Clifton Real Estate Market Report: October 2026

Median Sale Price: $612,500

Clifton's residential real estate market entered October with a median sale price of $612,500, reflecting modest year-over-year growth of 3.8% but a notable month-over-month decline of 12.4%. The shift signals a transition from the stronger activity seen in summer months toward a more measured autumn pace.

Market Overview

October brought 112 closed sales to Clifton, representing a pullback from September's activity. The average days on market (DOM) extended to 78 days, suggesting homes are taking longer to move compared to the tighter conditions of earlier in the year. Active inventory stands at 234 listings, providing buyers with meaningful selection—a departure from the constrained supply that characterized much of 2025 and early 2026.

The months of supply metric sits at 6.3, indicating a market tilting toward balance. For context, a reading between 4 and 7 months typically reflects conditions where neither buyers nor sellers hold overwhelming advantage. The sale-to-list ratio of 104.6% shows that homes are still selling slightly above asking price on average, though the premium has narrowed considerably from earlier peaks. This suggests price negotiations are becoming more common and sellers may need to price competitively to attract offers.

The year-over-year appreciation of 3.8% remains positive but modest—well below the double-digit gains seen in 2021 and 2022. This reflects a maturing market where price growth is stabilizing after several years of rapid escalation.

What This Means for Owners

If you're considering selling, October's data carries mixed signals. The good news: homes are still selling above list price, and you retain some pricing power. The challenge: extended days on market mean your home may sit longer before attracting an offer. This argues for pricing strategically at or slightly below current market value, ensuring your listing stands out in a field of 234 active properties. Homes that are overpriced relative to comparable sales risk languishing on the market, which can create buyer perception issues.

For owners not planning to sell, the modest year-over-year appreciation reflects a normalization that many economists view as healthier than the rapid gains of recent years. If you're carrying a mortgage, your home's value continues to appreciate, albeit at a measured pace.

What This Means for Buyers

October presents a more favorable environment than the spring and summer months. With 234 active listings and 78 average days on market, you have time to view properties, conduct inspections, and make informed decisions without feeling rushed. The sale-to-list ratio of 104.6% means negotiation room exists—particularly for homes priced above market or in need of updates.

The 3.8% year-over-year price growth is significant: waiting another year could mean paying 4% more for the same property. If you've been on the fence, autumn may offer a window to move before year-end, when inventory typically tightens again.

Price Tier Breakdown

Clifton's market shows distinct activity across price segments:

Price Segment	Sales	Median Price
Under $400K	9	$317,000
$400K–$700K	75	$575,000
Over $700K	28	$861,000

The $400K–$700K segment dominates, accounting for 67% of October's sales. This mid-range tier reflects Clifton's core market. The under-$400K segment remains thin at just 9 sales, indicating limited inventory at entry-level prices. The over-$700K segment, while smaller in volume, shows steady demand with 28 sales—suggesting a viable luxury market alongside mainstream activity.

Key Metrics Summary

Metric	Value
Median Sale Price	$612,500
Closed Sales	112
Active Inventory	234
Average Days on Market	78
Months of Supply	6.3
Sale-to-List Ratio	104.6%
Year-over-Year Change	+3.8%
Month-over-Month Change	-12.4%

AI-generated estimates for informational purposes only. Not appraisals.

Clifton's October market reflects a transition toward equilibrium after a period of seller advantage. Inventory is rising, time on market is extending, and price growth is moderating—all signs of a market finding its footing after years of rapid appreciation. For both buyers and sellers, the current environment rewards preparation, realistic pricing, and decisive action.

Data sourced from NJMLS and GSMLS via Garden State AI.