By Mike Lentz | The Mike Lentz Team – Keller Williams Realty
The South Jersey housing market started moving again in late 2025. Mortgage rates trended down through most of the year. Inventory climbed across Gloucester, Camden, and Burlington counties. Affordability improved as price growth slowed. Two years of buyers waiting on rates and sellers waiting on buyers ended.
The South Jersey real estate market is finally showing signs of life. After years of high mortgage rates keeping buyers on the sidelines, we’re seeing real movement again. Sellers are listing homes. Buyers are shopping. The market is waking up.
Is this a sudden surge? No. But it is a shift that could set the stage for a stronger 2026 across Gloucester, Camden and Burlington counties.
Let’s look at three key trends breathing life back into our local housing market right now.
1. Mortgage Rates Have Been Coming Down
Mortgage rates always fluctuate – that’s just their nature. With today’s economic uncertainty, some ups and downs are expected. The big picture matters most though.
And overall, rates have been trending down for most of this year (see graph below):
The past few months have given us the best rates of 2025. According to Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac:
“On a median-priced home, this could allow a homebuyer to save thousands annually compared to earlier this year, showing that affordability is slowly improving.“
This matters for buyers in towns like Westmont and Woodstown. Lower rates increase what you can afford. They reduce monthly payments on the same loan amount.
Data from Redfin shows a buyer with a $3,000 monthly budget can now afford roughly $25,000 more home than they could last year. For a $450,000 home in Delran, that’s significant savings each month.
2. More Homeowners Are Ready To Sell
For years, many local homeowners stayed put to keep their low mortgage rates. This “lock-in effect” kept inventory tight across South Jersey. But as rates come down, more sellers are entering the market.
Life changes now drive more moves. Growing families in Washington Twp need more space. Empty nesters in Cherry Hill want to downsize. Job relocations require moves. These factors are opening up more inventory locally.
Data from Realtor.com shows just how much the number of homes for sale has grown. The market is approaching levels we haven’t seen for six years (see the blue on the graph below):
This return to more normal inventory is excellent news. Buyers have more choices than they’ve had in years. Across our region, this is helping bring the market into better balance.
3. More Buyers Are Re-Entering the Market
It’s not just sellers making moves in our area. With better options and improving affordability, buyers are getting back in the game too. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports purchase applications are up compared to last year (see graph below):
This momentum should continue. Economists from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) all forecast moderate sales growth going into 2026.
Here in South Jersey, our market is particularly stable. We don’t see the wild swings that places like Florida or California experience. This stability, combined with our diverse housing options from $300K-$600K in Gloucester County to $400K-$700K in parts of Burlington County, positions us well for steady growth.
For more on this topic, check out our guide on whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market.
Bottom Line
After several slower years, the South Jersey market is turning a corner. Declining mortgage rates, increasing inventory, and growing buyer activity all point to a market gaining real traction.
Let’s connect to talk about what’s happening in your specific town and how you can make the most of these changes in 2026. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, from Bridgeton to Burlington, the improving conditions offer new opportunities.
