Washington, DC Real Estate Market Data
Current statistics, neighborhood comparisons, and market trends, updated monthly by Robert Clarke, Coldwell Banker Realty.
Data last updated: August 2026
Market Overview
DC Market Dashboard
Key indicators shaping the Washington, DC housing market as of August 2026
$700,000
Median Home Price
Up 5.1% year-over-year
$522
Price Per Square Foot
Citywide average
47 Days
Average Days on Market
Moderate pace
+33%
Active Inventory (YoY)
Shifting toward balance
Market Status
Transitioning to Balanced
From strong seller's market
1-Bedroom Avg Rent
$2,400/month
City center average
Median Household Income
$108,210
DC citywide
The Washington, DC housing market is undergoing a notable shift in 2026. Active listings are up 33% year-over-year, giving buyers more options than they've had in years. The median sale price sits around $700,000, up 5.1% from last year, while homes average 47 days on market. For sellers, pricing strategically from day one is more important than ever. For buyers, the increased inventory means more negotiating power.
Neighborhood Price Comparison
Median sale prices across Washington, DC neighborhoods, organized by price tier
Luxury Tier ($1.5M+)
Premium Tier ($800K–$1.5M)
Mid-Market ($500K–$800K)
Value Tier (Under $500K)
Prices reflect median sale prices for all home types as of August 2026. Data compiled from Redfin, Zillow, and local MLS sources. N/A indicates insufficient data for the metric.
Suburbs
Virginia & Maryland Suburbs
Key suburban markets within the DC metro area
City Comparison
DC vs. New York City
A side-by-side cost and lifestyle comparison for relocators
For buyers and relocators weighing Washington, DC against New York City, the math tells a clear story. DC housing costs run roughly 26% lower, while median household income is 41% higher. The 1-bedroom rent difference alone ($2,400 vs. $4,285) represents nearly $23,000 in annual savings. DC also offers a lower state and city income tax burden. While NYC's subway system is more extensive, DC's Metro provides solid coverage across the region. For professionals choosing between the two cities, DC offers a significantly higher standard of living at a lower cost.
Rentals
Rental Market Snapshot
Average monthly rents across Washington, DC neighborhoods
Forecast
Market Trends to Watch
Five key themes shaping the DC housing market through the rest of 2026
Inventory is rising
Active listings are up 33% year-over-year, giving buyers more negotiating power than they've had since 2020.
Interest rates remain the wild card
Rate changes directly impact buyer purchasing power in the $500K–$1M range.
The suburbs are competitive
Arlington (82/100 competitiveness score) and Bethesda are seeing strong demand from buyers priced out of DC core neighborhoods.
Value neighborhoods are appreciating fastest
Congress Heights (+6.1%), Petworth (+7.2%), and Anacostia (+5.5%) are leading year-over-year gains.
The rental market is softening slightly
Several DC neighborhoods saw rent decreases of 3–7% year-over-year, creating opportunities for renters.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring the Washington, DC real estate market, Robert Clarke can help you navigate the numbers. Contact him for a personalized market analysis.
Data sources: Redfin, Zillow, Movoto, RentCafe, Stacker, Resideline, local MLS data. All figures reflect August 2026 data where available. Market conditions change rapidly; contact Robert Clarke for the most current information.