Bethany-Fenwick Slower Start to 2026

*Data was derived from the Sussex County MLS and tax records. Includes properties in Bethany Beach, North Bethany, South Bethany and Fenwick Island. May not reflect all activity in the marketplace. 

The real estate market at the beach has started at a slower pace this year as we battled two significant snow events and temperatures below freezing for much of January and February.With stable inventory and pent-up buyer demand, we are confident that the market remains fundamentally strong for homeowners and expect buyer activity to increase significantly as we head into Spring.

As the chart illustrates, through the first two months of 2026, 25 properties went under contract, a 24% decrease compared to last year, with sales volume (based on list price) down 23%.Despite the slower pace of new contracts, the market continued to move quickly.The average days to contract was just 9 days, a significant improvement from 22 days during the same time frame last year.Additionally, the average sale price increased 4% year-over-year.

As always, if we can provide additional insight on the market, please give us a call.

Leslie Kopp                    Christi Arndt
(302) 542-3917                (302) 245-5223