BKREA Releases the Knakal Land Index for Real Estate

‍

Read the Full Article on NewYork.com - Click Here

‍

Bob Knakal, Chairman and CEO of BK Real Estate Advisors (BKREA), has released The Knakal Land Index, a comprehensive 41-year analysis of Manhattan land sales dating back to 1984—the year his career began. Covering the most valuable territory in Manhattan, the Index delivers unparalleled insight into how land values move, why they change, and what signals matter most for future development decisions.

Key Insights from The Knakal Land Index

Four Decades of Consistent Methodology – The Index analyzes 2,444 land sale transactions using the same calculation framework since 1984, ensuring exceptional data integrity and reliable long-term trend analysis.
Focus on Manhattan’s Most Valuable Geography – The study covers land sales south of 96th Street on the East Side and 110th Street on the West Side, representing Manhattan’s most prime and competitive development markets.
Five Distinct Property Type Categories – Transactions are disaggregated into residential rental, residential condominium, office, hotel, and institutional uses, allowing precise comparisons across asset classes.
AI-Driven Analysis of Market Drivers – Proprietary AI models compare land value fluctuations against macroeconomic factors to identify which forces are most predictive of future pricing direction and magnitude.
Uncovering Hidden Land Opportunities – Knakal’s expertise lies in identifying underutilized properties, assemblage opportunities, and density enhancements—often revealing “land” where it isn’t immediately obvious.
Research Translated into Client Advantage – The findings equip developers and property owners with clearer timing, smarter positioning, and stronger pricing strategies in a supply-constrained market.

From Data to Decisions: The Ultimate Guide

A curated summary of The Knakal Land Index is featured in The Ultimate Guide to Selling a Development Site for the Highest Possible Price, a 340-page coffee-table book published by BKREA. The book includes:

Over 200 Manhattan development site case studies sold by Knakal
Deal summaries, pricing, and client testimonials
Before-and-after imagery showing how NYC’s skyline has evolved
A review of seven REBNY Most Ingenious Deal of the Year nominations, including two wins

Industry Validation

“In an age where everything is digital and fast, it is refreshing to see an old-school piece of research like this that truly lets you go under the hood,” said Robert Lobel, President of Bellrock Development. “It’s easy to see why so many consider Bob Knakal the ‘King of Land Sales in New York.’”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is The Knakal Land Index?

‍ It is a 41-year proprietary study analyzing 2,444 Manhattan land sales using a consistent methodology dating back to 1984.

Q2: Why is this research unique?

‍ No other dataset combines four decades of identical methodology, firsthand market observation, and AI-driven macroeconomic analysis.

Q3: Who benefits most from the Index?

‍ Developers, landowners, investors, and institutions seeking clarity on land values, development timing, and density-driven upside.

Q4: How does AI factor into the analysis?

‍ Proprietary AI models assess which economic indicators most strongly correlate with changes in land values and future pricing trends.

Q5: How does this research help clients?

‍ It enables more informed decisions, sharper pricing strategies, and improved outcomes in a highly competitive development market.

Q6: What is BKREA’s role in the market today?

‍ BKREA focuses on development, redevelopment, and user buildings. Over his career, Knakal has sold 2,388+ properties totaling approximately $24 billion in value.

‍