Empire State Review Team 
New York City, July 7, 2024 — The city’s housing market continued its meteoric rise, with average apartment sale prices hitting an all-time high of $1.7 million in Manhattan. The surge reflects growing demand for luxury real estate and a dwindling supply of affordable housing, leaving many middle-class families struggling to find suitable accommodations.
Brooklyn and Queens also saw record-breaking numbers, with median rents in Brooklyn surpassing $4,000 per month for the first time. Real estate agents cited increasing interest from international buyers and professionals returning to the city post-pandemic as driving factors.
Housing advocates expressed alarm over the trend, calling for immediate action to expand affordable housing programs. “The gap between luxury housing and what average New Yorkers can afford has never been wider,” said Alicia Green, director of NYC Housing Action. Mayor Eric Adams pledged to prioritize affordable housing in the upcoming budget.
Developers argue that zoning laws and high construction costs are key barriers to increasing supply, leading to calls for policy reforms. Meanwhile, renters like Susan Chang, a schoolteacher from Queens, shared frustration. “I’m being priced out of the city I love,” she said.
