Demand for the most expensive properties has climbed, and so home prices in the Hamptons have surged 22% in the third quarter. During that same quarter, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 14%, heightening concerns of another recession.
Luxury-home shoppers helped boost the market. According to Jonathan Miller, president of Miller Samuel, wealthy house-hunters view the Hampton homes as a secure investment.
“Despite all the economic turmoil, the high end of the market was extremely active,” he said. “If you remove the high end of the market, I’d characterize prices as stable with a modest uptick in sales activity.”

