NJ Market Dashboard
Essex County
Last updated: May 2026
Median Sale Price
$723K
Days on Market
29 days
Active Listings
2,276
Sale vs. Ask Price
108.69%
Median Sale Price Trend
12-month rolling median — Essex County
Days on Market
Green = below average (faster sales)
Inventory Levels
Active vs. new listings — monthly
Price Per Sqft by City
Ranked highest to lowest — May 2026
Sale vs. Ask Price
Above 100% = homes sold for more than asking price
Market Health Score
Composite of price momentum, inventory tightness, and demand strength
Zillow 12-Month Forecast
Projected home value change · Zillow Research
+1.2%
Modest growth expected. The market is stabilizing — a reasonable window for both buyers and sellers.
Price Per Sqft by City
Ranked by price per square foot. County average: $401/sqft. Click column headers to re-sort.
| City↕ | Price / Sqft↓ | vs. County Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Montclair | $552 | +37.7% |
| Nutley | $434 | +8.2% |
| East Orange | $248 | -38.2% |
| Newark | $225 | -43.9% |
What This Means For You
Data-driven takeaways for buyers, sellers, and investors in Essex County right now.
For Buyers
Balanced- →Conditions are balanced — neither buyers nor sellers hold a strong advantage. Fair pricing and solid preparation win deals.
- →Homes are selling 39.6% faster than last year. Act quickly — well-priced listings won't last.
- →Homes still sell above asking at 108.69% — so expect competition on move-in-ready, well-priced properties. Budget for at least asking price on desirable listings.
For Sellers
Balanced- →Median prices are up 3.3% year-over-year. The market is rewarding sellers who price with the trend, not against it.
- →Homes priced correctly are selling at 108.69% of list price — above asking. This only happens when you price strategically, not aspirationally.
- →Strong demand means a well-prepared home can generate multiple offers. Don't leave money on the table — prep properly and list at the right time.
- →Spring (March–May) typically brings peak buyer traffic in this county. List prepared, not rushed.
For Investors
Monitor- →With prices up 3.3% year-over-year, Essex County continues to build equity for existing owners. Entry-level and value-add properties offer the best basis.
- →Affordability is a constraint at the premium price point — focus on small multifamily or lower-priced municipalities within the county for better cap rate potential.
- →DOM of 29 days means motivated sellers are out there. Off-market outreach and patient deal sourcing can yield below-market acquisitions.
From the Blog
Essex County Real Estate in 2026: NJ's Strongest Appreciation Story
Essex County leads NJ with 8.1% year-over-year price growth, and homes are still selling 3% above asking. Here's what the data says for buyers and sellers.
Read →Buyer & Seller TipsTypes of Homes in New Jersey: A Complete Guide for Buyers
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You don't have to choose between a good commute and a real home. These NJ towns give you door-to-desk times under 60 minutes, real neighborhoods, and prices that make sense — depending on what you're after.
Read →Explore Nearby Counties
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