The Jersey Shore real estate market continues to outperform national trends. While many regions face slower sales and declining prices, the Jersey Shore shows steady demand and rising home values. Paul Kaminski, a broker associate at Keller Williams Shore Properties Sports + Entertainment Division, is also a Military Relocation Professional who serves Monmouth and Ocean Counties and all of New Jersey. He has lived in Monmouth County his whole life and grew up in a family of house flippers; years of renovating those homes gave him invaluable practical experience. He entered real estate after 27 years as a New Jersey police officer and with early experience in home construction. “I bought my home, 3 miles from the ocean 30 years ago and fixed every part of it – plumbing, electric, roofing, windows – everything,” he says. He has seen how the Jersey Shore’s coastal access and “lifestyle“ appeal continue to attract buyers.
After retiring in 2014, Kaminski transitioned into real estate. Five and a half years later, there were major market changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic increased the demand for properties at the Jersey Shore. As restrictions tightened in New York City and other urban areas, buyers searched for larger homes and more outdoor space.
“My busiest year was during COVID, because people were moving out of New York City to get away from the restrictions and wanted to come farther south,” Kaminski says.
This shift changed the Jersey Shore’s housing market. Many people’s second homes became their primary residence. The Shore’s location, within reach of both Philadelphia and New York City, added to this shift.
Superstorm Sandy in 2012 reshaped the shore’s housing market. The storm caused severe damage to coastal communities on the barrier island, such as Lavallette, Ortley Beach, Point Pleasant , and mainland communities like Toms River and Brick Township. After the storm, new regulations required that homes be raised.
“Now, after Sandy, because they were flooded, they had to build the houses higher,” Kaminski explains. The elevation mandate increased building costs and changed the market. Many rebuilt homes doubled or tripled in value compared to pre-storm prices.
These changes lowered flood insurance costs for compliant properties. Homes built above the base flood elevation typically have lower premiums. “You’re really only insuring things on the lower level of your home, which does not include any utilities because they have to be raised as well,” he says.
The region’s appeal continues to grow with Netflix’s development of a major production studio at the old military base, Fort Monmouth. That will increase sales and rentals in surrounding towns like Shrewsbury, Little Silver, and Oceanport, significantly benefiting all of Monmouth County. Kaminski expects increased demand from entertainment professionals relocating to the area.
“We’ll definitely see a huge influx of people in the entertainment side to fill Netflix jobs, whether they are sound engineers, executives or actors leasing and buying in this area,” he says. To prepare, Kaminski has focused on building out his website.
Despite rising interest rates, the Shore market remains strong. Prices continue to climb, and inventory stays limited. “The biggest change is that the prices just keep going up. They’re not going down at all,” Kaminski says.
Buyers often struggle to adjust to current pricing. “Some buyers are unrealistic about how much prices have gone up at the beach. They’re thinking it’s still three years ago prices. Well, now they are $200,000 more,” he explains.
This gap between expectations and reality can lead to failed deals. Sellers are less willing to negotiate or offer concessions.
Investors remain active, but steep discounts are rare. “There are always investors out there looking to buy homes, but they want them for rock bottom prices,” Kaminski says. Low offers often fail because sellers are willing to wait for stronger offers. “I always get lowball offers on something that I’m selling, and my sellers just hold out and end up getting $30,000 to $40,000 more,” he adds.
Investors focus on properties that increase value through renovations such as updated kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and new paint.
Senior housing developments in Ocean County are also seeing steady market activity. “Ocean County is huge in senior developments,” Kaminski says. However, rising prices also affect downsizing decisions.
“A friend of mine was thinking about moving into an active adult community since his three kids moved out, but he questioned where he was going to go. The pricing in the senior developments has gone up as well,” he says. So some homeowners choose to stay in their original home because the costs are similar.
Kaminski expects prices to continue to rise due to strong demand and limited supply. “You’re buying a lifestyle down here. You can travel three blocks to the Atlantic Ocean every day, which some people haven’t seen or will never see in their entire life,” he says. Buyers must adjust expectations and prepare for competition. Sellers remain in a strong position.
The Jersey Shore stands apart from the broader market. Lifestyle appeal, location, and limited inventory continue to drive growth in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
About the Expert: Paul Kaminski is a broker associate with Keller Williams Sports + Entertainment, specializing in residential real estate across Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. A former police officer with 27 years of service, he brings hands-on renovation experience and market insight shaped by decades of working with coastal properties.
This article is based on information provided by the expert source cited above. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals before making any real estate or financial decisions.
Explore similar articles from Our Team of Experts.
For years, Litchfield County in northwestern Connecticut was a well-kept secret – a place where New Yorkers retreated on Friday afternoons and left by Sunday evening. That dynamic has ...
