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Washington DC Housing Market

By Melina Duggal

Washington DC housing market shows improvement

Buyer activity is picking up this spring despite job losses in the region, as seasonal demand and rising inventory begin to rebalance market conditions.

Demand stabilizes in Washington DC despite labor market weakness, led by single-family homes

Home sales in the Washington, D.C. region totaled 5,872 in April, rising 2.5% year over year, a modest increase following the 5.9% decline recorded last April. This shift points to stabilization rather than strong growth, particularly as the region has experienced considerable job losses over the past year. Even so, housing demand has remained relatively resilient, supported by seasonal buying patterns and the region’s high-income household base.

As buyers adjust to current mortgage rates and pricing, activity has begun to normalize. Gains were strongest in the single-family segment, with sales rising 3.9% to 3,133, while townhome sales increased 1.2% to 1,666 and condo sales edged up 0.8% to 1,073. A decline in average mortgage rates compared to the same time last year and continued income growth boosted affordability in the region, even as prices and taxes continued to drag it lower.

Washington DC inventory expands rapidly, especially in the condo segment

Active listings in Washington, D.C. rose 21.9% year over year to 20,483, an increase of nearly 3,700 homes and one of the fastest growth rates among major U.S. markets. Condo inventory jumped 31.7%, while single-family listings rose 17.0% and townhomes increased 22.3%.

This increase reflects more homes being listed, not a drop in demand, despite economic uncertainty in the market. Even with this growth, supply remains 18.6% below pre-pandemic levels, keeping overall conditions tighter than historical norms. Homes are still selling relatively quickly, averaging 41 days on market, faster than the 60 days nationally, underscoring that demand has softened less than the labor data alone might suggest.

Price growth moderates as market rebalances across property types

Price appreciation has slowed as supply improves and buyers gain leverage. The median sale price rose 0.8% year over year to $605,000, below the national pace. Trends varied by property type, reflecting differences in buyer demand.

Single-family home prices declined by 0.7% to $740,000, suggesting buyer hesitance at higher price points, while condo prices were flat at $375,000. Townhomes posted the strongest growth, rising 1.8% to $560,000, as buyers continue to gravitate toward relatively more attainable options. The market is transitioning to a more balanced phase, where rising inventory is tempering price growth but not triggering broad-based declines.


Dashboard showing highlights from the Washington, D.C. market for the month of April 2026.
Washington, D.C. had an average sale price of $605,000 in April 2026.


Washington DC Sale Prices

The median home sale price in Washington, D.C. increased by 0.8% in April compared to the same time last year, while the national median price rose by 1.7%.

Washington DC ranks 19th for annual median price change among the top 40 US markets

Washington, D.C. median home prices rose by $5,000 year over year on a nominal basis in April to $605,000. Meanwhile, the national median home price increased by $6,500 to $390,000.

Washington DC's median home price is above the nation's

The D.C. region was the eighth highest-priced housing market among the top 40 largest markets last month. The Washington area median home price of $605,000 was 55.1% above the national median home price. Washington's median home price in April compares to the market's peak of $610,000 recorded in June of 2025.

Washington DC single-family prices decrease

The median price of Washington, D.C. single-family homes fell $5,000 over the past year to $740,000, while the median townhome price grew 1.8%, and the median condo price did not change.


Dashboard shows Washington, D.C. prices at $605,000, rising 0.8%, trailing U.S. growth and ranking mid-tier nationally.
Washington, D.C. sale prices reached $605,000, rising 0.8% annually with a $5,000 increase, but lagged the 1.7% increase nationally, ranking 19th for growth among tracked markets.


Bar chart shows Washington, D.C. home prices rising since 2018, reaching about $605,000 with recent stabilization near prior highs.
Sale prices in Washington, D.C. rose steadily over the cycle, reaching approximately $605,000 in April.


Area chart shows Washington, D.C. price growth swings, with recent low single-digit gains after earlier double-digit increases.
Annual price growth exhibited cyclical volatility, with recent performance settling into low, single-digit gains after prior double-digit increases.


Column chart shows Washington, D.C. April price growth slowing to 0.8% after earlier peaks above 12%.
Price growth moderated to 0.8% in the latest April reading, following stronger gains earlier in the cycle, including peaks exceeding 12%.


Horizontal bar chart compares metro prices; Washington, D.C. at $605,000 ranked among higher-cost U.S. housing markets.
At $605,000, Washington, D.C. ranked among the more expensive U.S. housing markets, trailing coastal leaders like San Francisco at $1.7 million, but exceeding many large Sun Belt metros.


Bar chart shows metro price growth; Washington, D.C. increased 0.8%, placing near the middle among U.S. markets.
Washington, D.C. posted a modest 0.8% year-over-year price increase, underperforming stronger-growth markets and ranking in the middle of metros for price appreciation.


Indicator chart shows Washington, D.C. prices by type, with townhomes rising and single-family homes and condos showing limited movement.
Price trends varied by product type, with townhomes posting gains of $10,000, while single-family prices declined by $5,000 and condo prices remained unchanged.


Bar charts show Washington, D.C. prices by type, with single-family homes at $740,000, townhomes up 1.8%, and condos flat.
Single-family homes remained the highest-priced segment at $740,000 despite a slight annual decline (0.7%), while townhomes rose 1.8% to $560,000 and condos held flat at $375,000.


Washington DC Inventory

The number of active listings in the Washington region increased by 21.9% in April compared to the same time last year, while national active listings rose by 6.3%.

Washington DC's inventory of homes for sale increases

Washington, D.C. active listings rose by 3,684 year over year in April to 20,483 active listings. The Washington area ranked third, on a percentage basis, for the annual change in the number of homes for sale among the top 40 U.S. markets in April.

Washington DC active listings are below their pre-pandemic levels

Washington, D.C. active listings were below their pre-pandemic levels in the month of April. Washington region active listings were 18.6% below the April 2019 total of 25,164.

Washington DC single-family inventory grows

Washington D.C. single-family active listings grew by 17.0% to 9,823 in April. In comparison, townhome active listings rose by 22.3% to 5,287, and condo active listings increased by 31.7% to 5,373.


Dashboard shows Washington, D.C. listings at 20,483, up 21.9%, ranking eighth by volume and third in growth nationally.
Washington, D.C. recorded 20,483 active listings in April, up 21.9% year over year (up 3,684), ranking eighth nationally by volume and third in both growth rate and absolute gains. Both were well above U.S. trends.


Bar chart of Washington, D.C. active listings from 2018–2026 shows decline followed by recent recovery in inventory levels.
Active listings trended upward in the most recent period, recovering toward prior-cycle levels after several years of constrained supply.


Area chart shows Washington, D.C. listing growth trends, shifting from negative territory to sustained positive increases.
Annual active listing growth remained positive, with recent gains indicating a steady rebuilding of inventory.


Bar chart shows Washington, D.C. April listing changes since 2018, with recent strong rebound to 21.9% growth.
Active listings growth reached 21.9% in the latest April reading, marking a sharp rebound from prior declines and reflecting a sustained inventory recovery.


Horizontal bar chart shows active listings by metro; Washington, D.C. recorded 20,483, ranking among top U.S. markets.
With 20,483 active listings, Washington, D.C. ranked eighth among major metros, trailing large Sun Belt markets like Houston (42,808) and Dallas-Fort Worth (38,838) but remaining ahead of many peer markets.


Bar chart compares listing growth; Washington, D.C. rose 21.9%, far exceeding the U.S. pace and ranking third among large metros.
Active listings in Washington, D.C. increased 21.9% year over year, significantly outpacing the 6.3% gain nationally and ranking among the fastest-growing large markets.


Indicator chart shows Washington, D.C. listings by type, single-family had the largest absolute growth, and condos contributed the strongest percent growth.
Single-family homes remained the largest inventory segment at 9,823 listings. That is a 1,426 increase from a year ago. Condo listings increased by 1,294, which also drove a substantial share of the overall inventory increase.


Bar charts show listings by type in Washington, D.C., with condos growing fastest at 31.7%, followed by townhomes and single-family.
Condos posted the strongest growth at 31.7%, followed by townhomes at 22.3% and single-family homes at 17%, signaling broad inventory expansion across all property types.


Washington DC Home Sales

The number of home sales in Washington, D.C. increased by 2.5% in April compared to the same time last year, while national home sales rose by 0.6%.

Washington DC home sales increase

Washington, D.C. home sales increased by 145 year over year on a nominal basis in April to 5,872. For context, 5,727 sales closed in Washington, D.C. in April 2025.

Washington DC's annual home sales activity change ranks 11th nationally

The Washington area ranked 11th 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 increase of 2.5% compares with the 5.9% year-over-year decrease in April 2025.

Single-family sales in Washington DC are higher than a year ago

Washington, D.C. single-family sales increased by 3.9% in April to 3,133. In comparison, townhome sales rose by 1.2% to 1,666, and condo sales rose by 0.8% to 1,073.


Dashboard and bar chart showing Washington, D.C. home sales at 5,872, up 2.5% annually, ranking sixth nationally.
Home sales in Washington, D.C. totaled 5,872, reflecting a 2.5% annual increase and ranking sixth nationally by volume and growth, while the broader U.S. posted a more modest 0.6% gain.


Bar chart of Washington, D.C. home sales from 2018–2026, showing decline from peak and recent stabilization.
Home sales in Washington, D.C. remained below prior-cycle peaks but showed stabilization in the most recent year, with activity holding near 5,872 sales after earlier declines.


Line chart of annual home sales change in Washington, D.C. shows swings with recent modest positive growth.
Annual home sales growth in Washington, D.C. can be volatile, but recent readings indicated a return to low, single-digit positive growth following prior contraction.


Bar chart shows Washington, D.C. April home sales growth volatility, with recent gain of 2.5% after prior sharp declines.
Year-over-year volatility moderated, with April sales growth returning to a modest 2.5% increase following sharp swings, including declines exceeding 30% earlier in the cycle.


Horizontal bar chart ranks metro home sales; Washington, D.C. recorded 5,872, placing among top-tier U.S. markets.
With 5,872 home sales, Washington, D.C. ranked in the top half of metros, trailing major markets such as Chicago (8,816) and Dallas-Fort Worth (8,370) but outperforming many mid-sized markets.


Horizontal bar chart comparing April home sales growth across metros; Washington, D.C. rose 2.5%, above U.S. average of 0.6%.
Washington, D.C. posted a 2.5% year-over-year increase in April home sales, ranking in the top half among major metros and outperforming the 0.6% national average.


Indicator chart shows Washington, D.C. home sales by type, with detached homes leading both growth and absolute gains.
Single-family homes drove growth with 117 additional sales, for a 3.9% increase. Townhomes had 10 additional sales, or a 1.2% increase and condos had nine additional sales, a 0.8% gain.


Bar charts show Washington, D.C. home sales by type, with single-family homes leading volume and growth at 3.9%.
Single-family homes led the market with 3,133 sales and 3.9% annual growth, outperforming townhome sales, which increased 1.2% and condos, which grew by 0.8%. This indicated stronger demand for single-family product.


For questions and commentary about this report:

Melina Duggal, Senior Director of Market Analytics at CoStar and Homes.com, based in Washington, D.C., is available for interviews to provide expert insights on this data and the broader residential real estate market.

Melina Duggal

Senior Director Market Analytics

Homes.com

mduggal@costar.com

Homes.com releases preliminary figures on housing trends on a monthly basis. Although these numbers may change slightly once all transactions are accounted for, they provide an early indication of home price appreciation, inventory changes, and sales volume in Washington, D.C. 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
Melina Duggal

Melina Duggal, AICP, is the Senior Director of Market Analytics at CoStar and Homes.com, where she delivers insights on commercial and residential real estate across the Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Norfolk regions. With more than 25 years of experience in real estate consulting and analytics, Melina brings deep expertise in market fundamentals, development feasibility, and regional dynamics. She founded and led Duggal Real Estate Advisors and earlier advised public‑ and private‑sector real estate clients at RCLCO. She has taught real estate at the University of Michigan, the University of Maryland, and George Mason University. Melina is a frequent speaker, including for the Urban Land Institute, Commercial Real Estate Women Network (CREW), the National Association of Home Builders, and the American Planning Association. She has published numerous articles and is a contributing author for real estate books. She has been quoted in The New York Times, Urban Land, and The Wall Street Journal. She holds a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan.

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