Scott's Take: Northern Bergen County Real Estate Trends – Fall 2025

What do luxury listings, market data, and hyperlocal trends reveal about today's real estate climate in Fort Lee, Leonia, and the broader Northern Bergen area?

By Scott Selleck | The Selleck Group – KW City Views Realty

As we head into the final stretch of 2025, Northern Bergen County is telling a familiar—but increasingly urgent—story: high demand, tight inventory, and strong pricing, particularly in prime zip codes. Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, or investor, here’s my breakdown of what’s happening right now—and how to use it to your advantage.

A $24.75M Signal from Alpine: Luxury Is Leading

Let’s start at the top. A recent $24.75 million listing in Alpine is making headlines, and not just for the price tag. It reflects a continued surge of interest in ultra-luxury properties east of Route 17. This isn’t an isolated case—it’s confirmation that demand for high-end homes remains incredibly strong in this market segment.

Luxury isn’t cooling—it’s accelerating.

For sellers in towns like Alpine, Tenafly, and beyond, this is a moment to watch closely. The visibility of listings like this creates ripple effects across surrounding markets, lifting buyer expectations and drawing more eyes to high-value properties in Bergen County real estate.

Median List Prices Hovering Around $950K in Bergen County

Zooming out, Bergen County’s median list price now sits just under $950,000. That’s a meaningful jump from earlier this year, and it reinforces what I’ve been seeing in my own market data—sellers are still commanding strong numbers, especially when listings are priced and presented well.

We’re seeing:

• 8% YoY price growth across Northern NJ

• Persistent low inventory

• Buyers adjusting but staying active

These conditions make it clear: this isn’t a frozen market—it’s a selective, resilient one. Sellers with sharp pricing and good staging are still getting premium offers.

Fort Lee vs. Leonia: Two Stories, One Market Pulse

It’s always helpful to compare two of my core markets—Fort Lee and Leonia—to illustrate how different parts of Northern Bergen respond to the same broader pressures.

Fort Lee: Momentum Meets Manhattan Proximity

Fort Lee continues to benefit from its Gold Coast gravity—a natural pull for buyers who want skyline views, luxury towers, and direct access to NYC. That competition is fierce right now.

• High-rise condos and newer builds are moving fast

• Views, parking, and amenities are top differentiators

• Investor interest remains strong in both resale and rental markets

If you’re a seller in Fort Lee, this is your moment. With smart prep, strong photography, and professional pricing, you can leverage luxury momentum to drive interest and offers.

Leonia: Quiet Strength with Deep Roots

While Fort Lee gets more headlines, Leonia is just as competitive, albeit for different reasons. Buyers are drawn to its suburban charm, community vibe, and neighborhood consistency.

• Inventory is tighter here than in Fort Lee

• Updated colonials and mid-century homes are getting strong interest

• Buyers value lifestyle, walkability, and school proximity (without citing school quality)

Sellers in Leonia should lean into the lifestyle appeal. Highlight what makes your home and location feel like a long-term investment—not just a transaction.

What Buyers Need to Know Right Now

If you're buying in Fort Lee, Leonia, or anywhere in Northern Bergen, you need to be prepared. Inventory is low, prices are climbing, and the best homes are still moving quickly.

Be Ready:

• Get pre-approved before you start touring

• Know your budget and how rate changes impact your buying power

• Act fast when the right home hits the market

Also consider expanding your lens to include homes that may need light updates. Cosmetic fixer-uppers are an underrated opportunity right now.

Opportunities for Sellers: It’s About Positioning

This market favors sellers—but only if your strategy matches the moment. Buyers are more selective than ever, which means you need to:

• Price to the last best comp—not the dream number

• Pre-inspect when possible to eliminate buyer hesitation

• Stage smartly—especially in Fort Lee condos and Leonia colonials

A strong first weekend can make the difference between multiple offers and a long linger on the MLS.

For Investors & Developers: Follow the Fort Lee Pull

The investment story continues to evolve, especially near the George Washington Bridge corridor. Fort Lee’s demand continues to drive opportunity in:

• Small multifamily acquisitions (2–6 units)

• Condo conversions

• New construction of mid-sized rental buildings

The pull isn’t just price—it’s rental durability. Renters want proximity, amenities, and quality finishes. In Leonia, investors can benefit by focusing on quality unit upgrades and school-zone marketing.

Fall 2025 Outlook: Decisive Market, Selective Pressure

What’s next? Based on market behavior and data trends, I expect steady price pressure, low days on market for well-positioned listings, and continued capital interest in prime infill projects.

This is not a wait-and-see market. It’s a market for the decisive.

Your Next Move

If you’re thinking of making a move—buying, selling, or investing—now is the time to prepare. With the right strategy and guidance, you can make smart moves even in a competitive environment.

📞 Call me directly at 201-970-3960 or email [email protected]
📅 Or schedule your consultation today: tidycal.com/slselleck