Connecticut has always offered something unique to the luxury buyer—a combination of coastal elegance, historic charm, and convenient proximity to New York City. For those seeking a refined lifestyle with room to breathe, the Constitution State continues to attract attention. To better understand the current dynamics of this market, we spoke with Brenda Maher, President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England, New York, and Hudson Valley Properties, who shared her insights into trends, buyer behavior, and the future of luxury real estate in the region.

A Strong Market 

Even as housing markets across the country experience shifts, Connecticut’s luxury segment has held firm. “Right now, the market is still rather strong, with most properties selling between 102% and 104% of the asking price—even on the luxury end,” Maher noted.

This resilience is notable  when compared to other states, where price adjustments have become more common. Maher pointed to a striking example: “There was a recent $52 million listing in Greenwich and it went under contract in just 42 days. For us, that’s really good news.”

Luxury buyers in Connecticut appear less swayed by short-term economic fluctuations, focusing instead on lifestyle and long-term value. Properties in coveted towns like Greenwich, Westport, and New Canaan rarely sit on the market for long, underscoring the strength of demand.

Shifting Buyer Preferences Post-Pandemic

The pandemic reshaped housing priorities nationwide, and Connecticut became a case study in just how dramatically those preferences could swing. “Everybody was moving out of the city and looking for as much expansive space as they could find, wanting to be as far apart from their neighbors as possible,” said Maher. At the time, buyers were chasing acreage, privacy, and estates that felt like retreats—places where families could live, work, and play without ever needing to leave. 

That trend fueled a surge in demand for larger estates, especially those with outdoor amenities and privacy. But now, as companies call employees back into offices, proximity has regained importance. “Sometimes they moved a little too far out of the luxury zone radius, and now they’re trying to migrate back closer to the city. But unfortunately, with the lack of inventory here in the North, some buyers haven’t been as successful as they’d like to be.”

This tension between space and accessibility defines the current market. Buyers want the luxury of room to spread out—but not at the cost of a grueling commute. That balance is driving competition for properties within a one-hour radius of New York City.

Connecticut’s Edge Over Neighboring Markets

When stacked against its neighboring states, Connecticut holds a distinctive advantage that’s becoming increasingly important in today’s climate. “We have more inventory here in Connecticut than we do in other neighboring states,” Maher explained. That single factor has been pivotal, not just for volume of sales, but for giving buyers more choice in a market where options elsewhere are limited.

As far as architectural and stylistic diversity goes, Connecticut has a lot to offer buyers. Take Fairfield County for example. Long nicknamed the state’s Gold Coast, its waterfront estates and historic mansions offer the kind of prestige and privacy that rivals the Hamptons, but often at a fraction of the price. Maher emphasized that the shoreline remains a defining feature of the firm’s luxury footprint. “Our reach extends from Westchester, New York, all along the Connecticut shoreline, and right into Rhode Island. The waterfront lifestyle continues to be one of the strongest draws for buyers in our markets. But, we also have quite a few estates in backcountry equestrian areas—we’ve had some really wonderful equestrian properties that have been moving quite well.” That balance between coastal glamour and rural luxury gives buyers a wide lens through which to imagine their lifestyle.

This range of options is Connecticut’s real competitive edge. In neighboring markets, luxury buyers often find themselves confined to a particular “type”—either a city-adjacent estate or a coastal enclave. Connecticut, by contrast, gives them choice without forcing compromise.

Who’s Buying Luxury in Connecticut?

The buyer pool in Connecticut is evolving in exciting ways. “Within the past two months, we’ve really seen a noticeable uptick in international buyers—and I’d say especially within the past month,” Maher explained. Much of this interest flows through New York City, with global investors naturally extending their searches into nearby Connecticut’s luxury markets.

Domestic migration is also shaping demand. “We’ve had a lot of migration from California in the luxury market, particularly because of the fires that happened earlier this year. Many weren’t able to rebuild right away, so they’ve chosen to reestablish roots here—often happily balancing life on both coasts while they wait to rebuild out west.”

Florida, long a magnet for luxury buyers, remains a vibrant market—but some are diversifying their portfolios and reconsidering the Northeast as a stronger long-term hold. “When you look at everything happening in Florida, with insurance availability and other challenges, many buyers are finding a sense of security in the Northeast and rediscovering Connecticut in particular,” Maher said. Together, these forces create a highly dynamic buyer landscape, with both international capital and returning U.S. homeowners fueling demand.

What Today’s Luxury Buyers Want

For Connecticut’s wealthy buyers, lifestyle is everything. But what exactly does that mean in practice? Maher explained that in many cases, renovated estates are highly desirable, blending classic architecture with modern luxury. “What we’re seeing more often is buyers purchasing luxury homes and updating them to their tastes, rather than building brand-new estates, especially in prime areas like Greenwich, where location and character are key.” utdoor amenities are also a major factor. “If buyers want waterfront, they want to be right on the water. Proximity to a Yacht Club matters if they don’t have their own dock, and if they do,that’s an even bigger draw.”

Equestrian estates remain in demand, particularly those with access to riding trails and clubs. Proximity to lifestyle hubs, whether yacht clubs, golf courses, or cultural centers, can elevate a property’s appeal as much as the home itself. When asked about the strongest luxury markets in Connecticut, Maher didn’t hesitate. “I’d have to say Greenwich and Westchester, County, New York are our top luxury markets,” she noted. “We’re also seeing growing luxury activity across Fairfield County, as well as Hartford County and West Hartford. But Greenwich still stands out as the premier destination for luxury estates in Connecticut.” 

The Future of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Connecticut

Looking ahead, Maher envisions steady growth for her firm’s luxury presence, with a focus on both geographic expansion and agent development. “Really, it’s about strengthening our footprint in the luxury market, particularly in Fairfield County and Westchester County, where demand has remained incredibly strong,” she explained. “These areas have become highly sought-after enclaves for both local buyers and those relocating from New York City, and we see tremendous opportunity here. We’re very intentional about attracting additional luxury agents who know these markets inside and out and can deliver the level of expertise our clients expect.”

At the same time, Maher is quick to highlight the strength of her existing team. “We’re fortunate to already have an exceptional group of luxury agents who consistently perform at the highest level,” she said. To underscore the caliber of properties her team represents, Maher pointed to a recent high-profile listing. “We recently listed 50 Cent’s former home, which is about to hit the market again,” she shared with enthusiasm. “That’s just one example of the extraordinary properties we’re entrusted to represent.”

For more information about luxury real estate in Connecticut, contact Brenda Maher of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England, New York, and Hudson Valley Properties today.