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

During the first quarter of 2026, real estate sales in the Bethany-Fenwick area were softer compared to the same period last year. A total of 46 properties went under contract during the quarter, down 16% from 55 last year. The graph above illustrates historic inventory levels on April 1 of each year, along with the median sale price of properties sold in the first quarter. As we head into April, inventory is down more than 20%, which is putting upward pressure on prices, especially in areas closest to the beach (East of Rt 1).On average, properties are going…

Photo: WBOC

As coastal flooding becomes an increasingly common concern, officials in South Bethany are weighing new regulations aimed at reducing runoff and improving drainage across the town.

At the center of the discussion is a technical but critical distinction: pervious vs. impervious surfaces. Pervious materials—such as gravel, permeable pavers, or landscaped areas—allow rainwater to soak into the ground. Impervious surfaces, like concrete driveways and traditional pavement, prevent water from infiltrating the soil, instead sending it into streets, storm drains, and nearby waterways.

Town leaders say that balance may be tipping in the wrong direction.

South Bethany, like many low-lying coastal communities, is particularly vulnerable to

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*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

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*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

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Happy New Year! As we reflect on 2025, real estate sales in South Bethany were stronger compared to 2024. Early in the year, we experienced some buyer hesitation amid political uncertainty, but sales picked up substantially during the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the year and remained firm in the 4th quarter. 

In 2025, we were fortunate to participate in 42% of sales in South Bethany, representing the buyer, seller or both parties. Properties in South Bethany that were listed with our group went under contract faster on average (35 days vs. 55) and our sellers achieved an average sale-to-list price of 98%. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the beach markets in the year to come! We are grateful for your continued confidence and trust, and we wish

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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               

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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, 7 properties went under contract in South Bethany. This compares to 1 during the same month

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Photo courtesy of Susan Lyons and Coastal Point

Credit to: Coastal Point, Susan Canfora

South Bethany’s Community Planning Advisory Committee this week discussed pervious vs. impervious surfaces, and heard suggestions from consultants from the University of Delaware and residents for ways to control flooding and the quality of water that flows into the town’s canals.

Mayor Edie Dondero introduced consultants Jen Reitz and William DeCoursey and said the Town had hired them to “help us do some long-term planning related to resiliency and what the Town should be looking at to make long-term plans to enhance resiliency to address future issues, like sea-level rise.”

She clarified that impervious surfaces don’t allow water to flow into the ground

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While real estate activity in South Bethany was relatively flat through May when compared to last year, we experienced a slight slowdown in June and July. During those months, 3 properties went under contract in South Bethany, compared to 6 in June and July of last year.

As the chart illustrates, sales are down 22% year-to-date, while sales volume in dollars is down 21%. Inventory is up 50% compared to the same time last year, creating increased competition for sellers. Meanwhile, properties continue to sell quickly, with 12 days as the median days-to-contract.

So far this year, our group has participated in more than 80% of property sales in South Bethany. If we can provide you with any real estate guidance as a buyer or seller, please give us a

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