LBI Real Estate Market Update: New Listings vs. Home Sales January 1st 2026-March 20th 2026
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LBI Real Estate Market Update
If you are considering buying or selling in the LBI real estate market, a key first step is to understand the current market trends on Long Beach Island. One of the best indicators of the market is the number of new listings relative to the number of sales each month. Now that we are a few months into 2026, we can start to develop trends and details on how the LBI real estate market is performing so far this year, with a month‑by‑month breakdown of new listings and closed sales.
By: Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
The chart below provides details on this LBI Real Estate Market Update and compares new inventory coming to market with closed transactions from January through March.
Year-to-Date Snapshot (January–March) in the LBI Real Estate Market
Total new listings: 134 homes
Total closed sales: 66 homes
Overall ratio of sales to new listings: ~49.3% (about 1 sale for every 2 new listings)
This pattern is typical of early-year activity on Long Beach Island: new inventory ramps up ahead of the spring season while closings lag due to winter contract timing, and it is in line with past LBI Real Estate Market Updates.
Month-by-Month Breakdown in the Long Beach Island Real Estate Market
January
New Listings: 31
Closed Sales: 34
Sales-to-Listings: ~109.7%.
January closings often reflect contracts written during the late fall and early winter, which explains why sales slightly outpaced new inventory.
February
New Listings: 52 (+67.7% from January)
Closed Sales: 19 (–44.1% from January)
Sales-to-Listings: ~36.5%.
Inventory intake increased noticeably as sellers prepared for the spring market. Meanwhile, fewer closings occurred, expected due to slower winter contract activity.
March
New Listings: 51 (–1.9% from February)
Closed Sales: 13 (–31.6% from February)
Sales-to-Listings: ~25.5%.
Listings stayed high, while closings continued to taper. Pending activity during March and April will indicate how strong late-spring closings may become.
What This Means for the 2026 LBI Real Estate Market
For buyers, the increase in new listings across towns such as Surf City, Ship Bottom, Long Beach Township, Harvey Cedars, Beach Haven, and Barnegat Light provides more opportunities and a wider range of homes to consider. Even with the added inventory, the most desirable turnkey properties can still attract multiple offers, making preparation essential. Buyers who have their financing in place and are ready to act quickly maintain a clear advantage in securing the right home. For sellers, rising listing activity means strong pricing strategy and high‑quality marketing are more important than ever. Taking time to prepare a home—through repairs, staging, and compelling visual presentation—helps ensure it stands out in a more competitive, higher‑inventory environment.
If you are looking to buy, sell, or invest in the LBI real estate market, contact me, Nathan Colmer, for expert guidance backed by years of local experience, deep market insight, and a proven track record in helping clients navigate LBI's unique market. My experience extends over 20 years of selling homes on Long Beach Island, with a special focus on second homes and investment properties. In addition to representing buyers and sellers, I personally invest in the LBI real estate market and can share my firsthand knowledge of this investment strategy. Whether you are searching for a vacation home, planning a wise investment, or ready to list your property, I can offer you personalized strategies and unmatched knowledge to help you succeed.
By: Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
