*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

*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.

During the first month of the year, we experienced the longest stretch of freezing temperatures that we can remember in quite some time, so it is no surprise that sales were slower when compared to January of last year.During the month, 14 properties went under contract in the Bethany-Fenwick area. This compares to 16 sales in January of 2025 and 19 in 2024.

The good news for property owners is that we are confident buyer demand will return as the temperatures start to rise and summer is top of mind.As the chart illustrates, all of the beach areas remain

Happy New Year! As we reflect on 2025, real estate sales in Sea Colony were slower compared to 2024. Early in the year, we experienced some buyer hesitation amid political uncertainty, but sales picked up during the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the year before slowing again in the 4th quarter.

Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the beach markets in the year to come! In 2025, we were fortunate to participate in 35% of sales in Sea Colony, representing the buyer, seller or both parties. Properties listed with our group went under contract faster on average (50 days vs. 77) and our sellers achieved an average sale-to-list price of 96%. We are grateful for your continued confidence and trust, and we wish you good health and much happiness in 2026!

It

Happy New Year! As we reflect on 2025, real estate sales in North Bethany were slower compared to 2024. Early in the year, we experienced some buyer hesitation amid political uncertainty, but sales picked up notably during the 2nd quarter before slowing some the second half of the year due to limited inventory of single-family homes. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the beach markets in the year to come! 

In 2025, we were fortunate to participate in 52% of North Bethany sales, representing the buyer, seller or both parties. Properties listed with our group went under contract faster on average (21 days versus 46 days for the rest of the market), and our sellers achieved a   higher sale-to-list price ratio (100% compared to 97%). We are

Last month, we reported that the beach real estate market was active in August. Unfortunately, this momentum did not continue into September. During the month, 26 properties in the Bethany-Fenwick area went under contract. This is down 19% when compared to 31 sales in September of last year.

As the chart illustrates, through the first 3 quarters of the year, the market has been strong for all property types at the beach. Prices and inventory are both relatively stable while total sales are up. If you are exploring your options as a buyer or seller, we always welcome a conversation.

Leslie Kopp                         Christi Arndt                                                                                     
(302) 541-5207               

September is our favorite time of the year to live at the beach. We hope you have a chance to be here to enjoy the cooler temperatures, light traffic, and warm ocean breezes! This is also a special month for me personally, as it marks 36 years since starting a career in real estate at the beach. I am extremely grateful to have earned the trust of so many of you over the years and together with Christi Arndt and the group, we will continue to offer the highest level of guidance and expertise in real estate well into the future!

After a slower July, the beach real estate market experienced a nice rise in August when compared to the last year. During the month, 5 properties went under contract in North Bethany. This compares to 3 during the same month

While real estate activity in Bayside was relatively flat early in the year, we experienced a notable increase in activity during June and July.  During those summer months, 19 properties went under contract in Bayside, compared to 10 during the same period last year.

As the chart illustrates, both the number of sales and sales volume in dollars are up year-to-date.  Inventory has increased 11% compared to the same time last year, creating more competition for sellers.  Meanwhile, most properties continue to take about a month to go under contract.

If we can offer you any real estate guidance as a buyer or seller, please call our Bayside Experts.

Wayne Lyons               Kiki Hargrove 
(302) 858-7347           (302) 569-2959

While real estate activity in North Bethany was relatively flat through this past May, we experienced an inventory deficit and a slowdown in activity this summer. In June and July, 3 properties went under contract in North Bethany, compared to 8 during the same period last year.

As the chart illustrates, total sales are down 5% year-to-date, while sales volume is down 36%.  Inventory is down 29% compared to the same time last year, and properties are staying on the market longer, with 25 days as the median days-to-contract.

So far this year, our group has participated in more than 43% of single-family home sales in North Bethany. If we can provide you with any real estate guidance as a buyer or seller, please give us a call.

Leslie Kopp     

We are often asked if we are in a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market in Sea Colony and this is the time of year when we calculate absorption rates in order to answer that question and understand how the market is trending. We compare the pace of sales over the previous 12 months to determine how many Months Supply of Inventory is for sale.

Generally, a balanced market would have 7 months of inventory while more would be a Buyer’s market and less a Seller’s market. While Sea Colony West continues to stay in a strong Seller’s Market, inventory is growing on the East and we are trending towards a Buyer’s Market.

If you would like to discuss the market in more detail, we are here to help. Please call our Sea Colony Specialists: 

Gail Phelan