Luxury Real Estate Is Leading the Market in 2026 — What Bergen County Sellers Should Know

In a market where many housing segments are adjusting to higher rates, affordability pressures, and changing buyer behavior, one sector continues to stand apart: luxury real estate.

According to the latest 2026 Luxury Outlook from Sotheby’s International Realty, high-end residential real estate is outperforming the broader market and remains a focal point for both domestic and international buyers. For homeowners in Bergen County — particularly those considering a sale in the upper price tiers — this presents an important opportunity.

Below is a breakdown of what the global luxury data is telling us, and how it applies locally.

Luxury Is Outperforming the Broader Housing Market

While the overall housing market has become more selective, luxury real estate has remained resilient. Affluent buyers are less affected by interest rate volatility and are continuing to transact when the property, pricing, and presentation align.

For Bergen County sellers, this means demand remains active — but buyers are highly discerning. Homes that are positioned correctly are still attracting serious attention, while over-pricing or generic marketing is being quickly rejected.

Generational Wealth Is Fueling Buyer Demand

One of the most significant drivers behind today’s luxury market is the massive transfer of generational wealth currently underway. Trillions of dollars are moving into the hands of new buyers who are actively seeking tangible, long-term assets.

Luxury real estate remains one of the preferred vehicles for wealth preservation, particularly in established markets that offer privacy, lifestyle quality, and long-term stability — all hallmarks of Bergen County’s top neighborhoods.

International Buyers Are Returning in Force

Global buyer activity in the U.S. luxury market has increased sharply. As international travel and cross-border investment normalize, foreign buyers are once again targeting premium American real estate.

New York remains a major global magnet, and Bergen County benefits directly from its proximity. For sellers, this reinforces the importance of marketing that reaches beyond the local audience and speaks to a global buyer pool.

The Definition of “Luxury” Keeps Rising

Nationally, the price threshold that defines luxury has moved higher. In Bergen County, where true luxury properties often sit well above national benchmarks, this trend further validates the strength of the upper tier.

In short: the luxury market is not shrinking — it is becoming more refined. Buyers are paying premiums for quality, location, and thoughtful design, while becoming far more selective about properties that fail to meet expectations.

Buyer Priorities Are Evolving

Luxury buyers in 2026 are prioritizing more than square footage. Today’s most sought-after homes offer:

• Wellness-focused features and lifestyle enhancements
• Advanced security and privacy
• Flexible layouts that support multigenerational living
• Thoughtful design that balances form, function, and longevity

For sellers, this means successful marketing must clearly communicate how a home lives — not just what it measures.

What This Means for Bergen County Sellers

Luxury remains strong — but strategy matters more than ever.

Homes that are priced with precision, positioned intelligently, and marketed with a clear understanding of today’s buyer psychology continue to perform well. Conversely, misaligned pricing or outdated presentation can quickly stall momentum, even in a strong segment.

This is where data-driven insight and targeted luxury marketing make the difference.

Final Takeaway

The luxury real estate market in 2026 is not defined by hesitation — it is defined by selectivity. Buyers are active, capital remains abundant, and global interest is returning. The homes that succeed are those brought to market with clarity, confidence, and an informed strategy.

For Bergen County homeowners considering a sale, this is not a market to approach casually — but it is absolutely one that continues to reward those who approach it correctly.