Seasonality in Prices

I think the best time to buy is when you find a place you really want, can afford it, and one that you can actually buy (downpayment, co-op approval, etc.). In the burbs, the selling season is in the late spring/early summer due to the school calendar (people want to have their house sold and kids in place for new schools), so you would look then because of the higher inventory. But Manhattan is a bit different b/c of the fact that kids do not always go to a school near their apt. I have heard people say that end of the year sales are slow because people are waiting to see what their bonuses are before buying, but have no other info.

normally, nov/ dec/ maybe jan are best buying seasons in manhatten( selling seasons are spr and fall). people are away then, so properties that have been sitting around will be more willing to negotiate. also current market is allowing for more negotiation.
however, as a buyer i didn't find huge discounts in premium properties in good locations - at most 5%. bigger price drops seen were more for crappy apartments/ location or somewhere out in booney land. agree with the aove poster, if you're in it for the long haul it doesn't matter when you buy if you find an apartment u like.