2025 Brokerage market review: A year that redefined the landscape

After several years of sustained activity, 2025 emerged as a year that redefined the global yacht brokerage landscape. Momentum not only held firm but accelerated, driven by renewed confidence among buyers, strategic pricing from sellers and a growing concentration of value at the top end of the market. 

The data from 2025 paints a picture of a market that has matured and stabilised at a higher level, supported by earlier transaction cycles, evolving buyer behaviour and a growing influence of off-market sales. Against a backdrop of rising global wealth and an expanding ultra-high-net-worth audience, brokerage activity reached new highs across multiple segments. 

To better understand what shaped the year, where growth was most pronounced and what the data signals for the year ahead, our Head of Business Intelligence, Adam Moorey, and members of our commercial team share their insights.

Market momentum: Scale, growth and confidence

Rather than a continuation of previous trends, 2025 marked a step change in market performance. Total transaction value exceeded €7.1 billion, the highest ever recorded, while 363 yachts over 30 metres were sold, representing a 15 percent increase on 2024. Importantly, this growth was not confined to a single segment or region. 

“2025 stands out as a genuine turning point. It was the strongest year on record for the global brokerage market, and that strength was broad-based. Growth across multiple segments signals a structurally more confident and engaged market.” Alex Koersvelt, Commercial Director.

This breadth of activity reflects deeper buyer demand and improved liquidity at both the entry point and the upper end of the spectrum.

Market momentum: Where growth was concentrated

While the headline performance was record-setting, the underlying story is one of two markets moving in parallel. The 30 to 40 metre segment delivered the strongest growth in volume, reinforcing its role as the entry point to the superyacht market and highlighting increased demand among new buyers. 

At the same time, activity accelerated at the larger end of the spectrum. The 50 to 60 metre segment surged, while the 70 metre plus market achieved record transaction values. This top-end performance was shaped in part by Edmiston’s activity in the segment, with landmark transactions such as the sale of the 119m Feadship, BREAKTHROUGH, reinforcing momentum and demonstrating continued depth of demand among experienced buyers.

Alex Busher, who represented the buyer of BREAKTHROUGH, comments: “At 70 metres plus, transactions are fewer but disproportionately influential. Deals of this scale set the tone for the wider market, and they require reach, discretion and absolute execution.”

The value concentration: Strength at the top end

While overall transaction volume increased, the influence of the upper end of the market remained disproportionately significant. Yachts asking over €40 million represented just 7 percent of sales by volume yet generated 52 percent of total market value.

“The top end continues to drive value. A relatively small number of high-calibre transactions can materially influence annual market performance. This concentration reinforces the importance of expertise, discretion and global buyer access in this segment,” comments Alex Koersvelt. 

Behavioural shifts: Timing, urgency and market dynamics 

Beyond the headline numbers, 2025 revealed a meaningful shift in how and when buyers engaged with the market. Buyers moved more quickly ahead of the summer season, with May replacing June as the busiest month for completed transactions.

December 2025 was the second strongest December of the past decade, supported in part by the US bonus depreciation incentive. This reinforced the view that buyer confidence remained consistent throughout the year rather than concentrated around traditional seasonal peaks.

“The market became more decisive. Buyers were less inclined to wait for traditional windows and more focused on securing the right opportunity when it appeared.” Cornelius Gerling, Sales Broker. 

Macro drivers: What sat beneath the numbers

Market performance in 2025 was not driven by brokerage dynamics alone. Wider structural trends also played a role, particularly the continued rise in global billionaire populations. 

“That expansion is feeding directly into demand for large, high-quality yachts, particularly among first-time buyers entering at scale.” Charles Carveles, Sales Broker 

Will Bagshaw, Sales Broker adds: “Ownership is increasingly viewed as a platform for privacy, mobility and meaningful family time. That shift continues to support demand beyond purely financial considerations.”  

Together, these macro drivers provide a structural foundation for sustained activity at the upper end of the market.

Edmiston in context: Performance and execution

Edmiston delivered a market-leading performance throughout 2025, selling more yachts over 40 metres than any other brokerage and more yachts over €20 million than any competitor. Edmiston-listed yachts also sold at twice the speed of the industry average.

“Transactions such as the 65m ISA Yachts RESILIENCE, which sold in 125 days, demonstrate the importance of alignment between pricing strategy and buyer reach. When those fundamentals are in place, momentum follows.” Simon Goldsworthy, Sales Broker, who represented the seller.

This performance reflects a consistent approach to positioning and execution across the brokerage platform. Alex Koersvelt comments: “In a competitive market, pricing discipline and global buyer reach are critical. Speed to sale is often the clearest indicator of alignment between strategy and execution.”

Looking ahead: What 2025 signals for 2026

As the market moves into a new year, the lessons from 2025 offer clear guidance for sellers. Correct pricing and thoughtful positioning remain essential, particularly as buyers become more informed and selective.

Yachts located in prime Mediterranean and US hubs, and those delivered within the past decade, consistently outperformed the broader market. When those fundamentals are in place, well-presented yachts continue to transact strongly. 

“The opportunity remains strong, but it rewards preparation. Sellers who approach the market with clarity and realism will continue to see results.” Alex Koersvelt, Commercial Director 

As the market moves into 2026, the data from 2025 offers reassurance that the brokerage sector remains resilient, sophisticated and structurally sound. 

To access the full 2025 market review report, please get in touch with the Edmiston brokerage team to receive a copy.