Maryland Homes
Maryland Housing Market Update: September 2026 — Home Prices Rise as Inventory Grows
| *October 2026 | Maryland Real Estate Market Update* |
Maryland’s housing market is showing some interesting changes as we head into the final months of 2026. Home prices continue to rise, but buyers are seeing more available properties, and homes are spending slightly longer on the market.
According to the September 2026 Housing Statistics Report from Maryland REALTORS®, the market is experiencing fewer completed sales, increasing inventory, and modest price growth compared with September 2025.
What does this mean for Maryland homeowners, buyers, and sellers? Let’s take a closer look.
Maryland Housing Market at a Glance: September 2026
Here are the key statewide housing statistics:
| Housing Indicator | September 2026 | Change from September 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Homes Sold | 5,169 | -7.8% |
| Average Sales Price | $513,887 | +2.3% |
| Median Sales Price | $432,000 | +0.5% |
| Pending Sales | 5,106 | -16.5% |
| Active Listings | 18,748 | +21.3% |
| New Listings | 6,961 | +0.8% |
| Months of Inventory | 3.5 | Up from 2.8 |
| Median Days on Market | 20 days | Up from 17 |
| Property Showings | 96,752 | -12.1% |
Source: Maryland REALTORS®, September 2026 Housing Statistics. Percentage changes not explicitly shown in the report are calculated from its published figures.
View the original report: Maryland REALTORS® — September 2026 Housing Market Infographic
1. Maryland Home Prices Continue to Rise
Despite fewer home sales, statewide sales prices remain relatively resilient.
The average home sales price increased from $502,119 in September 2025 to $513,887 in September 2026, representing a 2.3% increase.
Meanwhile, the median sales price rose slightly from $430,000 to $432,000.
The difference between these two measures is important. The average price can be influenced by higher-priced home transactions, while the median reflects the middle price of homes sold.
The modest increase in median prices suggests relatively stable statewide sales prices, even as the pace of transactions slows. These figures describe the homes that sold; they do not measure the change in value of every Maryland home.
What this means: Homeowners may be encouraged by continued price stability, while buyers should not necessarily expect dramatic price reductions simply because sales activity has slowed.
2. Home Sales Decline by 7.8%
Maryland recorded 5,169 completed home sales in September 2026, compared with 5,605 during the same month last year.
That’s a 7.8% decrease in sales activity.
Pending sales also declined, falling from 6,114 to 5,106.
These figures indicate that fewer homes are moving through the sales process compared with last year.
Several factors could be influencing buyer activity, including affordability challenges, mortgage financing costs, and uncertainty about future housing market conditions.
However, the report itself does not establish which factors caused the decline.
3. Housing Inventory Increases Significantly
One of the most notable developments in Maryland’s September housing report is the increase in available homes.
Active inventory reached 18,748 properties, compared with 15,454 in September 2025.
That’s an increase of approximately 21.3%.
Months of inventory also increased from 2.8 to 3.5 months.
Months of inventory estimates how long it would take to sell the current supply of homes at the prevailing sales pace, assuming no additional homes were listed.
More inventory generally gives buyers additional choices and can reduce some of the competitive pressure associated with limited housing supply.
However, 3.5 months of inventory does not automatically mean Maryland has become a buyer’s market. Conditions vary considerably by county, price range, and property type.
4. Homes Are Taking Slightly Longer to Sell
The median time a home spent on the market increased from 17 days in September 2025 to 20 days in September 2026.
Although this represents only three additional days, it suggests that buyers may have a little more time to evaluate properties before making an offer.
For sellers, this reinforces the importance of realistic pricing, strong presentation, and an effective marketing strategy.
Homes that are well-maintained, competitively priced, and properly marketed may still attract serious buyers.
5. What Does This Mean for Maryland Homebuyers?
If you’re considering purchasing a home in Maryland, the latest statistics offer some encouraging signs.
With more homes available and slightly longer marketing times, buyers may find more opportunities to compare properties and negotiate terms.
However, affordability remains an important consideration. The statewide median home price is still $432,000, and mortgage rates, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs all affect the total cost of homeownership.
Before beginning your search, consider getting preapproved for a mortgage, establishing a comfortable monthly housing budget, and researching local market conditions.
Remember that statewide trends don’t necessarily reflect what is happening in individual communities.
6. What Does This Mean for Maryland Home Sellers?
For homeowners planning to sell, the market still offers opportunities, but preparation matters.
With active listings increasing by more than 21% year over year, sellers may face more competition from other properties.
A successful selling strategy should focus on:
- Competitive pricing: Base your asking price on recent comparable sales and current neighborhood inventory.
- Property presentation: Make necessary repairs, declutter, and consider professional photography.
- Marketing exposure: Use quality listing descriptions, online marketing, and appropriate property promotion.
- Flexibility: Be prepared to evaluate reasonable offers and negotiate terms.
The market is not necessarily unfavorable to sellers, but relying on the intense competition experienced during earlier low-inventory periods may be unrealistic.
7. Looking Ahead: Maryland’s Housing Market in Late 2026
September’s statistics suggest that Maryland’s housing market is gradually moving toward a more balanced environment.
Home prices continue to increase modestly, while inventory is expanding and transaction activity has slowed.
For buyers, additional inventory may create more opportunities.
For sellers, thoughtful pricing and effective marketing are becoming increasingly important.
Still, future market conditions will depend on several factors, including mortgage rates, economic conditions, employment trends, and local housing demand.
It’s also important to remember that Maryland is not one uniform housing market. Conditions in Howard County, Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, and other communities can differ substantially from statewide averages.
Final Thoughts
The September 2026 Maryland housing report highlights an evolving real estate market.
Prices remain relatively stable, inventory is increasing, and buyers may have more options than they did a year ago.
Whether you’re purchasing your first home, considering an investment property, or preparing to sell, understanding current market trends can help you make more informed decisions.
The key takeaway: Maryland’s housing market is showing signs of reduced competition, but local conditions remain essential when making real estate decisions.
Source and Further Reading
Maryland REALTORS® — September 2026 Housing Statistics
Read the Full September 2026 Maryland Housing Market Report (PDF)
Data reported by MarketStats for ShowingTime, using Bright MLS. Statistics are subject to revision. Prior-year comparisons use the figures in this September 2026 report; older reports may show different figures because of revisions.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, mortgage, or real estate investment advice. Individual housing markets may perform differently from statewide averages.