One of the world's most vibrant and competitive real estate markets is found in New York. The state offers countless opportunities for homeowners, investors and commercial players, from Manhattan's opulent high-rise developments to neighborhood revitalization in cities like Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester. In the center of this constantly changing market are some of the most established and powerful real estate companies in New York, several of which are known among the top 100 real estate companies in the USA.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how these leading firms are shaping New York’s property landscape, what’s driving their continued success and how to choose the right company for your real estate goals.
List of New York real estate companies
Here’s a curated list of trusted real estate companies in New York—teams that know the state inside out and help people find the right place to live, invest, or grow.
| # | Company Name | Website | Established Year | Full Address | Key Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Douglas Elliman | elliman.com | 1911 | 575 Madison Ave New York, NY | Brokerage |
| 2 | Compass | compass.com | 2012 | 110 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY | Brokerage |
| 3 | Sotheby's International Realty | sothebysrealty.com | 1976 | 30th Avenue, Suite 201, Astoria, New York, NY | Brokerage |
| 4 | Coldwell Banker | coldwellbanker.com | 1906 | 2049 Frederick Douglass Blvd., New York, NY | Brokerage |
| 5 | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | bhhs.com | 2012 | 2429 Main St. Lake Placid, NY | Brokerage |
| 6 | SERHANT. | serhant.com | 2012 | 372 W Broadway, New York, NY | Brokerage |
| 7 | The Corcoran Group | corcoran.com | 1973 | 215 Main Street, Beacon, New York, NY | Brokerage, relocation |
| 8 | Batra Group Real Estate | batrany.com | 2015 | 79 Madison Ave, New York, NY | Brokerage |
| 9 | JLL | jll.com | 1999 | 330 Madison Avenue, New York City, NY | Brokerage, property management, consultancy |
| 10 | CBRE | cbre.com | 1906 | 500 Seneca Street, Suite 507 Buffalo, NY | Brokerage, property management, consultancy |
| 11 | Keller Williams Realty | kw.com | 1983 | 360 Madison Ave., 9th Floor, New York, NY | Brokerage |
| 12 | Cushman & Wakefield | cushmanwakefield.com | 1917 | 14 Lafayette Square, Suite 1900, Buffalo, NY | Brokerage, development, management, valuation |
| 13 | Brown Harris Stevens | bhsusa.com | 1873 | 790 Madison Ave, New York, NY | Brokerage |
| 14 | Houlihan Lawrence | houlihanlawrence.com | 1888 | 800 Westchester Ave. N505, Rye Brook, NY | Brokerage, mortgage, insurance |
| 15 | Avison Young | avisonyoung.us | 1978 | 58 South Service Road, Suite 110, Melville, NY | Project management, consultancy, tenant representation |
An overview of the top 5 New York real estate companies
Douglas Elliman
Website: elliman.com
Headquarters: New York, NY
Established Year: 1911
Key Person: Michael S. Liebowitz - CEO
Core Services: Brokerage
Awards: N/A
Compass
Website: compass.com
Headquarters: New York
Established Year: 2012
Key Person: Robert Reffkin - Founder & CEO
Core Services: Real estate brokerage & development
Awards: Won three awards at the 2024 MarCom Awards
Sotheby's International Realty
Website: sothebysrealty.com
Headquarters: Madison, New Jersey
Established Year: 1976
Key Person: Philip A. White, Jr. - President & CEO
Core Services: Real estate brokerage
Awards: Named the Best Real Estate Website in the People's Choice Category in the 25th Annual Webby Awards
Coldwell Banker
Website: coldwellbanker.com
Headquarters: Madison, New Jersey
Established Year: 1906
Key Person: Jason Waugh - President
Core Services: Real estate brokerage
Awards: Winner of 2024 MarCom Award
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Website: bhhs.com
Headquarters: West Des Moines, Iowa
Established Year: 2012
Key Person: Vince Leisey - President
Core Services: Real estate brokerage
Awards: Won 'Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year' in the annual Harris Poll EquiTrend® study, 2020
Role of top real estate companies in New York's real estate market
Leading real estate firms in New York do far more than arrange property transactions. They are key participants in the planning, development, promotion, and management of buildings and neighborhoods throughout the state. Their contributions include:
- Urban development and neighborhood revitalization, transforming underutilized areas into high-demand districts.
- Brokerage and advisory services, linking clients to appropriate investment opportunities or living spaces.
- Property management and leasing, maintaining operational excellence and long-term value.
- Luxury project execution, providing premium residences and commercial properties with world-class amenities.
These companies bridge the gap between developers, buyers, investors and authorities making real estate deals smoother and more efficient.
Factors driving the growth of top real estate companies in New York's real estate market
Economic and cultural magnetism
New York is a commercial, cultural, and educational international center with hubs like New York City, Albany, Syracuse, and Rochester attracting residents and investors statewide. It continues to have a steady influx of inhabitants, entrepreneurs, and investors, triggering housing, office space, and retail demand.
Adoption of technology and innovation
Leading firms are leveraging digital tools such as virtual tours, CRM platforms, AI-driven analytics and mobile apps to enhance client experiences and streamline operations. PropTech has emerged as a competitive discriminator in service delivery. For businesses looking to get ahead of the curve, using a growth platform for real estate business can streamline property workflows and reveal market trends.
Diversification of offerings
Leading real estate firms have diversified their services to include development, property management and investment advising. This full-cycle support is attractive to clients who want convenience and long-term relationships.
Demand for luxury and mixed-use developments
From high-end condos to mixed-use neighborhoods, demand is mounting for high-end and integrated lifestyle opportunities. Leaders are capitalizing on this phenomenon through signature initiatives that blend residential, retail and recreational uses.
Regulatory navigation and local expertise
Getting through New York state’s tricky zoning rules, rent laws, and permits isn’t easy. The best real estate firms know the system inside out and use that experience to move things along smoothly and stay ahead.
The impact of technology and Proptech on New York's real estate market
Technology is changing New York's real estate business, allowing top firms to move more quickly and better serve customers. With virtual tours, smart floor plans and AI-based search capabilities, people can tour homes remotely from anywhere. Real-time data assists agents to price right and find good deals in an instant. And with tools like a CRM platform for real estate, and automated marketing, it’s much easier to manage leads and stay connected with clients.
Smart building tech is game-changing for developers and landlords, tracking energy, contactless entry, and tenant management, all in one platform. Some are also beginning to experiment in using blockchain to make deals safer and more transparent.
How to choose the right real estate company in New York
Finding the right company can make a real difference in your real estate transaction—whether buying, selling, investing or renting. This is what you should be searching for:
Local knowledge: Familiarity with specific areas and counties is essential.
Reputation and history: Experienced companies with a track record of success tend to have greater access to properties and bargaining power.
Client-centered approach: Well-established firms with a history of success will have more access to properties and negotiating power.
Technology and tools: Contemporary platforms for property search, transaction tracking, and communication have the potential to save time and minimize stress.
Range of services: Whether you require leasing, development or property management, a multi-service company can offer end-to-end solutions.
Looking ahead
New York's real estate market is dynamic, vibrant, and rife with opportunity. The finest real estate firms at the helm of this industry possess a profound understanding of the local market, innovation, and a dedication to excellence. As the industry advances with tech and client demands, firms that adapt and remain cutting-edge will lead the next chapter of the city.
Disclaimer: Retyn does not promote or support any of the companies or services mentioned in the list. The data presented is compiled through online and market research and does not reflect our priorities in any manner.
