What Buyers and Sellers Should Know as 2026 Gets Underway

As we enter 2026, the global yacht sales market is showing strong, encouraging momentum, particularly across Europe. After a year marked by consistent activity and high-quality transactions, the outlook for both buyers and sellers is decidedly positive.

December 2025 capped off a highly active period for Northrop & Johnson’s European brokerage team, with several notable on- and off-market deals completed across a truly international footprint. “It was our strongest month of the year from a European sales perspective,” says Ben Young, Northrop & Johnson’s Commercial Director, Europe. Transactions spanned from Dubai and Hong Kong to key European hubs, including Monaco, Palma, and other core EU territories, reinforcing the strength and reach of the N&J brokerage platform.

Buyer interest remains high and active across all stages of the purchase cycle. As Young notes, “We’re currently active across every phase of negotiation, from initial enquiries through to final price discussions, contracts being written, surveys booked, and even new captains being earmarked ahead of completion.” Over the past six weeks alone, this activity has translated into consistent forward motion across multiple transactions, from first conversations to deals approaching completion. This depth of engagement signals both curiosity and a high level of buyer confidence entering the new year.

On the seller side, the market has seen an increase in inventory, but this shift is proving healthy and constructive. A broader selection of yachts is helping drive transactions forward, particularly as international buyers continue to seek correctly priced, well-maintained, high-quality vessels. For sellers, this emphasizes the importance of realistic positioning and expert guidance.

From a European perspective, one notable evolution is the increasingly global nature of buyer searches. Clients are casting wider nets to find the right yacht, introducing greater complexity, but also greater opportunity. This is precisely where an experienced, global brokerage like Northrop & Johnson adds real value.

As January unfolds, clients should pay close attention to opportunities in the new-construction production sector, particularly in the 20–35-meter range, where inventory is available and positioned for delivery ahead of the summer season. It’s an optimistic start to 2026, and one that presents meaningful opportunities for those ready to act.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Europe in 2026, connect with our brokerage teams in Monaco, Antibes, Palma, or Turkey to discuss your options and next steps.