More choice, with differences by property type
September brought 3,477 active listings, up 18.6% from August and 30.7% from a year earlier. NVAR reports annual inventory growth of 49.7% for condos and townhomes combined, compared with 5.7% for detached homes. [1]
Fewer closings; a mixed price comparison
Closed sales totaled 1,250. The median sold price was $744,950, down 2.6% from August but up 4.2% from September 2025. Sold volume was approximately $1.105 billion. [1–4]
More supply, without a longer annual selling timeline
Supply reached 2.50 months. Homes averaged 28 days on market, two days longer than August and unchanged from September 2025. [1–4]
About the data
Coverage: Fairfax and Arlington counties; the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church; and the towns of Vienna, Herndon and Clifton. Loudoun County is not part of this series.
September figures are from NVAR, published October 16, using Bright MLS data as of October 12, 2026. Comparisons use the existing website series, checked against the earlier NVAR releases. Volume comparisons are approximate because the older releases report rounded totals. Monthly changes are not seasonally adjusted.
Regional trends provide context, not a valuation for an individual property.
What this means for your next move
Compare the alternatives carefully.
- Separate your search by property type, neighborhood and price range before drawing conclusions from regional inventory.
- Review total ownership costs, including association dues and likely repairs, alongside the asking price.
- Use comparable sales and a property’s condition to set your offer. More regional choice does not establish leverage on every listing.
Make the comparison easy.
- Price against relevant recent sales and today’s competing listings, rather than applying the regional median change to your home.
- Make condition, improvements and ownership costs clear so buyers can compare your property confidently.
- Review showing activity and feedback with your agent, and decide in advance what would prompt a pricing or presentation adjustment.
Sources
Common questions
Did September become a buyer’s market?
The regional figures alone do not establish that. Supply was 2.50 months, and negotiating conditions can vary by property type, location, condition and price.
Does the higher annual median mean my home appreciated 4.2%?
No. The median describes the midpoint of homes sold in each period. Changes in the mix of sales can affect it; an individual valuation requires comparable properties.