In 2026, the yachting market is defined by conviction and precision. Buyers are decisive, exceptionally well-informed and increasingly selective in their acquisitions.
We are once again seeing a tightening of pedigree inventory in key size brackets, creating a highly nuanced supply dynamic that demands informed positioning and timing.
This is a market that rewards expertise and preparation. Pricing is disciplined, negotiations are exacting and advantage lies with those who move proactively rather than reactively.
Private, non-publicly listed (NPL) yacht transactions have become a dominant force, setting the benchmark for discretion at the upper end of the market. Meanwhile, late-model, high-specification turnkey yachts continue to achieve the strongest premiums, reflecting a clear preference for immediate usability and technical excellence.
While the new-build sector retains its strategic appeal, particularly for owners seeking full customisation, the most compelling value propositions today are largely already afloat — proven assets available for immediate deployment without the latency, risk exposure and capital drag of a multi-year build cycle.
Confidence is quiet, but unmistakable — and that quiet confidence defines the 2026 sales landscape. It isn’t about spectacle; it’s about asset certainty, technical integrity and informed execution.
Market activity
With over €7 billion in transactions in 2025, (up 34% on 2024); the signal is clear: buyer engagement is robust, and the appetite for high-spec brokerage yachts is at an all-time high.
Significant growth in sales of 30-40m; while 40-50m softened and 50-60m surged.
The sailing yacht market suffered a slight decline in 2025, but more notably, market share against motor yachts continued to decline.
The French and Italian Rivieras and Florida remained the undisputed shop window of superyacht sales.
Rising UHNW wealth continued to underpin demand, and the number of billionaires grew year-on-year, rising by 247 to 3,028.
Buyers priorities
1. Silent Operation
Peak demand for battery-hybrid and fuel cell technology.
2. Turnkey Readiness
Up to a 20% premium for brand-new yachts ready for the summer season.
3. Beach Club Versatility
Expanding terraces and water-level Ocean Lounges.
Inside knowledge
The opportunity gap
Inventory for 2023–2025 builds remains tight, creating a “seller’s market” for near-new tonnage. For buyers, the move is to secure high-spec, recent-delivery yachts now before the 2027–2028 scarcity truly bites.
Italian Chic
Italy remains the shipyard of the world — 2025 transactions surpassed both 2023 and 2024 figures, with Sanlorenzo and Benetti defining the “lifestyle first” resale market.
Price reductions
There were 18% more reductions in 2025 than in 2024. The knock-on effect rallied the market in Q4 with a 46% increase in yacht sales over Q4 2024.
Brokerage market
The market grew 15% against 2024.
Brokerage Sales 2025
485
Yachts sold over 30m (up 18.58% on 2024)
453
Motor yachts sold (up 14.97% on 2024)
32
Sailing yachts sold (down 5.88% on 2024)