Real Estate Market Trends Report for Sussex County, NJ – May 2025

Current Market Overview: May 2025 Analysis

Welcome to the latest update on the Sussex County, New Jersey real estate market, brought to you by Countryside Homes NJ and RE/MAX Town & Valley. Based on the comprehensive data from the Realtors Property Resource (RPR) report for May 2025, we’re diving deep into the trends shaping the residential market for single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and apartments. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or investor, this analysis will provide valuable insights to guide your decisions in this dynamic market.

Sussex County Residential Market Trends - Realtors Property Resource - May 2025

Overview: A Seller’s Market with Rising Prices

Sussex County’s residential real estate market remains firmly in seller’s market territory as of May 2025, characterized by low inventory and strong buyer demand. With a Months Supply of Inventory at 2.53 months (up 5% month-over-month but only 3.7% year-over-year), homes are selling quickly, and competition among buyers is driving prices upward. A months supply below 4 typically indicates a seller’s market, and Sussex County’s figure underscores the tight market conditions.

The median sold price for residential properties reached $415,000, reflecting a robust 5.7% increase from the previous month. Meanwhile, the median estimated property value stands at $448,850, slightly down by 0.2% month-over-month but still indicative of strong property valuations. These metrics highlight a market where sellers are commanding premium prices, and buyers need to act swiftly.

Let’s break down the key trends and what they mean for stakeholders in Sussex County.

Key Market Indicators

Months of Inventory: Tight Supply Persists

Current Level: 2.53 months
Month-over-Month Change: +4.98%
Year-over-Year Change: +3.7%

The months supply of inventory measures how long it would take to sell all active listings at the current sales pace. At 2.53 months, Sussex County’s inventory remains critically low, reinforcing the seller’s market. While the slight increase from last month suggests a modest uptick in available homes, the year-over-year growth of 3.7% indicates that supply is still struggling to keep up with demand. For buyers, this means limited choices and the need for quick decision-making. Sellers, on the other hand, benefit from reduced competition and strong negotiating power.

Sold-to-List Price Ratio: Homes Selling Above Asking

Current Ratio: 103.4%
Month-over-Month Change: +0.02%

Homes in Sussex County are selling for 3.4% above their list price on average, a clear sign of competitive bidding. This metric, which saw a marginal increase from last month, reflects buyer willingness to pay premiums to secure properties in a low-inventory environment. For sellers, this is an opportune time to list, as properties are likely to attract multiple offers. Buyers should be prepared to offer above asking or include escalator clauses to stay competitive.

Median Days in RPR: Properties Moving Quickly

Current Days: 21
Month-over-Month Change: +4.55%

The median days in RPR (Realtors Property Resource) tracks how long properties remain on the market before going under contract. At 21 days, homes are selling rapidly, though the 4.55% increase from last month suggests a slight slowdown in pace. This could be due to the modest increase in inventory or selective buyer behavior in response to rising prices. For sellers, pricing competitively remains key to maintaining quick sales, while buyers should act decisively to avoid missing out.

Median Sold Price: Strong Appreciation

Current Price: $415,000
Month-over-Month Change: +5.7%
Public Records Median Sold Price: $420,000 (+1.8% MoM)

The median sold price of $415,000 for listings (and $420,000 per public records) reflects strong price appreciation, driven by low supply and high demand. The 5.7% month-over-month increase in listing sold prices outpaces the 1.8% growth in public records, suggesting that recent sales are pushing the market upward. This trend benefits homeowners looking to sell, as equity continues to grow. For buyers, affordability may be a concern, making it essential to work with a knowledgeable realtor to identify value opportunities.

New and Pending Listings: Market Activity Remains Robust

New Listings

Median List Price: $439,806
Month-over-Month Change: 0%

The median list price for new listings held steady at $439,806, indicating that sellers are confident in the market’s strength and are pricing properties to reflect current valuations. The lack of month-over-month change suggests a stabilization in listing prices, which could be a response to the slight increase in inventory. For buyers, this price point underscores the need for solid financing and strategic offers, while sellers should ensure their homes are competitively priced to attract interest in a market with rising inventory.

New Pending Listings

Median List Price: $415,000
Month-over-Month Change: +5.6%

New pending listings, which represent properties under contract, saw a median list price of $415,000, up 5.6% from the previous month. This increase aligns with the rising sold prices and reflects strong buyer interest. The fact that pending listings are moving at this price point suggests that demand remains resilient, even as prices climb. Sellers can expect continued interest, while buyers should be prepared for competition, especially for well-priced homes.

Pending Listings

Median List Price: $425,000
Number of Properties: 308
Median Days in RPR: 16
Median Price per Square Foot: $266
Total Dollar Volume: $152,887,038
Median Living Area: 1,655 sq ft
Month-over-Month Changes:
- Median List Price: +8.1%
- Total Dollar Volume: +3.9%
- Median Living Area: +7.5%

The pending listings data provides a snapshot of properties currently under contract. The 8.1% increase in median list price to $425,000 reflects the upward pressure on prices, while the 308 properties pending indicate robust market activity. With a median of 16 days in RPR, these properties are moving even faster than the overall market average, underscoring buyer urgency. The $266 per square foot median price and 1,655 sq ft median living area suggest that buyers are targeting moderately sized homes at a premium. The $152.9 million in total dollar volume, up 3.9% month-over-month, highlights the market’s financial strength.

Sold Listings and Public Records: A Closer Look

Sold Listings

Median Sold Price: $415,000
Month-over-Month Change: +5.7%

The sold listings data confirms the market’s upward trajectory, with a median sold price of $415,000, up 5.7% from the previous month. This growth reflects the competitive environment, where buyers are willing to pay top dollar for desirable properties. Sellers are reaping the benefits of this trend, while buyers may need to adjust expectations or explore financing options to stay in the game.

Sold Public Records

Median Sold Price: $420,000
Month-over-Month Change: +1.8%

Public records show a slightly higher median sold price of $420,000, with a more modest 1.8% month-over-month increase. This discrepancy may reflect differences in data sources or timing, but both figures confirm strong price growth. The alignment between listing and public record prices suggests a consistent market where sales are closing at or near expected values.

What This Means for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

For Buyers

Challenges: Low inventory (2.53 months) and homes selling above list price (103.4%) create a competitive environment. The median sold price of $415,000 and rising list prices ($439,806 for new listings) mean affordability is tightening.
Strategies:
- Work with a local realtor to identify properties early in the listing process.
- Be prepared to offer above asking or include flexible terms to stand out.
- Consider condos or townhouses, which may offer more affordable entry points compared to single-family homes.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage to strengthen your offer.

For Sellers

Opportunities: The seller’s market, fast-moving properties (21 days in RPR), and high sold-to-list price ratio (103.4%) create ideal conditions for maximizing returns. The median sold price of $415,000 reflects strong demand.
Strategies:
- Price competitively to attract multiple offers, but avoid overpricing, as the slight increase in inventory could give buyers more options.
- Stage your home to highlight its value, as buyers are willing to pay premiums for move-in-ready properties.
- Work with a realtor to time your listing strategically and navigate bidding wars.

For Investors

Opportunities: Rising prices ($415,000 median sold) and strong demand make Sussex County attractive for long-term appreciation. The $266 per square foot median for pending listings suggests potential for rental income.
Strategies:
- Focus on properties with strong rental potential, such as condos or townhouses near amenities.
- Monitor inventory trends, as the 5% month-over-month increase in months supply could signal opportunities to negotiate if supply continues to grow.
- Consider value-add properties that can be renovated to capitalize on the high sold-to-list price ratio.

Sussex County vs. National Trends

The RPR report notes that Sussex County’s median estimated property value of $448,850 is higher than the national median, reflecting the region’s desirability. Compared to the U.S. as a whole, Sussex County’s market is more competitive, with a lower months supply (2.53 vs. a national average closer to 3-4 months) and faster sales (21 days vs. a national median often exceeding 30 days). The 12.5% year-over-year increase in estimated property values in Sussex County also outpaces many national markets, making it a strong performer in the Northeast.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

As we move through 2025, several factors will shape Sussex County’s real estate market:

Inventory Dynamics: The slight increase in months supply (2.53 months) suggests a potential easing of the inventory crunch, but levels remain low. If new listings continue to stabilize, buyers may gain more negotiating power.
Price Trends: The 5.7% month-over-month increase in median sold prices is significant, but sustained growth at this pace may depend on broader economic factors like interest rates and wage growth.
Buyer Behavior: With homes selling above list price and moving quickly, buyer competition will likely persist, though rising prices could temper demand among first-time buyers.
Economic Factors: Mortgage rates, employment trends, and regional development (e.g., infrastructure or tourism in Sussex County) will influence market conditions. Staying informed on these factors is critical.

Why Choose Countryside Homes NJ?

At Countryside Homes NJ and RE/MAX Town & Valley, we’re committed to helping you navigate Sussex County’s fast-paced real estate market. Whether you’re buying your dream home, selling for top dollar, or investing for the future, our team of experienced realtors offers personalized guidance backed by local expertise. We leverage data like the RPR report to craft strategies that align with your goals, ensuring you make informed decisions in this competitive market.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you achieve your real estate dreams in Sussex County!

Data sourced from Realtors Property Resource, LLC, May 2025. All figures pertain to single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and apartments in Sussex County, NJ.

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