Are you noticing more buzz around townhomes while single-family homes feel hit or miss? You are not alone. Inventory in Somerset County is shifting, and the mix depends on price band and town. In this quick guide, you will see how townhomes and single-family supply compare, why it is happening, and how to use it to your advantage. Let’s dive in.
What changed in Somerset County inventory
Early 2025 snapshots showed roughly 310 active listings countywide with about 1.5 months of supply overall. Within that, condos and townhomes were especially tight, at about 1 month of supply in that period. That means attached homes in popular price bands tended to sell faster than the county average.
For statewide context, New Jersey closed 2024 with about 12,042 single-family homes for sale and roughly 4,954 townhouses/condos for sale in December. You can see this split in the statewide reporting from NJ Realtors’ 2024 market summary. Somerset County often mirrors this pattern, with single-family making up most active listings while townhome supply can be tighter where demand concentrates.
Key takeaway: Townhome inventory has often been leaner than single-family, especially in the lower to mid price ranges.
Why townhomes feel tighter
Affordability and rates
Mortgage rates through much of 2025 hovered in the mid to high 6% range. Higher rates reduce buying power and push many buyers toward more affordable options like townhomes and condos. You can track the weekly average on Freddie Mac’s mortgage rate survey.
Buyer tradeoffs by lifestyle
When rates and prices rise, some buyers shift from a detached home wish list to an attached home that offers a shorter commute or lower upkeep. This concentrates demand for townhomes in commuter-friendly corridors and established communities.
Supply dynamics and rate lock
Many current owners hold low fixed-rate mortgages and wait to list. That reduces resale supply, especially for move-up single-family homes. At the same time, pockets of new construction can add attached product in specific areas, which may briefly raise townhome counts in those neighborhoods.
Price-band differences
Sub-$700K segments often show the tightest months of supply and faster turnover. Higher price bands can carry more months of supply and longer marketing times. Your exact experience will depend on your town and price point.
Where it shows up locally
Activity tends to cluster in core, commuter-oriented towns with a mix of housing types. Bridgewater Township and Franklin Township are examples where attached homes are common and can move quickly. In higher-end or more rural areas like Far Hills or Peapack-Gladstone, single-family homes are more prevalent and may show longer marketing times in softer months. This varies month to month, so check the latest local snapshot before you act.
What this means for you
If you are buying a townhome
- Get fully underwritten preapproval and be ready to tour new listings within 24–48 hours.
- Focus on your must-haves and be decisive when a good match appears.
- Ask about HOA fees and upcoming community projects to understand total monthly cost.
If you are buying a single-family home
- In higher price ranges, you may see more options or negotiating room at certain times.
- Use recent local comps and days-on-market to guide offer strategy by town and price band.
- Consider rate buydowns or closing-cost credits if the home sits longer.
If you are selling a townhome
- Pricing precisely and launching with strong photography and copy can spark multiple offers.
- Make your HOA details crystal clear and highlight convenience features buyers value.
- Prepare for quick timelines and have your next move lined up.
If you are selling a single-family home
- In higher price brackets, emphasize presentation: staging, curb appeal, and flexible showings.
- Monitor local months of supply and adjust pricing or incentives if the market shifts.
- Use targeted digital marketing to reach relocating buyers who may value larger lots and privacy.
Smart next steps
- Clarify your price band and town targets. Micro-markets behave differently.
- Track weekly rate changes and discuss payment options with your lender.
- Set listing alerts and tour quickly for townhomes in popular areas.
- For sellers, prep early: minor repairs, declutter, and professional media can lift ROI.
If you want a local read on your price band and town, reach out to Connie Manailovich for a tailored strategy. Connie pairs deep township-level knowledge with careful, high-touch guidance so you can move with confidence.
FAQs
Is Somerset County townhome inventory lower than single-family right now?
- Early 2025 snapshots showed about 1 month of supply for condos/townhomes versus a higher county average, indicating tighter attached-home inventory in popular price bands.
How do mortgage rates affect the townhome vs single-family choice?
- With rates in the mid to high 6% range, many buyers shift to lower-priced options, making townhomes more competitive in commuter-friendly areas.
Are certain Somerset County towns more competitive for townhomes?
- Yes, commuter-oriented areas with attached communities often see faster turnover; exact conditions vary by month and price band.
What should a single-family seller do if higher-end inventory builds?
- Focus on pricing, presentation, and flexible showings; watch local days-on-market and adjust strategy if competing listings increase.
Is now a good time to sell a townhome under $700K?
- Many sub-$700K segments have shown seller-friendly conditions; accurate pricing and quality marketing can help you capture strong demand.
