16. Inside the Market - Yacht Sales Insights & Trends for March 2026 - Berthon International Yach...

March brings a complex backdrop for the yachting industry, with global uncertainty continuing to influence buyer confidence and decision-making. In this episode of Inside the Market, we take a closer look at the yacht brokerage landscape as it stands heading into the spring season. Joining the discussion are Sue Grant and Tim Carbury, who share Berthon’s Top 7 Yacht Sales Insights for March 2026. This episode also marks a transition within the business, as Tim prepares to take over leadership of the sales group, with Sue stepping away after many years at the centre of Berthon’s brokerage activity. Across the market, conditions remain mixed. The new yacht sector is currently flat, with a noticeable slowdown in buyer activity. Rising build costs and wider economic pressures are leading some buyers to delay decisions, while others are shifting their focus towards brokerage yachts, where the gap in value between new and second-hand vessels has widened significantly. In contrast, the brokerage market continues to show steady activity. Sales are completing across a range of sectors, particularly in larger yachts and well-presented, recent listings. While enquiry levels vary by region, there is a consistent flow of transactions, supported by both new listings coming to market and committed buyers who are prepared to move forward when the right opportunity presents itself. Pricing and negotiation remain central to the current landscape. Buyers are approaching deals carefully and often making firm offers, but there is a clear willingness to proceed when agreements are reached. This has created a relatively balanced environment, where neither buyers nor sellers hold a decisive advantage. There are also differences in sentiment across the industry. While parts of the new yacht sector are experiencing more challenging conditions, the brokerage market remains active and responsive. As discussed in the episode, understanding these distinctions and responding accordingly is key to navigating the current environment. At the same time, some buyers continue to monitor the market rather than commit immediately, often waiting for greater clarity around geopolitical and economic conditions. However, as the conversation highlights, purchasing decisions in yachting are frequently driven by personal timelines as much as external factors, and interest in yacht ownership remains consistent. As ever, the fundamentals remain unchanged. Well-maintained yachts, realistic pricing, and clear market positioning continue to determine which yachts sell and which remain available. Key Points • The new yacht market is currently flat, with some buyers delaying decisions or moving into brokerage due to rising build costs.  • Brokerage activity remains steady, particularly in larger yachts and recent, well-presented listings.  • New listings are entering the market, with a mix of discretionary and necessary sales.  • Buyers are negotiating firmly but are following through when deals are agreed.  • Market sentiment varies across sectors, with brokerage remaining more active than new build.  • Some buyers are monitoring conditions closely before committing, influenced by wider geopolitical and economic uncertainty.  • Strong pricing, good presentation, and proper service history remain critical to achieving a successful sale. Send us a message (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2528535/fan_mail/new)