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Philadelphia Housing Market

Philadelphia’s spring homebuying season is off to a slow start, but early signs of a shift are emerging

Home sales in Philadelphia slowed more sharply than in any other major U.S. market in April. At the same time, a surge in for-sale listings has expanded buyers’ options, prompting many sellers to trim sale prices—conditions that may fuel more buying activity in the months ahead.

Philadelphia’s home sales retreat, but pockets of demand exist

Philadelphia ranked eighth among the 40 largest U.S. markets in total home sales in April, yet cooled more than other large markets. April’s weaker sales performance prolonged a cautious trend that has defined 2026 so far. In April, mortgage rates rebounded while inflation in Philadelphia outpaced the nation’s, weighing on buyer activity.

Not all segments of the market are feeling the pressure equally, however. The high-end condo market bucked the broader trend, with buying momentum rising. Demand re-emerged in April in Center City’s most prestigious condo buildings even as the broader market cooled.

Sellers still hold the edge despite a wave of active listings hitting the local market

Philadelphia’s active inventory surged 18.4% year over year in April—roughly three times the national pace. Buyers had more options than in any April since 2021, which could support stronger home sales in the months ahead.

Even so, inventory remains deeply constrained, sitting 42% below April 2019 levels. While months of supply improved to 3.5 from a very tight 3.0 last April, it still falls short of a balanced market. While sellers retain the upper hand, buyers are gradually gaining leverage as the volume of sale listings increases and price growth moderates.

Sale price growth slows as sellers adjust to the softened market 

The median home sale price rose 1.3% year over year, a deceleration from the stronger gains recorded in recent years. With sales retreating in April, sellers may face pressure to trim further asking prices to move inventory.

Price trends follow recent population migration patterns. Philadelphia’s western suburbs and Southern New Jersey captured the largest share of new residents in recent years, and single-family homes in those areas have consistently posted the strongest price gains. Western suburban neighborhoods—including Lower Merion, Newtown Township, Conshohocken, and Havertown—have led appreciation by dollar value, while Haddonfield, Moorestown, and Lumberton have ranked among the top performers on the South Jersey side.


Summary chart showing Philadelphia home sales at 4,600 in April 2026, down 8.2%, lagging national performance and ranking at the bottom of major markets.
Philadelphia recorded 4,600 home sales in April 2026, down 8.2% compared to last April, underperforming the national increase of 0.6% and ranking 40th in sales momentum among major markets.


Philadelphia Sale Prices

The median home sale price in Philadelphia increased by 1.3% compared to the same time last year, while the national median price rose by 1.7%.

Philadelphia ranks 17th for annual median price change among the top 40 US markets

Philadelphia median home prices rose by $5,000 year over year on a nominal basis in April to $390,000. Meanwhile, the national median home price increased by $6,500, to $390,000.

Philadelphia's median home price matches the national value

Philadelphia was the 27th highest-priced housing market among the 40 largest markets last month. The Philadelphia median home price was equal to the national median home price. Philadelphia's median home price in April compares to the market's peak of $410,000 recorded in July of 2025.

Philadelphia single-family prices increase

The median price of Philadelphia single-family homes rose $25,000 over the past year to $495,000, while the median townhome price grew 6.0%, and the median condo price did not change.


A dashboard highlighting key metrics for Philadelphia's home sales price trends for the month of April.
Philadelphia recorded a modest 1.2% increase in the median sale price for April, slightly behind the nation's 1.7% pace.


Monthly bar chart of Philadelphia home sales through April 2026, showing monthly improvement but not annual.
Home sales totaled roughly 4,600 in April 2026, which was a month improvement but still below the buyer activity seen last April.


Area time series chart showing Philadelphia home sales growth at negative 8.2% in April 2026 following earlier fluctuations.
Home sales declined 8.2% in April 2026 compared to last year, reflecting continued softness after a period of volatility in prior years.


Bar chart showing April sale price changes through 2026, with Philadelphia posting a 1.3% increase in the latest period.
Sale prices increased only 1.3% in April compared to the past two years, which saw significantly stronger price gains.


Bar chart ranking April home prices, showing Philadelphia at $390,000 and positioned in the middle of major United States markets.
At $390,000 in April, Philadelphia ranked middle of the -pack among top U.S. markets, far below the major metros but near similarly sized Midwest and Northeast peers.


Horizontal bar chart ranking April home price growth, showing Philadelphia at 1.3% and trailing faster-growing markets.
With a 1.3% sale price growth in April, Philadelphia ranked in the middle tier as several markets recorded stronger gains above 5%.


Key metrics highlights showing April 2026 Philadelphia home prices by type, with the strongest growth in townhomes and flat condo price change.
Single-family prices reached $495,000 and rose 5.3% in April; townhome prices increased 6.0% to $318,000, while condo prices held flat at $295,000.


Side-by-side horizontal bar charts showing April 2026 Philadelphia home prices and growth by type, with townhomes leading and condos flat.
Townhomes led April price growth at 6%, followed by single-family at 5.3%, while condo pricing remained unchanged, highlighting uneven appreciation across segments.


Philadelphia Inventory

The number of active listings in Philadelphia increased by 18.4% in April compared to the same time last year, while national active listings rose by 6.3%.

Philadelphia's inventory of homes for sale increases

Philadelphia active listings rose by 2,694 year over year in April to 17,337 active listings. Philadelphia ranked fifth, on a percentage basis, for the annual change in the number of homes for sale among the top 40 U.S. markets in April.

Philadelphia active listings are below their pre-pandemic levels

Philadelphia active listings were below their pre-pandemic levels in the month of April. Philadelphia active listings were 41.6% below the April 2019 total of 29,667.

Philadelphia single-family inventory grows

Philadelphia single-family active listings grew by 15.1% to 7,205 in April. In comparison, townhome active listings rose by 21.7% to 8,447 in April, and condo active listings increased by 16.9% to 1,685.


Summary chart highlights key metrics for Philadelphia active listings: 17,337, up 18.4%, outpacing national supply growth and ranking near the top.
Philadelphia recorded 17,337 active listings in April, up 18.4% compared to last year, significantly outpacing the national increase of 6.3% and ranking fifth in growth among major markets.


Monthly bar chart of Philadelphia active listings since 2018, showing long-term decline followed by recent recovery in available inventory.
Active listings remained well below pre-2020 levels but increased meaningfully in April.


Time series chart showing Philadelphia active listings growth turning positive after prior declines, with recent increases reaching double digits.
After deep inventory declines from 2020 to 2023, active listings shifted positively, with double-digit gains emerging in April.


Bar chart of April active listings changes since 2018, highlighting Philadelphia’s recent 18.4% increase after several years of declines.
Active listings rose 18.4% year over year in April, marking a sharp acceleration from prior years and signaling a meaningful return of inventory to the market.


Bar chart ranking metro active listings, with Philadelphia at 17,337, positioned mid-tier among major United States housing markets.
With 17,337 active listings in April, Philadelphia ranked in the middle of major markets, trailing larger Sun Belt metros but comparable to several Northeast peers.


Horizontal bar chart ranking active listings growth, showing Philadelphia up 18.4%, among the top-performing major metro housing markets.
Philadelphia posted 18.4% year-over-year growth in active listings, ranking ahead of most markets and signaling one of the strongest inventory recoveries nationwide.


Dashboard chart of Philadelphia active listings by property type, showing strong growth across townhomes, single-family, and condo inventory.
Townhome listings led with 8,447 units, up 21.7% from last April, followed by single-family at 7,205 and condos at 1,685, with all segments posting strong gains.


Side-by-side bar charts showing Philadelphia active listings and growth by type, with all segments increasing and townhomes units leading gains.
Townhomes inventory saw the fastest growth at 21.7%, while condos increased 16.9% and single-family homes rose 15.1%, reflecting broad-based gains across all property types.


Philadelphia Home Sales

The number of home sales in Philadelphia decreased by 8.2% in April compared to the same time last year, while national home sales rose by 0.6%.

Philadelphia home sales decrease

Philadelphia home sales declined by 410 year over year on a nominal basis in April to 4,600. For context, 5,010 sales closed in Philadelphia in April 2025.

Philadelphia's annual home sales activity change ranks 40th nationally

Philadelphia ranked 40th for the annual change in home sales out of the top 40 U.S. markets in April on a percentage basis. This year's April decrease of 8.2% compares to the 0.9% year over year decrease in April 2025.

Single-family sales in Philadelphia are lower than a year ago

Philadelphia single-family sales decreased by 11.8% in April to 2,219. In comparison, townhome sales fell by 6.1% to 1,979, and condo sales rose by 4.4% to 402.


Summary chart showing Philadelphia home sales at 4,600 in April 2026, down 8.2%, lagging national performance and ranking at the bottom of major markets.
Philadelphia recorded 4,600 home sales in April 2026, down 8.2% compared to last April, underperforming the national increase of 0.6% and ranking 40th in sales momentum among major markets.


Monthly bar chart of Philadelphia home sales through April 2026, showing monthly improvement but not annual.
Home sales totaled roughly 4,600 in April 2026, which was a month improvement but still below the buyer activity seen last April.


Area time series chart showing Philadelphia home sales growth at negative 8.2% in April 2026 following earlier fluctuations.
Home sales declined 8.2% in April 2026 compared to last year, reflecting continued softness after a period of volatility in prior years.


Bar chart showing April home sales changes through 2026, with Philadelphia posting an 8.2% decline in the latest period.
In April 2026, home sales fell 8.2% from the previous April, highlighting a slowdown in transaction activity.


Bar chart ranking April home sales volume since 2018, showing Philadelphia at 4,600 home sales in April 2026 and positioned mid-tier among major markets.
With 4,600 home sales in April 2026, Philadelphia ranked in the middle of major markets, trailing higher-volume metros but remaining ahead of several smaller peers.


Horizontal bar chart ranking April 2026 home sales growth, with Philadelphia down 8.2% and among the weakest performers.
Philadelphia posted an 8.2% decline in April 2026 home sales, last among the 40 top markets.


A dashboard highlighting key metrics, showing April 2026 Philadelphia home sales by type, with townhomes and single-family homes declining and condos increasing.
Townhome sales totaled 2,219 and fell 11.8% in April 2026, while single-family sales declined 6.1% to 1,979; condos were the only segment to increase, rising 4.4%.


Side-by-side bar charts showing April 2026 Philadelphia home sales and growth by type, with condos rising and townhomes declining the most.
Townhomes led volume but posted the steepest decline at 11.8% in April 2026, while condos increased 4.4%.


For questions and commentary about this report:

Brenda Nguyen, Director of Market Analytics at CoStar and Homes.com, based in Philadelphia, is available for interviews to provide expert insights on this data and the broader residential real estate market.

Brenda Nguyen

Director of Market Analytics

Homes.com

bnguyen@costar.com

Homes.com releases preliminary figures on housing trends on a monthly basis. Although these numbers may change slightly once all home sales are accounted for, they provide an early indication of home price appreciation, inventory changes and sales volume in Philadelphia during April 2026.

For most markets, geographical coverage consists of the Census-defined Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA). Data for San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York is at the Metropolitan Division level.

Definition of Sale Prices

Median home price is the midpoint sale price of homes closed during each month. This data includes homes that are detached, attached, and condominiums. Detached homes are single-family units. Attached homes are townhomes, rowhouses, and duplexes. The condominium classification includes co-ops.

Definition of Inventory

Inventory is the number of unique active listings that were for sale during each month. This data includes homes that are detached, attached, and condominiums. Detached homes are single-family units. Attached homes are townhomes, rowhouses, and duplexes. The condominium classification includes co-ops.

Definition of Home Sales

The total number of closed home sales on the MLS during the month. This data includes homes that are detached, attached, and condominiums. Detached homes are single-family units. Attached homes are townhomes, rowhouses, and duplexes. The condominium classification includes co-ops.

About the Homes.com Market Analytics Team

The Homes.com Market Analytics group is a team of experienced analysts embedded in nearly 30 markets across North America. These experts reside in and regularly visit the markets they cover, providing local expertise and a national perspective on all sectors of real estate: residential, office, industrial, retail, and multifamily.

About Homes.com Analytics Data

The Homes.com analytic data is compiled by the CoStar Analytics team, the largest and most experienced analytics team in the real estate industry. The team consists of over 50 economists, analysts, and data scientists, who collectively have more than 900 years of real estate experience and over 30 advanced degrees. Analysts on the team live in and around the markets they cover, enabling them to build deep local knowledge and unique insights.

The data set being used by the team is one of the most comprehensive and robust in the industry. It spans all 393 metropolitan markets, 542 micropolitan markets, and over 35,000 local neighborhoods in the U.S. The data set is sourced from almost 500 Multiple Listing Service (MLS) providers around the country, as well as public record data from each market, and is supplemented by proprietary data collected by CoStar's team of over 2,000 researchers. It includes a complete inventory of all homes in the U.S., including homes for sale, homes for rent, new construction homes, as well as sale comps and rent comps.

Writer
Brenda Nguyen

Brenda Nguyen serves as Director of Market Analytics for CoStar and Homes.com. She has over a decade of experience in real estate analysis, economic development, and brokerage, providing data-driven local insights into multifamily, office, industrial, retail, and residential markets. On the residential side, she provides analysis of home prices, inventory levels, and rental conditions.

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