Is Monmouth County a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market Right Now?

In Monmouth County, the real estate landscape in 2025 is not a clear buyer’s market or seller’s market. At the moment, the conditions lean slightly in favor of sellers, but there are clear signs that balance is on the horizon.

Evidence Supporting a Seller’s Market

1. Prices are holding or rising in many towns
   Redfin reports that as of August 2025, the median sale price in Monmouth County was $730,000, up 4.3 percent year over year (Redfin). Zillow’s data shows an average home value of $736,631, an increase of 2.3 percent over the past year (Zillow). Long & Foster’s “Market Minute” shows a median sale price in August 2025 of $733,950, about 3 percent higher than a year ago (Long & Foster). These stable or rising price trends indicate that sellers retain strong pricing power, particularly in desirable neighborhoods.
2. Multiple offers and competition still occur in premium tiers
   Local real estate commentary notes that well priced, move in ready homes, especially in top towns, often still generate multiple offers (YouTube). For homes in sought after areas, competition continues which benefits sellers.
3. Favorable sale terms for well priced listings
   Many homes are still selling at or above list price. Long & Foster reported a sale to list price ratio of 100.7 percent in August 2025 (Long & Foster). This means buyers are often willing to meet or exceed seller expectations.

Signs Pointing Toward a More Balanced Market

1. Increasing inventory and new listings
   The number of homes for sale has started to grow. Rocket reports about 2,946 homes listed in June 2025, a modest increase compared to prior months (Rocket). The New Jersey Real Estate Network noted a 19.2 percent jump in new listings in March 2025 compared to the previous year (NJ Real Estate Network). More inventory gives buyers more options and softens the urgency that favors sellers.
2. Longer days on market
   Homes are spending more time before sale. Redfin shows median days on market of 23 in August 2025, up from 21 the year before (Redfin). Realtor.com also notes a slight increase in time to pending status (Zillow). Slower turnover hints at cautious buyer behavior.
3. Weakened closed sales volume in some segments
   Certain submarkets have seen fewer closed transactions. Redfin reports that the number of homes sold in August 2025 was 700, down 7.4 percent year over year (Redfin). A decline in sales volume can signal buyer hesitation, particularly for homes that do not meet all buyer priorities.

Conclusion: A Seller Leaning Market with Headwinds

Monmouth County remains a seller leaning market in 2025, especially in premium neighborhoods and for well prepared listings. However, the signs are clear that balance is approaching. Inventory is rising, days on market are increasing, and sales volume is softening in some towns. Over the remainder of the year, the pendulum may swing closer to even footing. Sellers should focus on strategic pricing, thoughtful staging, and openness to negotiation. Buyers should be prepared, patient, and ready to move when they find value.