By Howard Morrel & Leslie Hirsch
Despite shifting buyer preferences and ongoing economic adjustments throughout 2025, New York City’s luxury residential market remained resilient. Demand stayed particularly strong in core neighborhoods offering premier inventory, where well-positioned properties continued to draw interest from high-net-worth buyers and investors. Confidence at the top end of the market persisted, especially for homes combining location, quality, and long-term value.
Several standout transactions defined the year, notable not only for their pricing but also for what they reveal about where capital continues to flow. From landmark penthouses overlooking Central Park to rare historic properties on the Upper East Side, these sales offer insight into the evolving priorities of luxury buyers across Manhattan.
At the same time, the contrast between the luxury tier and the broader residential market remained stark. Across more than 31,000 residential transactions in 2025, including condos, co-ops, and single-family homes, the citywide median sale price stood at approximately $745,000.
Below are the top 10 residential sales of 2025, ranked by closing price.
1. 220 Central Park South #45A — $82,500,000
An off-market transaction at 220 Central Park South closed at $82.5 million, making it the highest-priced residential sale in New York City in 2025 and the 13th-largest residential sale in the city’s history. Located within the iconic 70-story tower, the ultra-luxury residence previously traded for $75 million in 2023 when it was acquired by the founder of Allen Media Group. The sale further reinforces the building’s reputation as one of the most active and record-setting addresses on Billionaires’ Row.
2. 730 Fifth Avenue #25A — $66,000,000
A nearly 5,800-square-foot condominium at 730 Fifth Avenue sold for $66 million, underscoring continued demand for premier residences in Central Midtown. The Gold LEED-certified building, originally constructed in 1921, remains a coveted address on Billionaires’ Row. Although the unit closed below its asking price, it achieved $11,444 per square foot, the highest in the building’s history and among the top price-per-square-foot figures recorded in Manhattan. The seller was Vlad Doronin of OKO Group, who also completed 2024’s most expensive sale.
3. 150 Charles Street #9A — $60,000,000
An off-market sale at 150 Charles Street closed at $60 million, setting a new benchmark for downtown Manhattan. The 5,840-square-foot, five-bedroom residence is located in a 1938 West Village building and was previously owned by financier Harsh Padia and interior designer Purvi Padia. The sale marked the most expensive condominium transaction ever recorded below 14th Street, translating to $10,274 per square foot.
4. 960 Fifth Avenue #12 — $53,500,000
A full-floor cooperative at 960 Fifth Avenue traded for $53.5 million, continuing the building’s history of notable Upper East Side transactions. The pre-war cooperative spans 12 stories and includes 77 residences. This eight-bedroom home offers direct views of Central Park and was formerly owned by philanthropist Anne Hendricks Bass, adding historical significance to an already prestigious property.
5. 217 West 57th Street #121 — $47,469,125
Within Central Park Tower, a 6,700-square-foot condominium closed for $47.47 million, contributing to the building’s ongoing concentration of high-value sales. Construction of the tower began in 2013 along the Central Park South corridor, and it is recognized as the tallest primarily residential building in the world. The five-bedroom, six-bath residence achieved a price of $7,085 per square foot.
6. 111 West 57th Street #PT 72 — $46,900,000
A triplex penthouse at 111 West 57th Street sold for $46.9 million, reflecting sustained interest in luxury properties along Central Park South. The 7,163-square-foot residence is housed within the historic 1924 building and offers expansive views over Central Park. While the final price was below its previous $56 million asking price, the transaction remains one of the year’s most notable penthouse sales.
7. 50 West 66th Street #47E — $46,775,031
A high-floor residence at 50 West 66th Street changed hands for $46.78 million, highlighting growing demand for new development on the Upper West Side. Located in one of the neighborhood’s tallest and newest towers, the unit achieved $6,738 per square foot, signaling strong buyer interest in modern luxury near Lincoln Square.
8. 973 Fifth Avenue — $46,000,000
The only single-family residence among the top sales of 2025, the mansion at 973 Fifth Avenue sold for $46 million following a significant reduction from its original $80 million asking price. Designed by Stanford White, the Gilded Age residence is one of the few remaining of its kind in Manhattan and sits directly across from Central Park.
9. 217 West 57th Street #116 — $45,938,000
Another major transaction at Central Park Tower saw residence #116 close for $45.94 million. The 6,700-square-foot condominium, originally listed at $52.9 million, features five bedrooms and five bathrooms. Its sale further underscores the tower’s continued dominance among high-value transactions along Central Park South.
10. 740 Park Avenue #4B/5B – $45,000,000
A duplex cooperative at 740 Park Avenue closed for $45 million, ranking among the highest co-op sales of the year. The approximately 8,500-square-foot residence is located in a 19-story Art Deco building dating to the 1930s, long regarded as one of Manhattan’s most prestigious cooperative addresses. Previously purchased by David and Julia Koch in 2004 for $17 million, the unit was acquired in 2025 by billionaire Ken Griffin.
Taken together, these transactions illustrate where the upper tier of New York City’s residential market remained concentrated in 2025. Activity continued to focus on established luxury corridors, including Central Park South, Fifth Avenue, and select downtown locations, as affluent buyers prioritized prime real estate with enduring value. As the market moves into 2026, these sales will help shape expectations for both buyers and sellers operating at the highest levels of the city’s real estate landscape.
While many of the year’s highest-profile transactions occurred beyond our direct involvement, Morrel Hirsch & Advisors also played a key role in one of the most compelling value-driven sales on Billionaires’ Row. In 2025, our team successfully closed Residence 66B at 157 West 57th Street for $24,000,000, representing one of the strongest “best value” transactions along the corridor. The sale highlights continued buyer interest in well-positioned residences that combine scale, views, and location at a compelling price point. As activity on Billionaires’ Row evolves, transactions like this underscore the importance of expert guidance, precise market positioning, and deep local knowledge in achieving optimal outcomes.
Want to learn more? Let’s talk!
All the best,
Howard Morrel & Leslie Hirsch
Christie’s International Real Estate Group
(212) 956-4823
mha@christiesrealestategroup.com
