Washington, D.C. Metro Housing Market Report – January 2026

by Danielle Odagbodo

Housing Market Trends

Closed sales down sharply in January though buyers may be reemerging. The Washington, D.C. area housing market started 2026 with fewer sales but higher prices. Closed sales fell 10.3% year-over-year in January, with declines across property types and in most local markets. New pending contracts edged up 1.9% from a year ago, which could be an early sign that demand is returning as mortgage rates ease from their 2025 peaks.

Buyers do have more choices than they did a year ago, with active listings up 18.0% compared to January 2025. The number of new listings coming onto the market in January was down, however, as some sellers continue to hold back waiting for warmer weather or clearer signals from the housing market.

The median price rose 4.8% year-over-year to $585,000, though there was a lot of variation across local markets. Prices of detached homes rose while townhome prices were flat and condo prices fell year-over-year, pointing to softer conditions at the more affordable end of the market.

Market Outlook

The spring 2026 housing market in the Washington, D.C. region is likely to be more active, as mortgage rates come down and inventory improves. However, ongoing economic uncertainty could make both buyers and sellers more cautious. As a result, prices are likely to be softer in the D.C. region than in most other MidAtlantic housing markets.

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