Somerset County Home Sales Picked Up in May, but the Market Is Shifting

Somerset County had a strong month. In May 2026, 357 homes went under contract across the county, up sharply from 250 in May 2025. That is a real increase in buyer activity, and it bucks the trend we are seeing in a lot of other New Jersey counties this spring.

But there is a second part of this story that matters just as much. The number of homes for sale in Somerset County also grew, reaching 604 unsold listings in May, up from 555 a year earlier. More buyers showed up, and more sellers did too.

What This Means in Plain Terms

One of the numbers we track closely is called months supply. It sounds technical, but it answers a simple question: if no new homes came on the market starting today, how long would it take to sell everything that is currently listed?

In Somerset County right now, that answer is about 1.7 months. Put another way, it would take roughly seven weeks to sell every home currently on the market if no new listings were added. That is still a fast-moving market by historical standards, even though it has eased a bit from where it stood at the start of the year.

For context, the broader New Jersey market is running at about 2.3 months of supply statewide, with more than 19,200 homes currently listed for sale, an increase of 46 percent since January 2026. Somerset County is moving faster than that statewide average, which is a meaningful data point for anyone trying to time a purchase or a sale here.

Buyers Still Have the Edge, but It Is Narrowing

Somerset County's buyer-to-seller ratio in May was 57 to 100. That means for every 100 sellers with a home on the market, there were 57 active buyers under contract. It is not a buyer free-for-all, but it tells you sellers still generally have the advantage, even as more inventory comes online.

From what I'm seeing during property inspections and showings, qualified buyers are still active, but they are moving with more discipline than they were a year ago. They are taking time to compare properties, paying close attention to condition and value, and negotiating more frequently. Well-priced homes in good condition continue to attract solid interest, while properties that need repairs or are priced above the market are experiencing longer marketing times and fewer offers. 

Prices Are Still Rising, Just More Slowly

Statewide, home prices increased 4.5 percent on an annualized basis through the first quarter of 2026, a deceleration from the double-digit gains seen in 2021 and 2022. The Otteau Group, which compiles this data, expects that pace to continue easing gradually through the rest of the year.

Combine that with mortgage rates that remain elevated compared to the ultra-low levels of a few years ago, and you get a market that rewards preparation. Buyers who get pre-approved and move quickly are still winning homes in Somerset County. Sellers who price realistically from the start are still seeing strong activity.

What This Means for Sellers Right Now

If you are thinking about selling in Somerset County, the data says this is still a reasonably good window. Demand is up year over year, and the market is absorbing inventory faster than the state average. That said, the cushion is shrinking compared to a year ago, when inventory was tighter, and buyer competition was even more intense.

A trend I've seen repeatedly in Somerset County is that properties entering the market at a realistic price and in move-in-ready condition continue to perform well, often generating strong interest within the first couple of weeks. On the other hand, homes that are priced based on last year's market or require substantial deferred maintenance are taking longer to sell and are more likely to require price adjustments before attracting qualified buyers. That reinforces the importance of accurate pricing and understanding current local market conditions from the outset. 

What This Means for Buyers Right Now

Buyers in Somerset County are facing more competition than the statewide average would suggest, even with inventory rising. A 57 to 100 buyer to seller ratio still favors sellers in most price ranges. Getting financing lined up before you start touring homes continues to be the difference between winning an offer and missing one.

The Bottom Line

Somerset County's housing market remains active and competitive heading into the summer. Sales are up, inventory is up, and the pace of price growth is cooling slightly. None of that points to a market in trouble. It points to a market finding a steadier rhythm after several years of extremes.

If you are weighing a move in Somerset County this year, whether buying or selling, the data suggests timing still favors decisive action over waiting on the sidelines.

David Wainwright Jr. is a New Jersey Realtor Builders Association Master Broker and Certified Distressed Property Expert serving home buyers and sellers across the entire state of New Jersey. Reach David at 973-818-7100 or dwainwrightrealty.com.