September 2026 Market Update
Contact Us
September 2026 Real Estate Market Report: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know in Monmouth and Ocean Counties
The latest September 2026 market data from MOREMLS offers valuable insight into the changing real estate landscape across Monmouth and Ocean counties. Comparing September 2026 with September 2025, the numbers reveal a market characterized by fewer closed transactions, mixed pricing trends, and changing inventory levels.
For homeowners considering selling, buyers preparing to enter the market, and investors evaluating opportunities along the Jersey Shore, these statistics provide a helpful snapshot of current conditions.
Let's take a closer look at what the numbers mean for single-family homes and condominiums in both counties.
Monmouth County: Single-Family Home Prices Continue to Rise
Monmouth County's single-family housing market demonstrated notable price strength in September 2026, even as closed sales declined slightly compared with the same month last year.
Key statistics for September 2026:
- Closed sales: 460, down 1.08% from 465 in September 2025.
- Average sale price: $1,171,315, up 13.70% from $1,030,194.
- Median sale price: $825,000, up 3.77% from $795,000.
- Average days on market: 30, down from 33 days.
- Inventory: 1,308 homes, virtually unchanged from 1,309 a year earlier.
- Average percentage of original list price received: 98%, compared with 100% last year.
The most striking figure is the 13.70% increase in the average sale price. The median sale price also increased, suggesting that price growth was not limited to the average alone. However, the larger increase in the average may reflect changes in the mix of homes sold, including a greater share of higher-priced properties.
Homes also spent fewer days on the market, averaging 30 days compared with 33 days in September 2025. This suggests that well-positioned properties can still attract buyers relatively quickly.
At the same time, sellers received an average of 98% of their original asking price, compared with 100% last year. This indicates that pricing strategy and negotiation remain important, even in a market where home values have increased.
What this means: Monmouth County continues to show strong pricing, but sellers should not assume that every property will command its original asking price. Buyers may face higher purchase prices, making preparation, financing, and a clear understanding of local property values essential.
Ocean County: A More Mixed Market for Single-Family Homes
Ocean County's single-family market showed a different pattern, with a modest decline in the average sale price and a slight increase in available inventory.
Key statistics for September 2026:
- Closed sales: 463, down 4.54% from 485.
- Average sale price: $748,814, down 3.19% from $773,514.
- Median sale price: $605,000, up 1.00% from $599,000.
- Average days on market: 33, down from 35 days.
- Inventory: 1,522 homes, up 2.15% from 1,490.
- Average percentage of original list price received: 99%, unchanged from the prior year.
The difference between the average and median sale prices deserves attention. Although the average price declined, the median price increased slightly. This can happen when the mix of properties sold changes from one year to the next; it does not necessarily mean that the value of a typical home has fallen.
Closed sales declined, while inventory increased modestly. Buyers may therefore find more options than they did a year ago, although availability and competition will vary by neighborhood, price range, and property condition.
Homes averaged 33 days on the market, two fewer than the previous September. Sellers also received an average of 99% of their original asking price, indicating that list-price realization remained relatively steady.
What this means: Ocean County buyers may have opportunities to compare more properties and negotiate thoughtfully. Sellers can still compete effectively, but accurate pricing and strong presentation are important in a market where overall sales volume has softened.
Monmouth County Condominiums: Prices and Inventory Move Higher
The condominium market in Monmouth County showed positive price trends alongside a meaningful increase in available inventory.
Key statistics for September 2026:
- Closed sales: 134, down 13.55% from 155.
- Average sale price: $626,222, up 1.76% from $615,392.
- Median sale price: $556,500, up 6.00% from $525,000.
- Average days on market: 30, down from 31 days.
- Inventory: 417 units, up 18.80% from 351.
- Average percentage of original list price received: 100%, up from 98%.
The rise in the median sale price is encouraging for condominium owners, while the increase in inventory gives buyers more properties to consider.
However, closed condominium sales fell by nearly 14% year over year. That decline suggests that higher prices have not translated into a greater number of completed transactions.
One positive sign for sellers is that the average percentage of original asking price received reached 100%. While this is an aggregate figure rather than a guarantee for any individual listing, it indicates that appropriately priced condominiums continued to perform well.
What this means: Buyers may benefit from a broader selection of condominiums, while sellers can still achieve favorable results when their properties are priced and marketed effectively. Buyers should also compare association fees, maintenance costs, amenities, and any applicable condominium association requirements when evaluating a purchase.
Ocean County Condominiums: The Biggest Inventory Increase
Ocean County's condominium market recorded the sharpest inventory growth among the four market segments in the report. Prices also increased, even as closed sales declined significantly.
Key statistics for September 2026:
- Closed sales: 43, down 27.12% from 59.
- Average sale price: $468,276, up 8.81% from $430,378.
- Median sale price: $398,000, up 16.37% from $342,000.
- Average days on market: 34, down from 37 days.
- Inventory: 235 units, up 39.05% from 169.
- Average percentage of original list price received: 99%, up from 98%.
The increase in the median sale price is the largest percentage gain among the four average and median price measures shown in the graphic. Nevertheless, the decline in closed sales and the substantial rise in inventory suggest that buyers and sellers are experiencing different sides of the market.
Buyers may have more opportunities to compare condominium options, while sellers face a larger pool of competing listings. Even with higher reported sale prices, the decline in transactions means that pricing and property-specific demand deserve careful attention.
The increase in prices should also be interpreted in context. With only 43 closed sales in September 2026, changes in the mix of condominiums sold can have a considerable effect on monthly average and median figures.
What this means: Ocean County condominium buyers may have greater choice and room to evaluate their options. Sellers should pay close attention to competing listings and avoid relying solely on last year's sale prices when determining an asking price.
Four Market Trends Worth Watching
Across both counties and both property types, several important patterns emerge from the September figures.
1. Closed sales declined in every category.
The number of closed sales fell year over year across all four segments:
- Monmouth single-family homes: down 1.08%.
- Ocean single-family homes: down 4.54%.
- Monmouth condominiums: down 13.55%.
- Ocean condominiums: down 27.12%.
The largest decline occurred in Ocean County condominiums. These figures show fewer completed transactions, but they do not establish the cause. Mortgage rates, affordability, seasonal patterns, available inventory, and other local factors may all influence sales activity.
2. Prices were stronger in Monmouth County and in both condominium markets.
Monmouth County single-family homes recorded a 13.70% increase in average sale price. Ocean County single-family homes, by contrast, saw a 3.19% decrease in the average, although the median rose 1.00%.
Condominium prices increased in both counties, with Ocean County showing the larger percentage gains in average and median sale prices.
These differences reinforce the importance of evaluating the specific county and property type rather than relying on one broad market headline.
3. Inventory is increasing most noticeably for condominiums.
Single-family inventory remained nearly flat in Monmouth County and increased 2.15% in Ocean County.
Condominium inventory rose 18.80% in Monmouth County and 39.05% in Ocean County.
For buyers, additional listings can mean more opportunities to compare properties. For sellers, it can mean greater competition. However, inventory alone does not tell us how many months of supply are available, because that calculation also depends on the pace of sales.
4. Homes are spending slightly less time on the market.
Average days on market declined in all four categories:
- Monmouth single-family homes: 30 days.
- Ocean single-family homes: 33 days.
- Monmouth condominiums: 30 days.
- Ocean condominiums: 34 days.
This is an important counterpoint to the decline in closed sales. Properties that sell are, on average, spending fewer days on the market than they did a year ago. That does not necessarily mean every listing is selling faster, since the statistic reflects properties that reached a sale and can be affected by the mix of transactions.
Advice for Homebuyers in Fall 2026
For buyers, the September market data suggest that preparation and flexibility remain essential.
Understand the local market. A buyer considering a single-family home in Monmouth County may face a different pricing environment than someone searching for a condominium in Ocean County.
Compare recent comparable sales. Countywide averages provide useful context, but recent sales of similar properties in the same neighborhood are generally more relevant when determining fair value.
Explore your options. Rising condominium inventory, particularly in Ocean County, may give buyers more properties to evaluate. Take time to compare condition, location, carrying costs, and potential resale considerations.
Get financing in order. A mortgage preapproval and a clear budget can help buyers move decisively when an appropriate property becomes available.
Negotiate strategically. Average sale prices and list-price percentages do not guarantee that a particular home will sell at a given price. Property condition, seller circumstances, and competing offers all matter.
Advice for Home Sellers in Fall 2026
Sellers can still find opportunities in this market, but a successful sale begins with a realistic understanding of the competition.
Price your home based on current comparable sales. Strong year-over-year price gains in some segments do not mean every property has appreciated at the same rate.
Make a strong first impression. Professional photography, thoughtful staging, and attention to maintenance can help a listing stand out.
Monitor competing inventory. This is especially important for condominium sellers, given the substantial year-over-year inventory increases in both counties.
Be prepared to negotiate. Monmouth single-family sellers received an average of 98% of original list price, while the other three categories ranged from 99% to 100%. These figures are useful benchmarks, not guaranteed outcomes.
Work with a local real estate professional. An experienced agent can help interpret neighborhood-level activity, evaluate competing listings, and develop a marketing strategy suited to your property and timeline.
The Bottom Line: Local Knowledge Matters
September 2026's MOREMLS statistics show that Monmouth and Ocean counties continue to offer distinct real estate opportunities.
Monmouth County's single-family market stands out for its strong increase in average sale price, while Ocean County's single-family market shows a slight decline in average price alongside a modest increase in inventory. Condominium prices increased in both counties, but sales declined and inventory rose, particularly in Ocean County.
For buyers, the changing inventory picture may create opportunities to compare properties and negotiate. For sellers, the data reinforce the importance of competitive pricing, effective marketing, and an understanding of current local demand.
Ultimately, countywide statistics are only part of the story. Neighborhood, price range, property condition, and individual circumstances all influence the outcome of a real estate transaction.
Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply monitoring your home's value, the best starting point is a conversation with a knowledgeable local REALTOR® who can put these numbers into context for your specific market.
Source: September 2026 MOREMLS market statistics, comparing September 2025 with September 2026. Figures reflect reported single-family and condominium activity in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Average and median sale prices may be influenced by the mix of properties sold during each period. Market statistics are descriptive and do not guarantee future results.
