Thursday, October 1, 2026
From beachfront condos in Long Beach to sprawling estates in the Hamptons, Long Island’s housing market continues to draw a wide range of buyers — including high-profile clients seeking privacy, access and flexibility.
For Vanessa Ambrosecchia and her fiancé and business partner, Darab Lawyer, the work often involves navigating those preferences while balancing geography, lifestyle and discretion. Based in Rockville Centre, the pair said their experience working with celebrities and high-net-worth clients has revealed patterns that extend across the broader market.
How location shapes buyer decisions across Long Island
Rather than clear dividing lines between regions, Ambrosecchia said buyer decisions are driven more by lifestyle needs than geography alone.
“It all depends on how close they want to be to the city and what they’re looking for,” she said.
Areas like Long Beach have seen increased demand in recent years, particularly for buyers who want direct access to Manhattan.
That convenience, combined with newer condominium developments, has attracted buyers looking for a balance between coastal living and commuting access.
Further east, the Hamptons continue to draw a different segment of the market.
Hamptons versus South Shore: different buyer profiles
Lawyer said the Hamptons typically attract buyers coming from Manhattan, many of whom are seeking seasonal homes or second residences.
“You’ll get the Manhattan crowd going out to the Hamptons,” he said, noting that those buyers often prioritize space and distance from the city.
By contrast, South Shore communities such as Rockville Centre, Seaford and Wantagh tend to attract year-round residents who commute to Manhattan for work. Those areas offer access to parks, waterfront properties and marinas, while still maintaining shorter travel times.
The difference often comes down to time, Lawyer said. “A lot of people don’t want to travel two and a half, three hours,” he said. “They want something they can go back and forth from.”
Privacy and amenities drive high-end home searches
Both agents said privacy remains one of the most consistent priorities among high-end buyers.
“They want peace, they want privacy, they want tranquility,” Ambrosecchia said.
That demand shapes not only where buyers look, but also what features they prioritize. Larger properties, fewer neighboring homes and fully equipped interiors are common requests. In some cases, buyers look for homes that function as self-contained spaces, complete with gyms, entertainment areas and outdoor amenities.
Ambrosecchia recalled instances where clients evaluated factors that might not typically arise in standard transactions, including noise levels and overhead air traffic. “These are things nobody thinks of,” she said.
Discretion and referrals in celebrity transactions
Unlike traditional home searches, many high-profile transactions begin through referrals rather than public listings. Both agents said maintaining confidentiality is central to building those relationships.
That approach extends to avoiding public discussion of clients or transactions, a practice they said contributes to repeat business and word-of-mouth connections.
A market shaped by flexibility and demand
The pair noted changes in buyer behavior due to the low inventory of homes, as demand surged for homes offering more space and separation.
Low interest rates at the time contributed to increased purchasing activity, while many of those buyers have since held onto their properties as long-term investments. As a result, inventory remains limited, particularly in desirable areas.
“There’s not a lot of inventory,” she said. “Every home is an asset.”
Today’s buyers — whether residents or high-profile clients — continue to weigh similar factors: location, privacy and long-term value.
While some seek seasonal properties or investment opportunities, others are focused on finding homes that accommodate both work and personal life.
“It all depends on the buyer’s wants and needs,” Ambrosecchia said.
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