Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity is inviting New Jersey residents to apply for two newly constructed, affordable single-family homes in the White Meadow Lake section of Rockaway Township, Morris County. This opportunity represents a rare chance for low- and moderate-income families to secure modern, energy-efficient housing in a highly desirable area of northern New Jersey.

The homes, designed with contemporary family living in mind, will feature two stories, offering three or four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a private garage. Both residences will carry ENERGY STAR certification, ensuring energy efficiency and reduced utility costs for future homeowners. The thoughtfully planned layouts are ideal for families seeking comfort, functionality, and long-term affordability in one of New Jersey’s sought-after communities.

Sale prices are structured to accommodate qualifying applicants, with homes available between $195,000 for low-income families and $225,000 for moderate-income families. To be eligible, applicants must meet income requirements based on household size. For instance, families meeting the low-income threshold will generally need a minimum annual income of around $50,000, while moderate-income households will need approximately $80,000.

Prospective homeowners must attend a mandatory information session, available either virtually or in person, before submitting an application. These sessions provide essential details about the homeownership process, eligibility, and financial counseling, helping applicants understand the responsibilities and benefits of Habitat’s program. All completed applications must be submitted by Friday, October 31, 2025, at 5 p.m.

This initiative is part of Habitat for Humanity’s broader mission to provide safe, affordable housing options to New Jersey families. Local Habitat affiliates tailor programs to meet regional needs, so requirements and home availability vary across the state. For example, Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity recently accepted pre-applications for two duplex units in Whitehouse Station, holding a drawing on September 22, while Habitat for Humanity Salem County concluded applications on September 12, 2025.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity website to register for information sessions and review full eligibility guidelines. This program continues to demonstrate Habitat’s commitment to strengthening communities and supporting New Jersey families in achieving sustainable homeownership.

With limited homes available and a growing demand for affordable housing, this Rockaway Township opportunity is one that prospective homeowners should explore promptly. Families can take advantage of modern, cost-efficient homes while becoming part of a community-focused initiative designed to enhance quality of life across the region.

For more details on affordable housing programs and upcoming applications in New Jersey, visit Explore New Jersey’s real estate section.

While U.S. existing home sales saw a slight decline in August 2025, the New Jersey real estate market continues to demonstrate stability and resilience. Nationally, sales of previously owned homes dipped 0.2% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.0 million units, reflecting ongoing affordability challenges as home prices remain elevated and mortgage rates, though declining, continue to weigh on buyers.

In contrast, New Jersey’s housing sector paints a more balanced picture. The Garden State saw a modest month-over-month sales decline of 1.5% in July 2025, smaller than the national dip of 2.7% in August. Median home prices in New Jersey rose 4.7% year-over-year, outpacing the national median increase of 2.0%. The state also experienced a rise in inventory, with available listings increasing by 12.7%, in line with broader trends across the country.

Single-family homes in New Jersey continue to attract buyers despite slightly slower sales. Year-over-year, transactions fell 3.4%, yet median prices jumped 5.8% to $625,000. Homes remained on the market for an average of 30 days, indicating that well-priced properties continue to move relatively quickly. Townhouse and condominium sales showed more robust activity, rising 3.0% year-over-year, with median prices increasing 3.5% to $430,000. However, these properties spent longer on the market, averaging 44 days, and received slightly lower percentages of their list price at 100.7%. Communities geared toward adult buyers saw steady performance, with sales increasing 0.9% and median prices climbing 4.2% to $375,000, while days on market held at 38.

Data from August 2025 further highlights the state’s dynamic real estate environment. Active listings totaled 17,626 homes, marking an 18.2% increase compared to last year, and 8,680 new listings entered the market. The median list price stood at $559,900, reflecting a 4.3% year-over-year decline, while 20.3% of properties saw price reductions, particularly in South and West Jersey. Homes spent an average of 40 days on the market, suggesting a trend toward a more balanced market where buyers and sellers can negotiate more effectively.

Mortgage rates remain a central factor influencing market activity. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage recently dropped to 6.26%, the lowest since last fall, yet they remain higher than rates immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic. This mix of fluctuating borrowing costs and gradually increasing inventory has created opportunities for buyers who can navigate the state’s competitive housing landscape.

Looking ahead, experts anticipate that New Jersey home prices will remain relatively stable, with modest increases expected in the near term. While mortgage rates may oscillate between highs near 7% and lows below 6%, the state’s diverse housing market—ranging from urban condos and townhouses to suburban single-family homes—provides options for a wide array of buyers.

Whether you’re actively searching for a new home or monitoring market trends, New Jersey’s real estate scene continues to offer a stable yet dynamic environment that stands out from broader national trends.

Jersey City continues to see remarkable growth in its housing market, and one of the most striking additions this year is Parlour Place, a residential community that merges history with contemporary living. Located at 857 Bergen Avenue, this development bridges the neighborhoods of Journal Square and McGinley Square, offering renters an opportunity to live in a property where 19th-century craftsmanship meets 21st-century convenience.

The name “Parlour Place” pays homage to a beloved ice cream parlor that once operated on the site, a nod to neighborhood history that carries through the design. The building incorporates portions of an original 1880s structure, with historic details like exposed brick, carved woodwork, and stained-glass elements painstakingly restored. These touches give the property a distinctive character that sets it apart from other new residential projects in Jersey City.

During construction, hidden architectural gems were uncovered and preserved, including a three-course brick arch spanning the building’s width and handmade stained-glass sashes. Even smaller details, like marble tabletops from the former ice cream parlor, have been repurposed into communal furniture, and cast iron posts discovered in the walls were cleaned, painted, and placed prominently on the façade. Every feature tells a story, making the building itself part of Jersey City’s living history.

The lobby brings the elegance of the Gilded Age into the present, featuring a coffered ceiling, brass lighting, and a spacious lounge area designed for both relaxation and social gatherings. On the ground floor, Jersey Pizza Shop has already become a neighborhood staple, drawing residents and locals alike with pies made from small-batch ingredients and Italian imports. Its neon signage recalls the theater marquees that once lit up the Journal Square area, weaving another thread of nostalgia into the property’s identity.

Architecturally, Parlour Place balances past and present with a thoughtful expansion that extends the building north along Bergen Avenue. The original red-brick façade contrasts with the ash-gray exterior of the addition, creating a dialogue between historic preservation and modern minimalism. The design choice highlights the project’s philosophy: honoring the past while embracing the needs of today’s renters.

Amenities reflect what modern tenants expect from luxury living in Jersey City. Residents enjoy keyless entry, secure package lockers, on-site laundry, and ample bicycle storage. For wellness and work, there is a state-of-the-art fitness center, co-working spaces, and a conference room featuring limewashed walls and abundant natural light. A landscaped rooftop deck offers sweeping views of Journal, Bergen, and McGinley Squares, with lounge chairs, garden areas, and café-style seating for residents looking to unwind above the city.

Apartments range from studios to three-bedroom units, with select residences featuring dens, patios, and two penthouses that boast private terraces. Interiors are designed to blend modern finishes with subtle nods to the building’s historic origins. Open layouts, contemporary kitchens, and carefully chosen details make each unit feel connected to the overall design story. Studios have been in especially high demand, with the property already surpassing 60 percent leased since its opening.

To attract new tenants, Parlour Place is offering leasing incentives that include one month of free rent on 18-month leases and two months free on 24-month leases. With its prime location, abundant amenities, and unique architectural character, the property has quickly become a standout option for renters seeking something beyond the standard apartment experience.

Parlour Place is a creation of Stonebridge Capital, with Sabia Construction overseeing the build and Rebeca-Rebeca Studio providing design that seamlessly integrates nostalgia with modern living. The result is a property that enriches Jersey City’s housing landscape and sets a new benchmark for adaptive reuse projects.

For those interested in learning more about residential opportunities and the latest developments across the Garden State, explore New Jersey real estate to see how communities like Parlour Place are redefining urban living.