Is the 'Buyer's Market' Finally Here? The Truth About Rising Inventory in Burlington & Camden Counties

By Robert "Bob" Millaway, AI Certified Agent™ & South Jersey Lifestyle Specialist

If you've been watching the real estate headlines lately, you've probably seen the buzz: inventory is rising. Homes are sitting a bit longer. Maybe you've heard whispers of a "buyer's market" finally making its way to South Jersey.

So what's actually happening in Burlington and Camden Counties? Is this the moment buyers have been waiting for, or is it more complicated than the headlines suggest?

Let me break it down for you with some real, local data and a dose of honest perspective.

The Numbers Don't Lie: Inventory Is Up

Here's the good news for buyers. Active inventory in Burlington County hit 886 homes in August 2025, representing a 7% increase compared to the previous year. That's a meaningful jump after years of historically tight supply.

Days on market have also increased. In Burlington County, homes averaged 30 days on market in August 2025, up from 23 days the year prior. By December 2025, that number climbed to 40 days compared to 32 days the previous year. In plain English? Homes aren't flying off the shelves quite as fast as they were during the pandemic frenzy.

Camden County is showing similar trends, with forecasters calling it a "balanced" market heading into 2026.

But Wait: This Isn't a Crash (Or Even Close)

Before anyone starts expecting fire sales and desperate sellers, let's pump the brakes a bit.

Even with rising inventory, Burlington County's months of supply sat at just 1.8 in August 2025. For context, a truly balanced market typically requires 4 to 6 months of supply. We're nowhere near that threshold yet.

What does this mean? Sellers still have leverage in most situations. We're not in a buyer's market. We're in what I'd call a "calmer" market or a transitional phase. Think of it as the real estate equivalent of coming down from a caffeine high. Things are stabilizing, but they're not crashing.

The sold-to-list-price ratio in Burlington County was 101.0% in August 2025. That's down slightly from previous years, but homes are still selling at or above asking price. Hardly a buyer bonanza.

Demand Remains Strong (Especially for Move-In-Ready Homes)

Here's something a lot of people miss when they see "rising inventory" headlines: not all inventory is created equal.

The demand for move-in-ready homes in desirable neighborhoods remains incredibly strong. Buyers in 2026 are savvy. They know interest rates, while improved, still impact monthly payments significantly. They want turnkey properties that don't require a renovation budget on top of their mortgage.

If you're a seller with a well-maintained, updated home in Burlington County or Camden County, you're still in a strong position. The competition is showing up for quality listings.

Meanwhile, homes that need work or are priced aggressively are sitting longer. That's where the "rising days on market" statistic comes from. It's not uniform across the board.

Entry-Level Price Points Are Still Tight

Here's a reality check that often gets lost in the broader market conversation: if you're shopping under $350,000 in Burlington or Camden County, inventory is still frustratingly limited.

First-time buyers and those working with tighter budgets are still facing stiff competition. Multiple offers on starter homes remain common, especially in towns with good schools and easy commuter access.

So while overall inventory numbers are up, the entry-level segment hasn't loosened up nearly as much. It's a tale of two markets, and understanding where you fit matters enormously when building your strategy.

Buyer Willingness vs. Market Direction

One concept I talk about with my clients all the time is the difference between "buyer willingness" and "market direction."

Market direction tells us where conditions are heading. Right now, we're moving toward a more balanced environment. That's the trend.

Buyer willingness, on the other hand, is about individual readiness. Are you financially prepared? Have you been pre-approved? Do you have flexibility on timing and location?

The buyers who succeed in this market aren't necessarily the ones waiting for "perfect" conditions. They're the ones who are prepared to move when the right opportunity shows up. That might mean acting fast on a new listing or being flexible on closing dates.

As I always tell folks: the best time to buy is when you're ready, not when the market tells you to be ready.

If you're curious about what preparation looks like, check out our AI Home Buying Guide to get started on the right foot.

How AI-Driven Data Helps You Navigate the Shift

This is where being an AI Certified Agent™ really makes a difference for my clients.

In a shifting market, data becomes your best friend. I use AI-powered tools to analyze hyperlocal trends, predict pricing windows, and identify opportunities before they hit mainstream radar. It's not about replacing the human element of real estate. It's about enhancing it with smarter insights.

For sellers worried about timing, programs like Home Trade-In let you buy your next home before selling your current one. No double mortgages, no contingency headaches. It's a game-changer in a market where timing matters more than ever.

And for those who need certainty, CashOffer+ provides a guaranteed offer on your home. You can compare it against market value and make the decision that fits your situation best.

These aren't gimmicks. They're strategic tools designed for exactly this kind of market, where flexibility and information give you an edge.

What Should You Do Right Now?

Whether you're thinking about buying or selling in Burlington or Camden County, here's my honest advice:

For Buyers: Get pre-approved, stay informed, and be ready to act. The market isn't going to hand you a deal on a silver platter, but there are more options now than there were 12 months ago. That's real progress.

For Sellers: Price it right and present it well. Move-in-ready homes are still commanding strong offers. But overpricing in this environment will cost you time and money.

For Everyone: Get a custom market report specific to your town and price range. Generic advice doesn't cut it when neighborhoods just a few miles apart can have completely different dynamics.

You can request your personalized report at robertmillaway.com and I'll put together an analysis tailored to your goals.

FAQ

Is it a buyer's market in Burlington County right now? Not technically. While inventory has increased and homes are sitting longer, months of supply remains low at around 1.8 months. A true buyer's market typically requires 4 to 6 months of supply. We're in a transitional or balanced phase heading into 2026.

Are home prices dropping in Camden County? Price growth has slowed significantly, but prices aren't crashing. Forecasts for 2025 and 2026 suggest modest appreciation of around 4 to 5% in Camden County. Some data shows slight month-to-month fluctuations, but overall values remain stable.

Should I wait to buy a home in South Jersey? Waiting for a "perfect" market can backfire. If you're financially ready and find a home that fits your needs, acting sooner rather than later often makes sense. Rising inventory gives you more options, but competition for quality homes remains strong.

What is the Home Trade-In program? Home Trade-In allows you to purchase your next home before selling your current one. It eliminates the stress of juggling two transactions and removes sale contingencies that can weaken your offer. Learn more at robertmillaway.com/sell/trade-in.

How does an AI Certified Agent™ help in this market? AI Certified Agents use advanced data tools to analyze trends, predict pricing windows, and identify opportunities faster than traditional methods. This gives buyers and sellers a strategic edge in a shifting market. Learn more at robertmillaway.com/ai-certified-advantage.

Final Thoughts

Is the buyer's market finally here? Not quite. But we're definitely moving toward a calmer, more balanced environment in Burlington and Camden Counties. Rising inventory and longer days on market give buyers a bit more breathing room, but strong demand for quality homes means sellers aren't out of luck either.

The key is understanding the nuances of your specific situation. A blanket "it's a buyer's market" or "it's a seller's market" statement doesn't help anyone make smart decisions.

What does help? Local expertise, accurate data, and strategic tools designed for today's market. That's exactly what I bring to the table as an AI Certified Agent™ serving South Jersey.

Ready to figure out your next move? Let's talk. Visit robertmillaway.com to get started.