Queens, NY, Sees Nearly Half of Home Sales Close Off-Market in July 2026
Queens, New York, recorded 49.0% of its total home sales closing off-market in July 2026, signaling significant investor and wholesale activity within the borough.
For real estate investors and agents tracking transaction channels, the mix of on-market versus off-market sales offers a critical look into how properties change hands. In July 2026, Queens, NY, saw a total of 19,849 home sales. Notably, 9,720 of these transactions, representing 49.0% of the total, closed off-market. This means nearly half of all recorded sales in Queens bypassed traditional Multiple Listing Service (MLS) channels, often indicative of private sales, investor-to-investor deals, or wholesale transactions that never reach the open market. The remaining 10,129 sales, or 51.0%, were classified as on-market, closing through the MLS. This data, according to BatchData's On Market vs Off Market Sold Report, highlights a robust alternative transaction ecosystem in the borough.
County Overview
Queens, NY, stands out as a focal point for off-market activity within the state. With 19,849 total sales in July 2026, it is a significant contributor to New York's overall real estate landscape. The near 50-50 split between on-market and off-market transactions in Queens, with 10,129 on-market sales and 9,720 off-market sales, illustrates a market where private deal flow is almost as prevalent as publicly listed properties. This high proportion of off-market deals suggests that investors actively seek and find opportunities outside of conventional channels, potentially leveraging direct outreach, skip tracing, or established networks to source properties. The 49.0% off-market share is a key indicator for those looking to understand the true depth of investor engagement in this specific market.
The substantial volume of off-market sales in Queens points to a sophisticated and competitive environment for real estate investing. Investors operating in this county must navigate a landscape where a significant portion of potential deals may not be visible on public platforms. This necessitates a proactive approach to property search and lead generation, often relying on advanced property data and intelligence to identify potential sellers before properties are listed. The fact that 9,720 sales were off-market underscores the importance of accessing comprehensive datasets that can uncover these hidden opportunities.
Local Market Context
Within New York State, Queens holds a prominent position in terms of sales volume and off-market activity. The county ranks #2 among the 62 counties in New York for total home sales, accounting for a substantial 8.5% of the state's 232,790 total transactions in July 2026. This high ranking, despite New York's numerous and diverse counties, emphasizes Queens' importance as a major real estate hub. The county's off-market share of 49.0% is a critical figure for investors, indicating a market structure that significantly diverges from areas more reliant on traditional MLS listings.
The high off-market share in Queens contrasts with what might be seen in less dense or less investor-heavy markets. Urban centers like Queens often attract a high concentration of real estate investing activity, where properties may change hands quickly through private networks. This environment can present both challenges and opportunities for investors. For those looking to acquire properties, a high off-market rate means that competition might be less visible but still fierce, requiring specialized strategies for deal sourcing. BatchData's bulk data and assessor data solutions can be particularly valuable in such a market, enabling investors to identify properties that might be ripe for an off-market offer, even if they are not publicly listed. This distinctive mix in Queens suggests a market where understanding the flow of private transactions is just as important as monitoring MLS activity.