September 2026 Housing Market Report: Local Real Estate Trends Across PA & NJ

by Jeremy Brandt

Published by: Coldwell Banker Hearthside

Categories: Market Analysis, Real Estate Trends, Home Buying & Selling

As we enter the autumn housing season, the September 2026 market statistics reveal strong, evolving activity across Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. At Coldwell Banker Hearthside, our agents track hyper-local real estate statistics so buyers and sellers can navigate the changing market with complete confidence.

Whether you are looking to purchase your dream home, downsize, or list your property to capitalize on built-up equity, our local market knowledge and dedicated real estate advisors are here to help every step of the way.

Regional September 2026 Market Summary

County / Region	State	Median Sold Price	Price Change (YoY)	Closed Sales	Median Days on Market	Active Listings	Inventory Change (YoY)
Bucks County	PA	$515,000	+1.0%	529	12 days	1,062	+20.7%
Montgomery County	PA	$469,000	+8.1%	738	10 days	1,435	+17.5%
Chester County	PA	$554,900	+1.1%	529	9 days	1,020	+13.6%
Berks County	PA	$306,750	+2.9%	376	9 days	590	+12.8%
Philadelphia County	PA	$265,000	+1.9%	1,001	29 days	5,485	+17.2%
Greater Lehigh Valley (Lehigh & Northampton)	PA	$375,000	+6.8%	580	20 days	963	+10.8%
Carbon County	PA	$245,000	-3.9%	65	27 days	170	-15.0%
Mercer County	NJ	$435,000	-6.5%	276	23 days	827	+28.2%
Hunterdon County	NJ	$839,400	+23.5%	24	41 days	62	-10.1%
Ocean County	NJ	$525,000	+1.1%	168	24 days	565	+4.4%
Somerset County	NJ	$850,000	-2.6%	27	40 days	72	+38.5%

Macroeconomic Context & Key Regional Trends

According to recent data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), existing-home sales nationally fell 2.0% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million. Mortgage rates edged above 7% in late September following a Federal Reserve benchmark rate increase to 3.75%–4.00%. Despite national headwind factors, core northeastern corridors continue to demonstrate strong pricing resilience.

1. Greater Lehigh Valley Regional Highlight

Price Gains: The Greater Lehigh Valley region saw its median sales price increase by 6.8% year-over-year to $375,000, with sellers receiving an average of 100.8% of their original list price.
Inventory Expansion: Active inventory in Lehigh and Northampton counties rose 10.8% to 963 units, expanding supply to 1.8 months.
School District Divergence: High demand drove significant year-to-date average sales price growth in districts like Wilson (+26.2% to $326,162), Nazareth (+18.8% to $571,576), and Southern Lehigh (+13.2% to $669,862).

2. Strategic Guidance for Home Sellers

Rapid Suburban Turnaround: Properties in Eastern PA suburban counties like Chester, Berks, Montgomery, and Bucks continue to sell rapidly in 9 to 12 days.
High-End Growth: Premium markets like Hunterdon County, NJ saw median prices jump +23.5% YoY to $839,400.
Competitive Staging & Pricing: Inventory increases across major markets (e.g., Mercer +28.2%, Bucks +20.7%, Montgomery +17.5%) make professional staging and accurate day-one pricing vital.

3. Strategic Guidance for Home Buyers

Expanding Choices: Active listing increases across Pennsylvania and New Jersey provide buyers with more options this autumn.
Buyer Leverage in Select Pockets: Areas with higher inventory or price adjustments, such as Mercer County, NJ (-6.5% median price) and Philadelphia (4.88 months supply), offer increased room for negotiations.
Hyper-Local Pace: Days on market range from under 10 days in Chester/Berks to 20 days in the Lehigh Valley and over 40 days in luxury New Jersey enclaves.

Coldwell Banker Hearthside Is Ready to Help You Buy or Sell

Navigating autumn market shifts requires local expertise and tailored strategies. Coldwell Banker Hearthside proudly serves communities across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Planning to Sell? Request a customized Home Evaluation to understand your home’s value in today’s market.
Looking to Buy? Partner with a Coldwell Banker Hearthside agent to get real-time alerts on autumn listings in your target school district or neighborhood.

👉 Contact a Coldwell Banker Hearthside Agent Today to get started!