Washington, D.C. housing market steady as sellers keep edge

HW Data shows the Washington, D.C. housing market remains stable heading into mid-October, with modest sales volume and steady pricing. The District recorded 99 single-family home sales last week, reflecting a slower but consistent pace compared with early-year activity.

The Market Action Index stood at 35.2, indicating a mild seller’s market with demand slightly ahead of available supply. HW Data’s Market Action Index measures the balance between supply and demand, with values above 30 indicating a seller’s market.

Inventory and pricing trends

The D.C. area has 2.59 months of inventory, slightly higher than the national average and typical for fall. The median list price for absorbed homes was $825,000, with homes spending a median of 35 days on the market—faster than most regional peers. That mix of stable pricing and quick turnover indicates a local market with enough buyer interest to keep homes moving without major price swings.

New listings and price adjustments

Last week brought 74 new listings at a median price of $811,000. About 28% of active listings recorded a price decrease, well below the 43% rate in Maryland and 40% in Virginia, and trending under the national rate of price cuts. The overall median list price sits at $825,000, and the area’s median price per square foot is roughly $418. Together, those figures point to a market where pricing remains firm but buyers have room to negotiate—particularly in higher-priced neighborhoods.

Rental market insights

The rental market remains a key part of the D.C. housing picture. HW Data shows 562 rental units listed last week with a median rent of $3,025. That’s holding steady month over month, suggesting continued demand from professionals and government workers who value flexibility in a high-cost region.

What it means for housing professionals

For real estate agents, D.C.’s market conditions favor accuracy over urgency. Listings priced correctly continue to move within a month, while over-ambitious pricing leads to extended days on market. Lenders may see stable application volumes as refinancing activity remains limited but purchase demand holds among well-qualified buyers. The current mix of steady pricing and moderate inventory allows for strategic timing heading into the end of the year.

Overall, Washington, D.C. continues to show balance rather than volatility. With prices steady, inventory moderate, and homes selling quickly when priced right, the metro remains one of the nation’s most resilient housing markets this fall.

Across the U.S. housing market

Washington, D.C. remains steady in a mild seller’s market, while HW Data points to different dynamics elsewhere. Los Angeles shows softer pricing as new listings enter below current medians, and Dallas sees expanding inventory and balanced conditions.

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