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New Jersey Housing Market: Prices, Trends, Forecast 2023

CEO Quynh FLower

In this article, we will dive into the latest data and trends in the New Jersey real estate market. We'll examine key metrics like new listings, sold listings, median sales price, average sales price, percent...

In this article, we will dive into the latest data and trends in the New Jersey real estate market. We'll examine key metrics like new listings, sold listings, median sales price, average sales price, percent of list price received, days on the market until sale, inventory of homes for sale, and months supply of inventory.

New Jersey Housing Market Trends for 2023

The real estate landscape in New Jersey has been experiencing shifts and changes in the year 2023. From shifts in closed sales to changes in median sales prices, let's take a closer look at the recent updates in the New Jersey housing market released by NJ REALTORS®.

Decline in Closed Sales

The New Jersey housing market saw a decline in closed sales across different property types. Single Family Closed Sales experienced a significant drop of 21.1 percent, with the number of closed sales totaling 6,230. Townhouse-Condo Closed Sales were also down by 22.9 percent, reaching a total of 1,993. However, it's not all gloom and doom as there was a positive trend observed in one category.

Rise in Adult Communities Closed Sales

Amidst the overall decline in closed sales, Adult Communities Closed Sales bucked the trend by showing a noteworthy increase of 12.2 percent, resulting in a total of 780 closed sales. This rise in sales indicates a potential shift in preferences or perhaps an emerging demand in this specific property type.

Changes in Median Sales Prices

The median sales prices in the New Jersey housing market have also seen shifts in the year 2023. Single Family Median Sales Price, a crucial indicator of the market's health, saw a moderate increase of 3.9 percent, reaching a median price of $530,000. Similarly, Townhouse-Condo Median Sales Price also witnessed an uptick of 2.8 percent, with the median price now standing at $370,000. Adult Communities Median Sales Price, on the other hand, showed a more significant increase of 7.9 percent, reaching $340,000.

Navigating the Changes

The New Jersey housing market of 2023 presents an interesting mix of trends and changes. While closed sales for some property types have declined, Adult Communities are showing signs of growth. The changes in median sales prices indicate varying degrees of price appreciation, with Adult Communities leading the way with a substantial increase. As we continue through the year, it will be intriguing to observe how these shifts impact the overall dynamics of the New Jersey real estate landscape. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or industry observer, staying informed about these market trends is essential for making informed decisions in this dynamic environment.

Jersey City Housing Market Trends

The Jersey City real estate market has experienced a significant transformation in recent years, becoming one of the most sought-after areas in the region. With its proximity to New York City, excellent transportation infrastructure, diverse cultural offerings, and growing job opportunities, the demand for housing in Jersey City has continued to soar.

The Jersey City housing market is dynamic and ever-changing, making it essential for buyers, sellers, and investors to stay abreast of current trends and forecasts. In this report, we will analyze the latest trends in the Jersey City housing market, exploring key metrics and providing insights into what lies ahead for buyers and sellers in the area.

Jersey City is the second-most populous city in the U.S. state of New Jersey, after Newark. It is the county seat of Hudson County as well as the county's largest city. These are the latest trends in the Hudson County housing market (Source: NEW JERSEY REALTORS®).

New Listings and Closed Sales

The housing market in Hudson County has seen a shift in new listings and closed sales. In June 2023, new listings experienced a decline of 14.3%, with the count dropping from 126 to 108 listings. This trend is mirrored in the year-to-date figures, which indicate a larger decrease of 24.3%, with new listings going from 774 to 586.

Closed sales, another significant metric, faced a decline as well. In June 2023, closed sales dropped by 19.8%, with the count decreasing from 86 to 69. A similar trend can be observed in the year-to-date data, where closed sales experienced a more substantial decline of 35.9%, from 523 to 335.

Days on Market and Median Sales Price

Days on Market Until Sale, an essential metric that reflects how long it takes for homes to sell, witnessed an increase. In June 2023, the days on market increased by 36.0%, going from 25 to 34 days. Interestingly, this metric remained steady in the year-to-date period, with no change observed, maintaining an average of 44 days.

The median sales price, a critical indicator of the market's health, experienced fluctuations. In June 2023, the median sales price dropped by 13.2%, with the figure decreasing from $605,000 to $525,000. However, a more positive trend emerged in the year-to-date data, where the median sales price decreased by a lesser 4.2%, going from $522,000 to $500,000.

List Price Received, Inventory, and Months Supply

The percent of list price received, a metric that reveals negotiation dynamics, saw a marginal decline. In June 2023, the percentage dropped by 1.0%, going from 102.1% to 101.1%. A similar trend was observed in the year-to-date data, where the percent of list price received decreased by 0.4%, from 100.1% to 99.7%.

The inventory of homes for sale experienced a considerable drop. In June 2023, the inventory decreased by 25.6%, with the count falling from 305 to 227. The months supply of inventory, however, remained stable at 3.6 months throughout both the June and year-to-date periods.

New Jersey Housing Market Forecast 2023-2024

The New Jersey housing market has experienced notable changes over the past year, and as we delve into the current statistics and forecasted trends, it's clear that the landscape is undergoing shifts that could impact both buyers and sellers. Let's take a closer look at the numbers and what they might mean for the future.

Current Market Snapshot

According to Zillow, as of July 31, 2023, the average home value in New Jersey stands at $487,868, reflecting a 4.4% increase over the past year. This demonstrates a steady appreciation in property values, which could be attributed to a variety of factors including economic growth, low-interest rates, and housing demand. Notably, homes in New Jersey are moving quickly, with a median of just 15 days to go from listing to pending, suggesting a high level of buyer interest.

Additionally, the data indicates a median sale-to-list ratio of 1.017 as of June 30, 2023, implying that properties are often selling for slightly above their listed prices. This trend is reinforced by the fact that 60.5% of sales have been closing above the list price, compared to 27.7% closing below the list price. These figures highlight the competitive nature of the market and the willingness of buyers to pay a premium for desirable properties.

Forecasted Trends

Looking ahead, let's explore the projected changes for selected Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in New Jersey:

  • Trenton, NJ MSA:

    • August 31, 2023: Projected growth of 0.8%
    • October 31, 2023: Expected growth of 1.7%
    • July 31, 2024: Forecasted growth of 6.1%
  • Atlantic City, NJ MSA:

    • August 31, 2023: Projected growth of 0.8%
    • October 31, 2023: Expected growth of 2%
    • July 31, 2024: Forecasted growth of 9.2%
  • Vineland, NJ MSA:

    • August 31, 2023: Projected growth of 0.7%
    • October 31, 2023: Expected growth of 1.7%
    • July 31, 2024: Forecasted growth of 7.9%
  • Ocean City, NJ MSA:

    • August 31, 2023: Projected growth of 0.8%
    • October 31, 2023: Expected growth of 2%
    • July 31, 2024: Forecasted growth of 8.8%

These forecasts suggest a positive outlook for the housing market in these regions, reflecting a growing demand for homes and potential economic stability.

Source: Zillow

New Jersey Real Estate Investment Overview

Investing in New Jersey's real estate market is an attractive proposition with a steady upward trajectory. The average home value of $487,868 has increased by 4.4% in the past year, indicating potential for profit. The market is competitive, as homes go pending within 15 days on average. Properties are often selling above their list prices, with 60.5% of sales closing above the list price by June 2023.

Projected growth in various Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) suggests positive prospects. Regions like Trenton, Atlantic City, Vineland, and Ocean City anticipate growth ranging from 0.7% to 9.2% by mid-2024.

One of the most significant trends in the New Jersey real estate market is the continued demand for homes in the suburbs. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to re-evaluate their living situations, leading to a surge in demand for larger homes with outdoor spaces. Additionally, many people are now working from home, leading them to look for homes with extra rooms or dedicated office spaces.

New Jersey offers several investment opportunities for real estate investors. One of the most popular options is rental properties, particularly in the urban areas of Newark and Jersey City. Both cities are experiencing significant growth and redevelopment, with several new residential and commercial projects underway. These developments are driving up demand for rental properties, particularly in neighborhoods with good transportation links and amenities.

Another investment opportunity in New Jersey is commercial real estate. The state is home to several major corporations and industries, including pharmaceuticals, finance, and transportation. Commercial properties in these industries, particularly those located near major transportation hubs or in desirable office districts, can offer a steady stream of rental income.

As with any real estate investment, there are potential risks to consider when investing in New Jersey. One of the primary risks is the state's high property taxes, which can eat into potential profits. Additionally, the state's regulations can be complex and time-consuming, particularly for landlords and property managers.

Another potential risk is the state's vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly flooding. New Jersey is located in an area prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can cause significant damage to homes and businesses. Investors looking to purchase properties in New Jersey should carefully consider the risk of flooding and invest in properties that are located in less flood-prone areas or have flood insurance.

Jersey City Real Estate Investment Overview

Jersey City is one of the hottest real estate markets in New Jersey, with a population of around 270,000 people. Jersey City is known for its vibrant downtown area, diverse culture, and booming economy. It's located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, making it a popular choice for people who work in New York City but want to live in a more affordable area.

Jersey City's real estate market has been on the rise for several years now, with home values increasing by an average of 3.2% over the past year. The median home value in Jersey City is currently around $578,416, which is higher than the average home value in New Jersey. However, with its proximity to New York City and a booming economy, many people see investing in Jersey City real estate as a wise choice.

One of the factors driving Jersey City's real estate market is its diverse mix of properties, from modern condos to historic brownstones. This diversity appeals to a broad range of buyers, from young professionals to families. Jersey City's waterfront area is a popular location for luxury condos and high-rise buildings, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. The city is also home to many historic neighborhoods, such as Paulus Hook and Hamilton Park, where charming brownstones and rowhouses can be found.

Another factor driving the growth of Jersey City's real estate market is its strong economy. The city is home to many large companies, including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, which provide a stable job market for residents. Additionally, Jersey City has a thriving small business community, with many restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The city is also investing in its infrastructure, with new transportation options and development projects that aim to attract more businesses and residents.

Investing in Jersey City real estate can offer excellent returns for investors, with rental properties being particularly attractive. The city's population is growing, and many people are choosing to rent instead of buy, creating a strong demand for rental properties. With the right property management and marketing strategies, investors can earn significant rental income and build long-term wealth.

The above data tells us that New Jersey's real estate market offers a range of investment opportunities for both local and international investors. The state's diverse mix of properties, strong economy, and convenient location make it an attractive place to invest in real estate. And for those looking for more urban investment opportunities, Jersey City offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities that make it a standout market to watch. With careful research and guidance from experienced professionals, investors can find success in New Jersey's real estate market.

Image Source: Zillow

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