As we wrap up 2025, it is a great time to zoom out and look at what actually happened in the Monmouth County housing market. If you are thinking about buying or selling in 2026, these trends give you a clear starting point.
Note: The numbers below are based on data from sources like Zillow, Redfin, FRED, and local Realtor reports through fall 2025, projected through year end. They are helpful estimates, not official MLS statistics.
Overall Price Trends
As of early fall 2025, Redfin reported a median sale price around $735,000, up roughly 7 to 8 percent year over year.
Zillow’s data shows a median sale price just over $706,000 and a median list price in the mid $740Ks, with a sale to list ratio around 1.00, which means homes were selling at asking price on average.
Takeaway: Prices continued to rise in 2025, but at a more measured pace compared to the frenzy of 2021 and 2022.
Estimated Number of Homes Sold
Redfin’s October snapshot shows about 680 homes sold that month, slightly above last year’s level.
Assuming similar volume throughout the year, with normal seasonal peaks and dips, Monmouth County is likely on track for roughly:
7,500 to 8,000 closed sales in 2025 across single family homes, condos, and townhomes.
This is a reasonable estimate based on monthly trends, not a final official count.
Days on Market: Homes Are Taking a Bit Longer to Sell
A few key data points:
Redfin shows homes selling in about 29 days on average in fall 2025.
A local October market update shows average days on market closer to 35 days, up more than 30 percent from the prior year. This indicates buyers had a bit more breathing room.
FRED and Realtor.com data also show an upward trend in days on market throughout 2025.
Estimated average for 2025: 30 to 35 days on market, depending on price point and town. Turnkey homes in popular areas still moved faster.
How Many Homes Sold Over Asking?
Zillow’s metrics show:
- About 50 percent of sales closed over list price
- About 38 percent sold under list price
- The remainder sold at list
Takeaway: Multiple offer situations did not disappear in 2025, especially for well priced, move in ready homes, but buyers had more room to negotiate on homes that needed updates or were priced too high.
Price Adjustments: Still Part of the Story
While MLS sources do not provide a precise average:
- In the hottest markets, homes often sold with no price drops, and sometimes over asking.
- In more price sensitive areas, it was common to see one price adjustment if a listing launched too high or lingered past the three to four week mark.
For sellers, pricing strategy and presentation continued to determine whether a home sold quickly or needed reductions.
First Time Buyers: Fewer, But Still Active
Nationally, first time buyers made up about 21 percent of purchases from mid 2024 to mid 2025, which is a record low according to NAR.
Given Monmouth County’s higher price points, the local share likely sits around or slightly below that national number.
Those who did enter the market were typically:
- Highly prepared with strong pre approvals and larger down payments
- Focused on condos, townhomes, smaller single family homes, or more affordable inland communities
What This Means If You Are Planning a Move in 2026
Sellers: You are still in a strong position, but buyers are more selective. Pricing correctly from day one and elevating presentation through staging, photography, and marketing is essential.
Buyers: Competition still exists in top towns and price ranges, but this is not 2021. Longer days on market and more price adjustments create opportunities for strategic offers.
Investors and move up buyers: With home values still appreciating and market pace adjusting, 2026 could be a smart time to reposition or trade up.
Realtor Stacey Donadio 