It may be hard to top 2025 when it comes to the number of Erie County homes that sold for north of $1 million.
But, it is entirely possible.
"There's no reason to think that 2026 will be even better," said Carolyn Hoyt-Stevens with Gurney Becker & Bourne.
Put it this way: In 2025, there were 105 private residences in Erie County that sold for more than $1 million and that came out to one $1 million home sale slightly more than once every 3 days.
And, the number of $1 million home sales in Erie County rose 26.5% between 2024 and 2025. In 2024, there 83 homes that went above the $1 million threshold.
"I could see it continuing to grow," said Hoyt-Stevens.
This year is already off to a good start.
In the first two weeks of the year four suburban homes have sold for more than $1 million including two in Orchard Park and one each in Amherst and Clarence.
The Amherst house - patio home in Marrano/Marc Equity's Greythorne Estates sold for $1.2 million - or 9.5% more than what it went for in October 2024.
Why is the sale of a $1 million-plus home such a benchmark?
Within the Buffalo Niagara residential real estate industry, $1 million remains a key economic indicator.
"It matters," Hoyt-Stevens said.
The million home sales were spread around the county. Clarence reported 30 such sales, according to Erie County Clerk's Office data.
Buffalo had 21 and Orchard Park reported 17 $1 million-plus home sales.
Buffalo had the largest single residential deal when a Tudor Place estate went for $3.5 million.
"In Buffalo, you are often times buying a house with history and unique architecture," Hoyt-Stevens said.
"In the suburbs, you are often times buying a new build or a newer house that comes with a lot of acreage," Hoyt-Stevens said. "There is a strong market for both."
The buyers?
They run the gamut from local residents looking to move up to out-of-towners relocating to the region.
"If you are coming from Boston or Washington, you can't believe how much house you can buy in Buffalo," Hoyt-Stevens said.