectors and asset types that offer the most potential for growth and value creation. Brooklyn’s real estate market continues to evolve, demonstrating both the challenges and opportunities present in today’s economic environment.

This news story relied on content distributed by None. Blockchain Registration, Verification & Enhancement provided by NewsRamp. The source URL for this press release is Brooklyn’s Real Estate Market Shows Resilience and Growth in First Half of 2025.