IYC Insights: Superyacht Charter And Sales Performance Year-To-Date Report 2025
When it comes to analyzing the superyacht charter and sales performance for the remainder of 2025, pivotal is the defining word. As noted in our mid-year report, this post-pandemic era has settled into a period of stability. A trend that has continued throughout 2025; rather than boom or decline, the market has been resilient, and confidence has steadily built despite broader macroeconomic concerns.
Drawing from the latest IYC Charter Market Report and Sales Market Report, and insights from IYC's experts, this latest market update, covering the year through Q3, looks at the superyacht market in 2025 as the year draws to a close and 2026 is upon us.
"2025 isn't a year for extremes, but recalibration," says Raphael Sauleau, IYC's CEO. "Confidence among buyers is rising, pricing is becoming more grounded, and the market is returning to the fundamentals. That creates a far healthier foundation for long-term value, where informed choices outperform speculation."
"Despite a broader sense of economic caution, 2025 has seen an exceptionally dynamic and resilient charter market, with activity levels remaining very strong across key regions. Sales have also held steady overall. The demand itself hasn’t declined, what has evolved is the mindset: clients are approaching both chartering and ownership more strategically, making more informed decisions, and showing a clearer understanding of the long-term value cycle of yacht ownership."
Key Takeaways:
- The sales market remains active, but is moderating with 6% fewer transactions year on year.
- Thanks to pricing normalisation and high inventory, buyer confidence is stabilizing.
- The charter market is steady overall, matching 2024 performance, with shorter booking windows.
- Dual-purpose ownership is gaining traction with more clients seeking charter-ready yachts.
How Has The Charter Market Been Developing?
Against the broader macroeconomic shifts and conditions, yacht charter activity has remained closely aligned with 2024's figures. Despite a brief Q2 hesitation, overall volume hasn't declined. The rest of this year has been about shorter booking windows and a noticeable rise in special offers as clients navigated the early uncertainty.
IYC Sales & Charter Consultant, Sofia Penvern, comments: "For 2025, shorter booking windows have become a new norm; guests may be waiting longer to commit, but they are absolutely still chartering, and when the right yacht and itinerary come together, they move quickly."
Regionally, the Eastern Mediterranean continues to hold strong with 50% of global demand, and Greece once again takes the top spot at 26% of the market. France and Italy have both gained momentum. For winter, the Caribbean remains the favourite, while Southeast Asia is quietly gaining popularity. Notably, winter bookings are already tracking at around 45% of expected total volume, reflecting a healthy future demand.
The season opened with strong early momentum, followed by a softer spring and a late surge in enquiries and confirmations from June onwards. Additions to the IYC fleet include some standout new entries, such as the 345' (105m) BLACK PEARL, now part of a market that is more competitive than ever.
With more than 2,300 yachts over 66’ (20m) in the superyacht charter fleet, differentiation is becoming increasingly important. This is reshaping the sales landscape, favoring yachts that are 'charter-ready'. On top of this, as the charter income model continues to mature, charter yachts are increasingly attractive to prospective and current yacht owners active in the sales market.
For IYC, positioned perfectly with the largest charter fleet, in-house bookings have accounted for up to 31% of total charter value year-to-date, and the charter value booked year-to-date is over $188 million. IYC Sales & Charter Consultant, Katie Macpherson, comments: "Today, demand isn't just driven by size; clients are looking for that uniqueness, things that set the yacht apart from the rest, such as bespoke itineraries, onboard specialists, wellness-focussed experiences, and carbon-conscious experiences."
When it comes to charter expectations for 2026 and beyond, IYC Charter Consultant Jessica Janik explains: "The increase of high-quality charter-ready yachts out there is reshaping expectations, more yachts are investing in the experience with unique amenities, modernized technology, and excellent service - these are the yachts that are seeing higher occupancy and repeat bookings."
How Has The Sales Market Been Performing?
Across the industry, 661 yachts have changed hands, totaling $6.1 billion. Overall sales volume is down 6%, driven mainly by a slowdown in new-build activity. However, the pre-owned brokerage sector has continued to show signs of strength, with a 3% annual increase.
From January to September 2025, IYC recorded 31 sales totaling $459 million, including five in-house transactions and 51 new listings. The key deals toward the end of the year were the sale of 196' (60m) LIGHT HOLIC in September, and the new-build 123' (37m) MOONEN 122 MARTINIQUE, sold in October. The average yacht length has held consistent with 2024 numbers, reflecting a consistent demand profile.
Oversupply is still a theme, with 888 yachts listed versus the 661 sold on the market, and superyacht buyers are in one of the most favorable environments of recent years. Asking prices have softened, down around 7% from brokerage levels, settling back to pre-2023 levels and opening up strong opportunities for those ready to buy.
IYC Sales Consultant Michael Selter explains: "Inventory levels are creating one of the most advantageous buying climates we have seen in years. With competitive valuations and a strong selection of turnkey, charter-ready yachts, buyers with clear intent are getting great opportunities."
Where have the sales been happening? Europe is still leading with 55% of global sales, but this marks a shift from 65% in 2024. Across the pond, the US has strengthened to 25%, reflecting increased confidence and bonus depreciation incentive-driven activity. Italy is the single strongest national market (27% of all transactions).
"The balance of activity between Europe and the US is shifting quickly. We're seeing renewed confidence and faster decision cycles among American buyers, supported by fiscal structures, incentives, and accessible yard relationships," Selter says.
At the larger end, the 197' (60m) plus segment has shown resilience, with some of the year's largest deals. The pre-owned sector has seen Sanlorenzo and Sunseeker as the standout builders, while Benetti has the highest average sale price.
Purpose, Personalization, And Smart Investments
Several clear themes have defined client behavior and market shifts throughout 2025. The first is a noticeable move toward dual-purpose ownership. As noted, more buyers are looking for yachts that tick personal boxes but also perform equally well as commercial charter assets, prioritizing layout and amenities for owner use and revenue potential.
On the charter side, differentiation remains crucial. Guests look beyond aesthetics and select yachts with experience-led programs and exciting itineraries that reflect true personalisation. These elements are no longer extras but are central to decision-making.
Pricing normalization is also emerging, reflecting a healthier, more sustainable market outlook. After several years of speculative inflation, valuations have steadied. Geographically, the US and Southeast Asia stand out as growth regions, and renewed interest in the American market is creating opportunities.
"Clients aren't simply buying or chartering yachts; they're investing in mobility, privacy, and experience. With the industry's most advanced fleet intelligence and global footprint, IYC continues to guide clients confidently through a recalibrating market landscape," adds IYC Monaco Managing Partner Kevin Bonnie.
What To Watch In 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, several trends are expected to shape the market. Longer-term booking horizons may return if the macroeconomic outlook stabilizes, while inventory levels are expected to continue giving buyers leverage.
Growth is likely to be led by the larger segment, where demand for unique, high-quality yachts remains strong. On the charter side, fleet expansion will reward differentiated experiences and innovation rather than volume or availability.
"Today's yacht market environment favors decisive opportunity-oriented yacht owners and investors. 2026 is looking exciting, and with an unmatched fleet scale, market intelligence, and global reach, IYC remains in a position to guide both sides to the transaction with confidence and clarity," concludes Sauleau.
Contact IYC's expert charter and sales consultants to discuss your next yacht opportunity for the rest of 2025, 2026, and beyond.
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