How This Winter’s Cold Is Affecting Building and Development on Long Beach Island
Over the past few months, specifically these last two+ weeks, Long Beach Island has experienced an unusually long stretch of cold weather. While winter on the island is nothing new, extended periods of freezing temperatures, strong winds, and storms can have a real impact on construction and development.
Many buyers and sellers don’t always realize how closely our local real estate market is tied to weather conditions, especially when it comes to new construction and major renovations. A colder-than-normal winter doesn’t just affect the lives of those who live here full-time, it can influence inventory, timelines, and even pricing as we move into spring and summer. Curious how?
Winter Weather Slows Construction More Than You Might Think
Building on a barrier island already comes with unique challenges. Add prolonged cold weather into the mix, and many projects naturally slow down.
During extended cold spells:
Concrete and foundation work is often delayed
Framing and exterior work becomes more difficult
Bulkheads/dock work pauses
Roofing, siding, and decking may need to wait for better conditions
Crews lose productive workdays due to weather and safety concerns
When temperatures stay low for weeks at a time, these small delays start to stack up. Projects that were scheduled to move steadily through winter often end up paused or progressing much more slowly than planned.
Permits and Inspections Can Fall Behind
Cold weather does not only affect builders. It also impacts inspections and municipal scheduling.
When projects pause or fall behind:
Inspections get pushed back
Reinspections are needed
Town offices begin to see backlogs
Multiple projects get rescheduled for the same spring window
Once warmer weather arrives, many builders are trying to move forward at the same time. This creates bottlenecks that can slow progress even further.
Why Spring Inventory May Be Tighter
One of the biggest ripple effects of a long winter shows up in spring inventory.
Homes that were expected to be completed in late winter or early spring often end up finishing later than planned. As a result:
New construction may not hit the market until late spring or summer
Renovated homes take longer to list
Some sellers delay listing until projects are fully complete
This can lead to fewer options for buyers in March, April, and May than many people expect. When supply is limited, competition tends to increase, especially for well-located or move-in-ready homes. This is all too common a scenario on LBI.
Impact on Summer Rentals and Investment Properties
For rental owners and investors, winter delays can be especially important.
When renovations or improvements run behind schedule:
Some homes are not ready by early summer
Owners may miss prime rental weeks
Rental income can be reduced
Marketing timelines get compressed
On Long Beach Island, early-season availability often makes a big difference in annual rental performance. Even a few weeks of delay can affect overall returns.
Extended cold weather can also increase the risk of winter-related damage, especially in homes that are vacant for long stretches of time. Frozen pipes, heating system issues, roof leaks, and storm-related damage can sometimes go unnoticed until spring. When that happens, owners may suddenly be facing unexpected repairs at the same time many other properties are also trying to schedule work. With contractors and service providers already in high demand heading into summer, even minor damage can turn into a major delay. In some cases, this can affect when a home becomes rentable, reduce available rental weeks, or limit income for the season. Overall, this only reinforces the duty owners have towards their properties to take the proper steps and precautions to avoid winter-related issues.
What This Means for Buyers
If you are considering buying on LBI this year, understanding these timing factors is important.
A colder winter may mean:
Less early-season inventory
More competition for completed homes
Fewer “coming soon” properties in spring
Longer waits for new construction
Starting your search early and staying flexible with timelines can make a big difference in a market shaped by weather-related delays.
It’s also worth noting that most builders and contractors on Long Beach Island are very experienced when it comes to working in challenging coastal conditions. Long winters, strong winds, and unpredictable weather are part of building here, and local professionals know how to adjust schedules, plan ahead, and make up time when conditions improve. While this winter has been more intense than usual, it does not mean projects won’t get completed. In many cases, once temperatures stabilize, crews are able to move quickly and efficiently to get back on track.
What This Means for Sellers
For sellers, this environment can work in your favor.
If your home is already finished and ready to show:
You may face less competition
Buyer demand may be stronger
Spring pricing pressure can arrive sooner
Well-prepared homes tend to stand out
Being market-ready earlier than others can create a meaningful advantage.
Looking Ahead to Spring and Summer
Every year on Long Beach Island is different, but weather always plays a role in shaping our market. A long, cold winter often means that development and renovation timelines shift, and those shifts affect inventory well into the warmer months.
If you are thinking about buying, selling, building, or renovating on LBI this year, I’m always happy to talk through timing, market conditions, and what to expect based on current trends.
Feel free to reach out anytime.
Cell: 484-883-6751
Email: lgilpin@vandykgroup.com
