Union County Real Estate: What Happened in 2025 & What to Expect in 2026

The Union County real estate market continued its upward momentum in 2025, with home prices rising amid persistently low inventory. Here’s a local, data-driven look at what happened in 2025 and what buyers and sellers can expect in 2026

Union County Real Estate Market Overview

The average home sale price in Union County reached $816,171, an 11% increase over 2024. Zooming out, home prices have increased by an average of 11% per year over the past five years and are now 84% higher than they were in 2019 — a remarkable long-term appreciation trend.

While inventory did tick up slightly (+4% year-over-year), new listings were still 53% lower than pre-pandemic 2019 levels, which was not nearly enough to shift market dynamics in a meaningful way. Demand continued to far outpace supply, keeping prices elevated and competition strong.

These numbers tell a consistent story:

• Homes are selling faster

• Buyers are still paying over list price

• And total sales volume remains well below historical norms due to limited inventory

What to Expect in the Union County Real Estate Market in 2026

Most national forecasts are calling for a more balanced market — or even a mild “reset,” as Redfin has described it. The general expectation is that more inventory will come to market, which could place some downward pressure on prices.

That said, this is not expected to be a dramatic shift. Even with modest inventory gains, conditions would still favor sellers compared to historical averages.

Mortgage rates should also help stabilize activity. While many predictions call for rates to remain in the mid-6% range, even modest declines could unlock pent-up demand from buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines.

It’s important to note that most housing predictions are made at the national level, and they are not always accurate. (A good example: this recap of 2025 housing predictions shows how many forecasts missed the mark.) More importantly, our local Union County real estate market behaves very differently from other parts of the country and has not experienced the same slowdowns seen elsewhere.

Because of that, it’s critical to focus on local data, not headlines. Below, I break down what happened specifically in Union County in 2025 and what I expect locally as we head into 2026.

Home Sales by Town: Cranford, Westfield & Surrounding Areas

Across the Cranford–Westfield area, every town saw price growth from 2024 to 2025, with some standout performers.

• Mountainside led the way, with average sale prices jumping to $1.14M, a 15% year-over-year increase

• Westfield prices rose more conservatively at 7%, but remain the highest in the area with an average home price of $1.356M

• Cranford and Fanwood both saw price increases of 10%+, pushing average home values well above $800K

For more details on home sales by town, see my latest market reports here.

What to Expect in 2026: Real Estate Trends by Month

Seasonal real estate patterns in Union County have remained remarkably consistent over the past several years.

Inventory typically:

• Hits its lowest point in late December

• Ramps up through the spring

• Peaks in late spring/early summer (May in 2025)

• Slows in August

• Ticks up again in September and October before falling off for the holidays

Home prices follow a similar trajectory. In 2025, prices peaked in June, which also coincided with the highest sale-to-list-price ratio, with homes selling for an average of 107.5% over list price.

These patterns make sense. Families often aim to move during the summer months to align with the school calendar, while fall activity is driven by buyers hoping to settle before the holidays.

So what does this mean if you’re thinking about buying or selling in 2026?

Home Sellers: Best Time to Sell a Home in Union County

Short answer: whenever you’re ready.

While data shows that home prices tend to peak in early summer, well-priced, well-presented homes sell at top dollar all year long in this market. Inventory remains limited, and buyers are still eager for quality options.

If selling is on your radar for 2026, I recommend starting preparations now and planning to list anytime between now and September. Use this time to assess your home’s readiness:

• Do repairs need to be addressed?

• Are cosmetic updates worth making?

• Is your home positioned to stand out online?

A well-prepared home attracts more buyers, creates stronger competition, and often results in higher offers. (You can check out my full seller prep checklist here.)

For context, Realtor.com even identified early March as the best week to sell nationally last year — reinforcing that waiting until summer isn’t always necessary.

Buyers: Best Time to Buy a Home in Union County

Right now.

Yes, inventory is limited — but so is your competition. Fewer buyers are actively shopping during the winter months, which can create opportunities, especially on homes that have been sitting on the market longer.

That doesn’t mean you should settle. If the right home isn’t available yet, use this time to get fully prepared:

• Get pre-approved so you know exactly what you can afford

• Identify your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves

• Start touring homes to understand value and pricing in your target towns

Once spring inventory hits, things move fast. The key is not trying to time the market perfectly, but being ready to act when the right home comes along — and working with an agent who understands the hyper-local Union County market and knows how to structure a winning offer.

What I’m Expecting for 2026

Based on what I’ve seen over the past few years — and what I’m already seeing now — I’m expecting more of the same, at least in the near term.

I hope we’ll see slightly more inventory and a marginally more balanced market for buyers. But realistically, competition is likely to remain strong, especially in desirable towns like Cranford, Westfield, and Mountainside.

To put things into perspective: there are currently only eight homes for sale in Cranford.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in 2026, now is the time to start building your strategy. Let’s connect early so you’re positioned to move confidently when the right opportunity comes along.

If you’re thinking of selling, start here → Selling with Brooke

Thinking about buying? Start here → Buying with Brooke

Union County Real Estate FAQs

Is Union County a buyer’s or seller’s market in 2026?
Union County remains a seller-leaning market due to limited inventory, though conditions may become slightly more balanced as new listings increase.

Are home prices dropping in Union County NJ?
No. While the pace of appreciation may slow, home prices in Union County continue to trend upward based on recent sales data.

Is now a good time to buy a home in Union County?
Yes. Buyers who are prepared and flexible can find opportunities, especially before peak spring competition returns.

When is the best time to sell a home in Union County?
Homes sell year-round, but late spring and early summer historically see peak prices. Proper pricing and presentation matter more than timing.