2026 Long Island Housing Outlook: Top Seller Markets & Best Entry Points for First-Time Buyers

When it comes to housing forecasts, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all market analysis.  Local dynamics matter most.  And when it comes to the Long Island housing market, it remains highly competitive.  Most communities favor sellers with high demand and limited supply, and there are limited opportunities for first-time buyers seeking an entry point into homeownership. Let me break it down.

Long Island Market at a Glance

• Record-low inventory: Long Island listings sank to historic lows at the end of 2025, with just over 4,200 homes on the market (down more than 16% from a year earlier). This shortage continues to fuel competition and give leverage to sellers. 
  
  
• Regional pricing dynamics: Nassau County’s median sale price has climbed near $830,000–$875,000 in recent months, while Suffolk County’s median sold price sits closer to $690,000–$700,000. There  is a definitive gap in affordability on the island.
  
  
• Days on market: Across much of Nassau and western Suffolk, median days on market generally range from the mid-30s to early 50s, depending on price point and condition of the home. While these data points aren't too scary, inside some of our most popular micro-markets we are seeing days on market hover between 11-18 days, and even some that are under 10.  

With that in mind, here are Long Island’s top markets for sellers in 2026 — followed by the best places for first-time buyers based on relative affordability and market accessibility.

Top 5 Seller-Friendly Markets on Long Island (2026)

These communities are experiencing stronger buyer demand than available inventory, shorter selling windows, and pricing momentum that favors sellers.

1. Old Westbury

Median sale price: about $1.7 M

Typical days on market: about 59 days 
A perennial high-demand enclave, Old Westbury homes command strong pricing even when inventory tightens.

2. Roslyn / Roslyn Heights

Median sale price: about $1.5 M
Typical days on market: about 40 days

Known for Prestigious schools, close commute to the city, and lifestyle amenities (think shopping and gated communities) drive ongoing competition.

3. Jericho & Brookville Area

Median sale price: just over $1.0 M
Typical days on market: about 35 days 

Strong demand from buyers willing to pay a premium for the school district drives leverage for sellers.

4. Garden City / East Williston Corridor

Median sale price: about $1.2 M
Typical days on market: about 27 days 

Classic village character, desirable schools, and easy access to transit appeal to buyers.

5. Great Neck / Manhasset Area

Median sale price: about $1.4 M
Typical days on market: about 60 days 

Established demand always exists here from local and relocation buyers due to the easy access to NYC with a wide variety of home styles and communities.  

Seller advantage in these areas is supported by Long Island’s limited inventory overall and consistent buyer interest. 

Top 5 Markets with Better Opportunity for First-Time Buyers

First-time buyers often succeed where entry price points meet relatively longer selling times and slightly softer competition, even in a market that generally favors sellers (like Long Island).

1. Elmont (Nassau County)

Median Sale Price: $720,000 

Median Days on Market: 27 days

Strong entry-level accessibility compared with core Nassau hotspots makes Elmont ideal for buyers focused on affordability with reasonable commute access.

2. Islip / Central Suffolk

Median Sale Price: $690,000 
Median Days on Market: 35 days

You will find more inventory and price flexibility in and around Islip.  

3. Bay Shore / Brentwood Corridor

Median Sale Price: $575,000 
Median Days on Market: 27 days

Bayshore remains one of the more accessible price points on the south shore, with homes moving relatively relatively, with this corridor including both the Bay Shore and the Brentwood School districts.  Price Points here are appealing to first time buyers.

4. Levittown

Median Sale Price: $735,000 
Median Days on Market: 29 days

The local trend here is a rising median price, making your home a smart investment even if you move up within just a few years.  Overall, pricing is still comparatively accessible for Nassau County as long as you don't require a basement.  Levittown is a mainstay for first-time buyers.

5. Farmingdale / Bethpage / Deer Park

Median Sale Price: $689,000 
Median Days on Market: 15 days

These neighborhoods are a hot spot for entry-level homebuyers and have seen notably strong price growth over the last few years, and very low Days on Market. The key here is making a competitive offer and acting fast as a ready, willing and able buyer.  

What this means for first-timers: While Long Island as a whole is still broadly seller-leaning, these submarkets generally provide varied inventory and more accessible pricing than ultra-premium zones. 

Market Strategy  for 2026

Whether you’re selling or buying for the first time on Long Island, local dynamics matter:

For Sellers:

Price competitively. Even in strong markets, overpriced homes attract scrutiny, but not the right buyers.

Expect higher days on market in higher price points (30-60 days), and accepted offers within 1-2 weeks for anything close to or below the median sale price.

For First-Time Buyers:

Get pre-approved and be ready to act quickly on homes priced well within your range.

Consider adjacent submarkets rather than core high-demand enclaves to expand options.

Long Island’s 2026 housing landscape is nuanced. Most of the Island will continue to benefit sellers.  However, entry-friendly areas remain viable options for first-time buyers who are ready with a competitive offer strategy and realistic expectations.

Curious about specific price comps or days-on-market for your town? I can pull a custom neighborhood snapshot to help position your next move — just ask!