NJ Market Dashboard
Essex County
Last updated: February 2026
Median Sale Price
$670K
Days on Market
70 days
Active Listings
1,199
Sale vs. Ask Price
103.93%
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 — Feb 2026
Sale vs. Ask Price
Above 100% = homes sold for more than asking price
Market Health Score
Composite index across 4 demand & supply factors
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.
- →Days on market are up 25% year-over-year, meaning homes are sitting longer. Use this time to get thorough inspections done before making offers.
- →Homes still sell above asking at 103.93% — 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 6.8% year-over-year. The market is rewarding sellers who price with the trend, not against it.
- →Homes priced correctly are selling at 103.93% 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 6.8% 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 70 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 TipsNJ Property Taxes Explained: What Every Buyer Needs to Know
New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the US. Here's exactly what you'll pay by county, why the rate varies so much, and how to factor it into your budget before you buy.
Read →Buyer & Seller TipsNJ Closing Costs: What to Expect and How to Budget
Closing costs in NJ typically run 2–5% of the purchase price — but most buyers are surprised by what's included. Here's every line item, real dollar amounts, and how to reduce what you pay.
Read →Explore Nearby Counties
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