"Is now a good time to buy?" is the question I hear more than any other. It's also one of the most-Googled real estate questions in the country. The honest answer is that it depends less on national headlines and more on your town, your budget and your timeline.
I've helped South Jersey buyers and sellers for 23 years, so let's skip the national noise and look at what homes are actually selling for here.
The Short Answer
For many South Jersey buyers, 2026 can be a good time to buy, if you're planning to stay put for several years and you know what your budget really buys in the towns you like. Trying to time the "perfect" moment usually costs buyers more than it saves them. Knowing the local numbers is what gives you an edge.
What Homes Sold For in South Jersey Over the Past Year
Here's what homes, condos and townhouses sold for in the 12 months ending September 2026, based on MLS data. "Most homes sold between" covers the middle 80% of sales, so it leaves out the rare bargains and the rare estates.
| Town | Most homes sold between | Median sale price |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Shade | $190,000 – $435,000 | about $320,000 |
| Mount Laurel | $250,000 – $690,000 | about $375,000 |
| Delran | $290,000 – $610,000 | about $430,000 |
| Cinnaminson | $300,000 – $720,000 | about $440,000 |
| Collingswood | $310,000 – $725,000 | about $460,000 |
| Marlton | $265,000 – $725,000 | about $480,000 |
| Cherry Hill | $290,000 – $740,000 | about $495,000 |
| Haddon Heights | $350,000 – $1 million | about $495,000 |
| Voorhees | $225,000 – $840,000 | about $520,000 |
| Riverton | $370,000 – $760,000 | about $525,000 |
| Medford Lakes | $435,000 – $865,000 | about $595,000 |
| Medford | $385,000 – $955,000 | about $625,000 |
| Moorestown | $350,000 – $1.6 million | about $710,000 |
| Haddonfield | $435,000 – $1.7 million | about $810,000 |
What this tells you: South Jersey gives you real choices. There's more than a $400,000 gap between the median home in Maple Shade and the median in Moorestown, and towns like Mount Laurel, Delran and Cinnaminson sit in between. If one town is stretching your budget, a neighboring town may get you more house for the money.
4 Things to Weigh Before You Buy
1. How long you'll stay
Buying costs money up front (closing costs, moving, inspections). The longer you stay, the more time you have to build equity and spread out those costs. If you're planning on five years or more, buying usually makes more sense than if you might move in two.
2. Your monthly payment, not just the price
Mortgage rates move every week, so focus on the payment that fits your life. Don't forget New Jersey property taxes. They vary a lot from town to town and can change your monthly payment as much as the price itself.
3. Getting pre-approved first
In South Jersey, sellers take pre-approved buyers much more seriously than buyers with just a pre-qualification. A pre-approval tells you exactly what you can afford and makes your offer stronger. I work with a local lender I trust and can connect you in one phone call.
4. The right town for your life
Think about your commute, the kind of home you want, walkable downtowns like Moorestown, Collingswood and Haddonfield versus newer neighborhoods, and your budget. Browse my town guides on southjerseyrealty.com, starting with the Moorestown guide.
Should You Wait for Prices or Rates to Drop?
A lot of buyers are waiting for the perfect moment. The problem is that nobody knows exactly when rates or prices will move, and when rates do drop, more buyers usually jump back in and competition goes up. If you find the right home at a payment you're comfortable with, that's usually a better plan than trying to time the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2026 a good time to buy a house in South Jersey?
For buyers who plan to stay several years and have a comfortable monthly budget, it can be. South Jersey offers a wide range of prices, from about $320,000 median in Maple Shade to about $810,000 in Haddonfield.
What is the average home price in South Jersey?
It depends heavily on the town. Over the past year, median sale prices in popular South Jersey towns ranged from about $320,000 to $810,000.
What are the most affordable towns near Cherry Hill?
Maple Shade and Mount Laurel had some of the lowest median sale prices in the area over the past year, at about $320,000 and $375,000.
How much do I need to buy a house in New Jersey?
It depends on your loan type, down payment and the town's property taxes. Many loan programs allow less than 20% down. A local lender can give you exact numbers in a short conversation.
Thinking About Buying in South Jersey? Let's Talk.
I'm Jerry Mac with Keller Williams Realty, and I've helped South Jersey buyers find the right home for 23 years, with 125+ five-star Google reviews. Whether you're just starting to look or you're ready to tour homes this weekend, I'm happy to help. There's no pressure and no obligation.
Call or text: 856-220-1874
Email: jerrymachomes@gmail.com
Search every South Jersey home for sale: southjerseyrealty.com
Market data based on MLS sales for the 12 months ending September 2026. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.