Enjoying a quiet moment on the spectacular roof terrace of my brand-new exclusive listing on coveted Franklin Street, in prime Tribeca. The terrace is even more magical at night, with the stars above and the Freedom Tower and Jenga Building as luminous backdrops.

From quiet evenings on a Tribeca rooftop to new architectural landmarks in Brooklyn and beyond, this week’s stories capture what I love most about real estate: how design, place, and perspective shape the way we live, from Tribeca’s cobblestone streets to Brooklyn’s vibrant neighborhoods to London’s most exclusive residences.

In This Week’s Edition

Did the "rich" really flee New York City? Among the top 10 cities the really rich call home, New York City continues to lead, with 21,380 ultra-wealthy residents, a 23.4% increase from 2024. (Source: Altrata)

There’s something timeless about Tribeca: its cobblestone streets, cast-iron façades, and lofts that marry scale with soul. My brand-new Exclusive listing at 152 Franklin Street captures that spirit perfectly.

This full-floor penthouse combines authentic prewar character with refined contemporary design: grand proportions, and a spectacular roof terrace with panoramic views of the Freedom Tower and Jenga Building. By day, it’s a sun-filled sanctuary; by night, it transforms into an intimate cityscape framed by stars and skyline.

Rarely does a home offer this blend of architectural pedigree, privacy, and indoor-outdoor living in the heart of Tribeca.

From Tribeca’s cobblestones to Brooklyn’s prime neighborhoods across the river, this quarter’s data tells a consistent story: quality inventory and lifestyle-focused enclaves continue to define where buyers are placing long-term confidence.

Brooklyn’s real estate market sustained its momentum in Q3 2025, with recorded sales up 7.6% year over year (YOY) and pricing at record levels.

The strongest activity came from North and Northwest Brooklyn—notably Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Brooklyn Heights—where buyers remain drawn to design-forward new development, prime locations, and quality inventory.

Condo Segment: Buyers returned to the market in greater numbers, particularly in the condo segment, which surged 16.7% from Q3 2024, the highest on record.

The average condo price rose to $1.4M and the median to $1.1M, marking new highs. In Williamsburg and Greenpoint, pricing reached roughly $1,529 per square foot, while Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens & Clinton Hill averaged $1,489 per square foot. This reflects both new development momentum and rising buyer confidence.

Co-ops: The co-op closing price dipped slightly, but the well-priced continued to move, signaling ongoing demand despite limited supply.

Contract activity declined 4.4% YOY, with co-ops experiencing the largest drop at 12.3%, largely due to a 24.1% decline in inventory.

The desire for space, quality, and access to vibrant neighborhoods remains a top priority for buyers across Brooklyn.

The Luxury Sector was particularly resilient, with closings of houses priced $3 million and above surged 47% YOY. Buyers prioritized turnkey quality and larger layouts, while well-priced co-ops held steady.

North Brooklyn stood out with condo contracts up 11% and a 16% rise in median price, underscoring strong demand.

Inventory: Inventory rose modestly by 1.8% compared to last year. North Brooklyn saw the largest increase in house listings, up 27.5%, while co-op inventory declined the most, down 24.1%. Condo listings made up over a third of active inventory, with the average asking price rising 10.5% annually.

As Q4 begins, Brooklyn’s top-tier neighborhoods remain highly competitive, with demand outpacing supply as buyers seek space, lifestyle, and proximity to Manhattan. The borough continues to be a central force in New York City’s market resurgence, marking a new phase defined by selectivity, strength, and optimism.

From Brooklyn to Belgravia, London, design continues to define value. Whether it’s the thoughtful industrial textures of Williamsburg, or the quiet grandeur of London’s Peninsula Residences, architecture remains the through line connecting beauty, function, and long-term demand.

Construction is nearing completion at 57 South 6th Street, a 6-story mixed-use building by Beam Architects and Vision Development. Set just steps from the Williamsburg Bridge, this refined red-brick structure brings an industrial-meets-elegant aesthetic to one of Brooklyn’s most dynamic corners.

Spanning 16,000 square feet, the building will feature two floors of commercial space with 15-foot ceilings and wraparound arched windows, while upper floors house boutique residences defined by floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, and abundant light.

Expected to wrap this fall, the project adds a thoughtful, contextual presence along Wythe Avenue. It's a blend of craft, proportion, and neighborhood character that reflects Williamsburg’s continued architectural evolution.

I read about this in The Financial Times last weekend — a fascinating look at how global luxury continues to evolve.

Luxury living has just set a new benchmark in London. The Peninsula Residences in Belgravia, an exclusive residential development inside the five-star Peninsula Hotel, has attracted a roster of American billionaires with combined net worth exceeding $197 billion. Stephen Schwarzman, Ken Griffin, Jan Koum, and Todd Boehly are among the buyers securing homes in this landmarked property.

Opened in 2023, the building offers spectacular views of Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. Residents enjoy hotel-level amenities: a 25-meter indoor pool with a sculptural ice-cave-inspired ceiling, a chauffeured Rolls-Royce fleet, bespoke room service, and even customized pet menus.

With 20 apartments sold and the final six now coming to market, the Peninsula stands as London’s most expensive residential building by price per square foot, reflecting the growing trend of US citizens seeking second and third homes in the UK.

In fact, American are now the most significant buyer demographic in prime central London developments, with over 4,120 US citizens applying for British citizenship in the first half of 2025 alone, a 39% increase from last year.

For ultra-wealthy buyers, the Peninsula represents more than a home: it’s a statement of legacy, lifestyle, and global prestige.