January 2026 LBI Single‑Family Home Sales: What the Early Market Tells Buyers and Sellers
- Nathan Colmer
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
January 2026 LBI Single‑Family Home Sales
January is traditionally one of the quietest months in the Long Beach Island real estate market, but early‑year LBI buyer activity often provides powerful insight into pricing momentum and buyer confidence heading into spring. January 2026 single‑family home sales on LBI showed strong pricing, competitive offers, and continued demand across multiple price tiers, especially for well‑located and newer homes. This is surprising, especially given the cold weather and the unprecedented snow LBI received, which can make completing a transaction difficult and potentially cause delays.
Below is a breakdown of what happened in the January 2026 LBI single‑family home market on Long Beach Island and what it means if you’re thinking about buying or selling this year in the LBI real estate market.
By: Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
January 2026 LBI Single‑Family Market Snapshot
Based on closed sales across Long Beach Island municipalities, January delivered 23 single‑family home closings, a solid showing for a winter month.
Key January LBI stats:
Total single‑family homes sold: 23
Price range: $965,000 – $4,750,000
Median sale price: approx. $2.30M
Average price per square foot: roughly $1,080/sq ft
Homes selling at or above list price: 9
Highest sale‑to‑list ratio: 107%
Despite seasonal slowdowns and the unprecedented cold weather, buyers were clearly willing to compete when the right property hit the market. It is important to note that these closings mostly occurred in November or December. February will be an interesting month, given the poor weather, as it will demonstrate how the weather can impact home sales in the LBI real estate market.
Strong Pricing Across All Segments in the LBI Real Estate Market
One of the most notable trends in January 2026 LBI Single‑Family Home Sales was how well properties held their value.
Several homes sold at or above their asking price, including sales in Harvey Cedars and Long Beach Township.
Newer construction and recently built homes consistently achieved full list price or higher.
Even older homes in prime locations still commanded strong pricing, especially when priced realistically from the start.
Over one‑third of January sales closed at 100% of list price or higher, which is impressive for mid‑winter activity on LBI.
January 2026 LBI Single‑Family Home Sales Price Per Square Foot Remains Elevated
Price per square foot remains a key metric for LBI buyers, and January numbers reinforce continued strength:
Ocean and near‑ocean locations: $1,300 – $1,600+ per sq ft
Mid‑island locations: $900 – $1,150 per sq ft
Higher end new construction: $1,200 – $1,500+ per sq ft
These numbers indicate that LBI home values are holding firm, even during a traditionally slower sales period.
Municipal Breakdown: Where Activity Happened in the Long Beach Island Real Estate Market
Sales activity was spread across several LBI towns, showing broad market health:
Long Beach Township led overall sales volume, including multiple transactions over $3M.
Harvey Cedars stood out with premium per‑square‑foot pricing and competitive bidding.
Surf City saw strong activity under $1.7M, signaling ongoing demand in the “lower” price tiers.
Beach Haven and Barnegat Light recorded fewer transactions but continued to command top‑tier pricing.
This balanced distribution suggests the market isn’t relying on just one price point or location.
What This Means for LBI Buyers
If you’re considering buying on Long Beach Island in 2026:
Expect competition, especially once spring inventory builds
Be prepared for full‑price or above‑ask offers on desirable homes
Work with a local agent who understands micro‑pricing differences street‑by‑street
January shows that waiting for “winter discounts” on LBI is rarely a winning strategy.
What This Means for LBI Sellers
For homeowners thinking about selling this year, January’s data sends a clear message:
Demand is already in place heading into spring
Serious buyers are watching inventory closely
Proper pricing is more important than ever
Launching early — before peak spring inventory — may create stronger negotiating leverage.
January 2026 LBI Single‑Family Home Sales
Every section of Long Beach Island behaves differently, and January sales prove that location, condition, and pricing strategy matter more than ever. Even with limited inventory and poor winter weather, January 2026 sales confirm several important trends. Well‑priced homes in desirable locations did not sit long and often drew multiple offers and homes priced realistically when they entered the market achieved faster sales and stronger sale‑to‑list ratios. New construction and homes built in the last 10–15 years showed the strongest price consistency across the LBI real estate market, reflecting high demand for these premium properties. For more information about January 2026 LBI Single‑Family Home Sales or buying and selling in the LBI real estate market, please do not hesitate to contact me, Nathan Colmer, anytime.
By: Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
