May 2025 Market Momentum in Sussex County: Inventory Up, Sales Strong
Data Source: Bright MLS,
Report Prepared by Square Feet Appraisals in Collaboration with Delaware Beaches Online
“Real estate is the purest form of entrepreneurship.” — Brian Buffini
Sussex County’s housing market showed new signs of vitality this May, fueled by strong sales and rising prices. While buyers took more time to make decisions, a surge in inventory and increased showing activity reflected a dynamic, shifting market.
Market Highlights at a Glance
| Metric | May 2025 | YoY Change | MoM Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Sales | 553 | +7.2% | +16.4% |
| Median Sold Price | $479,000 | +1.9% | +8.9% |
| Median Days on Market | 28 days | +7 days | +10 days |
| New Pending Sales | 544 | -4.9% | -6.0% |
| New Listings | 706 | -7.1% | -12.2% |
| Active Listings | 2,238 | +23.8% | -0.8% |
| Months of Supply | 4.41 | +0.39 months | – |
| Showing Activity | 7,645 | +6.7% | – |
A Closer Look: What the Numbers Are Saying
More Homes Are Selling — and for More
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Closed sales reached 553, up 7.2% year-over-year and 16.4% from April.
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Median sold price rose to $479,000, a 1.9% increase from last year and an 8.9% bump month-over-month.
Buyers Are Active but More Measured
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Median days on market climbed to 28, from 21 days last year and 18 days in April.
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Showings increased by 6.7%, yet pending sales declined by 4.9% YoY, indicating more deliberate buyer behavior.
Inventory Builds Up — a Win for Buyers
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Active listings surged to 2,238, the highest level in over a year, up 23.8% year-over-year.
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However, new listings fell 7.1% from last May and dropped 12.2% from April, suggesting hesitation among prospective sellers.
Year-to-Date (Jan–May 2025) Performance
| Metric | 2025 YTD | 2024 YTD | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Sales | 2,271 | 2,146 | +5.8% |
| Median Sold Price | $455,000 | $450,000 | +1.1% |
| New Pending Sales | 2,385 | 2,532 | -5.8% |
| New Listings | 3,831 | 3,536 | +8.3% |
| Active Listings | 2,238 | 1,808 | +23.8% |
| Showings | 33,048 | 31,877 | +3.7% |
What It Means for Buyers and Sellers
Sellers
It’s still a favorable market. Prices are trending upward, and demand is evident, but longer days on market and more competition from growing inventory require realistic pricing and patience.
Buyers
Conditions are shifting in your favor. Increased listings and moderate price growth provide more opportunity and choice—though acting swiftly on the right property remains crucial.
Final Thoughts
Sussex County’s housing market in May 2025 reflected a key moment of balance. Sales and prices are up, but inventory gains and shifting buyer pace indicate that the rapid seller’s market of recent years is softening into something more sustainable.
Heading into summer, the question becomes: Will buyer energy rise with the heat—or will longer market times continue?
We’ll be watching. Stay tuned for our June market report.