LBI real estate market February recap
A February sunset on LBI
The Long Beach Island real estate market is heading into spring with momentum, showing an increase in new listings while maintaining strong demand. Inventory remains low at 134 homes, reinforcing the island’s reputation as a competitive and stable market.
Total # of listings
Dec 2024: 167
Jan 2025: 131
Feb 2025: 134
More listings, but demand stays strong
For the third consecutive month, new listings have increased, with 54 homes hitting the market in February—well above the 12 month average of 47.72. This uptick could be a sign that sellers are gaining confidence as we move toward the spring selling season. However, despite more homes coming on the market, overall inventory remains tight, meaning well-priced homes are still selling fast.
New listings
Dec 2024: 21
Jan 2025: 30
Feb 2025: 54
Buyers are more selective, but pricing holds steady
While inventory remains low, only 19 single family homes closed in February, down from 29 in January and 36 in December. This could be due to buyer hesitation after the holidays, possible new building regulations, tariffs, or sellers holding firm on pricing. However, the average sale price jumped to $2,681,474 which suggests that higher end properties are still in demand.
Closed single family sales
Dec 2024: 36
Jan 2025: 29
Feb 2025: 19
Average sale price single family
Dec 2024: $2,270,583
Jan 2025: $2,234,103
Feb 2025: $2,681,474
Pricing & market stability
The price per square foot ($1,064) has remained fairly steady over the past few months, showing that despite minor fluctuations, LBI’s real estate values are holding firm. The sale-to-list price ratio dipped slightly to 94.6%, but history tells us that this is a seasonal trend. A similar pattern occurred in early 2024, where the sale-to-list price ratio dropped in the winter before rebounding in the spring and summer.
List price by sq ft ratio
Dec 2024: $1,150
Jan 2025: $1,070
Feb 2025: $1,064
Sale price to listing price ratio
Dec 2024: 96.4%
Jan 2025:96.5%
Feb 2025: 94.6%
Days on market, a mixed signal?
One standout data point is the jump in days on market from 55 in January to 106 in February. This suggests that while some homes are selling fast, others are sitting longer—likely those that aren’t priced strategically or need updates. Buyers still have an appetite for move-in-ready, well priced properties, while overpriced or outdated homes may require price adjustments.
What this means for you
Sellers: If you price your home competitively, it will likely sell quickly, as demand remains strong. However, buyers are being more selective, so homes that linger may need price adjustments.
Buyers: With more homes coming to market, selection is improving, but well-priced properties are still moving fast. If you see a home you like, be ready to act.
Investors: Stability remains the theme on LBI, and the recent dip in sales-to-list price ratio could create short term buying opportunities before the market heats up again in spring.
Thinking of buying or selling? Let’s chat about how to navigate the current market and make the most of your investment.
