Seattle Property Insights: Latest Market Updates & Future Trends

Welcome to HomePro Associates, your go-to resource Seattle real estate market update. We are here to keep you informed with the latest market trends, key statistics, and insightful analysis of Seattle’s real estate landscape.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to make smart, confident decisions in today’s competitive market. From neighborhood insights to pricing trends, we cover all the essentials to help you navigate Seattle’s ever-evolving real estate environment.

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Seattle Market Updates

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Seattle’s Real Estate Market Update for September

As summer winds down, Seattle’s housing market is showing clearer signs of transition—but remains active. In August, King County’s median home price held steady at $880,500, while inventory climbed 38% year-over-year, giving buyers more choices than they’ve had in recent years.

This mix of high prices and increased selection is shifting some leverage to buyers—though homes priced between $700K and $1.2M that are well-presented still move quickly and attract strong offers.

Overpriced homes are sitting longer and seeing price cuts, while condos continue to gain traction with first-time buyers and downsizers, especially in central and north Seattle.

Whether you’re buying or selling, this September market calls for smart pricing, strong prep, and a solid game plan.

🎥 Seattle Real Estate Market Update – September 2025


Sales Activity and Inventory Levels

As we move into September, Seattle’s housing market continues to adjust after an active spring and summer. Buyer activity remains steady, but inventory keeps climbing, giving buyers more choices and softening the urgency we saw earlier in the year.

Sellers can still succeed—especially in the $700K–$1.2M range—but only if they price strategically and prepare their homes for today’s more selective buyers.

The insights below reflect the most recent data from August 2025, giving you a clear view of where the market stands as we head into fall—so you can plan your next move with confidence.

Sales Activity Intensity™

Seattle’s housing market held relatively steady in July, with pending sales softening slightly from their spring peak. However, well-presented homes in desirable areas are still seeing multiple offers. In King County, months of inventory rose again—reaching 2.3 months, up from 2.1 in June—continuing the trend toward a more balanced market.

Although we’re not at buyer’s market levels yet (4–6 months of inventory is considered balanced), buyers now have more choices and time to make decisions. This means sellers must be strategic—homes that are overpriced or poorly presented are sitting longer and experiencing price drops.

New Listings and Active Inventory

Seattle’s housing market continued its gradual shift in August, with pending sales cooling further from earlier highs. While demand remains solid in core neighborhoods, the pace has slowed, and multiple offers are now mostly limited to well-priced, well-presented homes.

King County inventory climbed to 2.8 months—a new high for the year—pushing the market closer to balance. (A balanced market is typically considered 4–6 months of inventory.)

Buyers have more time and leverage than they did this spring, which means sellers must be sharp on pricing and presentation. Homes that miss the mark are staying on the market longer and often require price reductions to stay competitive.

Days on Market

Homes are still selling, but market time is clearly stretching out. In August, the median number of days on market in Seattle rose to 18 days, up from 13 in July. This marks the longest average market time we’ve seen all year, driven by rising inventory and more cautious buyer behavior.

While some listings linger, homes that are clean, staged, and priced appropriately are still generating strong early interest—often receiving offers within 7 to 10 days in desirable neighborhoods

Pricing Trends

Seattle home prices held firm in August, with the median sale price for single-family homes in Seattle at $880,500. That’s a slight decrease from July’s $895,000 but still reflects a 0.5% year-over-year increase—a sign of stability despite rising inventory and longer market times.

While this dip is typical for late summer, it underscores the market’s price sensitivity. Buyers are less willing to chase inflated listings, and homes that are overpriced or poorly presented are seeing slowdowns and price reductions.

That said, move-in ready homes in core neighborhoods are still commanding strong offers—especially in areas with limited updated inventory.

Single-Family Residences

  • Seattle’s single-family home market remains active, but the pace has clearly moderated since spring. Homes priced between $800K and $1.2M continue to attract the most interest, especially in sought-after neighborhoods like Phinney Ridge, Ravenna, West Seattle, and Maple Leaf.
  • Buyers are more selective, but updated, move-in ready homes are still seeing solid showing activity and occasional multiple offers—particularly when priced appropriately from the start.
  • Sellers in this price bracket should focus on presentation and precision pricing. Homes that show well are often under contract within two weeks, while those needing updates or priced too high are staying on the market longer and risking price cuts.

Condos

  • Seattle’s condo market continued to strengthen in August, offering a more affordable entry point for first-time buyers, downsizers, and investors. While year-over-year price growth has leveled off, activity remains solid—especially in central and north-end neighborhoods.
  • Areas like Capitol Hill, Belltown, First Hill, and Northgate are seeing steady interest, particularly in well-maintained or transit-accessible buildings. With more inventory available, buyers have greater negotiating power, but sellers who price competitively and present their units well are still closing deals efficiently.
  • Condos remain an appealing alternative to single-family homes, especially as budget-conscious buyers seek value in a shifting market.

In September, we’re reviewing the latest available market data from August 2025, when inventory in King County rose to 2.8 months—the highest level so far this year and a clear sign of a shifting market. Buyer demand remained steady but more selective, with homes selling in a median of 18 days across Seattle.

This changing landscape—marked by higher inventory, stable prices, and longer days on market—reflects a more balanced late-summer market. Both buyers and sellers should adjust accordingly: sellers need to price accurately and present their homes well, while buyers can take advantage of greater selection and more room to negotiate.

Market Outlook

As of September, Seattle’s real estate market remains active, but signs of a broader slowdown are becoming more visible. Inventory continues to climb, giving buyers more leverage and making the market more competitive for sellers. Meanwhile, the average 30-year mortgage rate is hovering around 6.63%, slightly lower than earlier in the summer but still high enough to impact affordability.

With buyers growing more cautious and selective, success now depends on sharp pricing, polished presentation, and flexible negotiation—for both buyers and sellers navigating this evolving late-summer market.

Advice for Buyers and Sellers

Buyers: Seattle homes are still moving—but not at the lightning pace we saw earlier this year. The median days on market is now 18, giving buyers more time and inventory to choose from. That said, well-priced homes in neighborhoods like Green Lake, Maple Leaf, and West Seattle can still sell quickly, especially if they’re move-in ready. If you’re planning to buy this fall:

  • Get pre-approved early. With affordability top of mind, sellers are prioritizing buyers who are fully underwritten and ready to go.
  • Act fast on the right home. While urgency has eased, standout homes still attract strong interest—and sometimes multiple offers.
  • Make your offer competitive. In multiple-offer scenarios, details matter. Strong earnest money, flexible timelines, and even a thoughtful personal letter can help tip the scales.
  • Stay alert on interest rates. With the 30-year fixed rate near 6.63%, even small fluctuations can shift your monthly budget. Keep your lender in the loop to stay ahead.

Sellers: September can still be a great time to list—but with inventory continuing to rise, you’re now facing a more competitive landscape. Buyers are out there, but they’re more cautious and comparison-driven—so it’s essential to make your home stand out:

  • Prep like a pro. A clean, decluttered, and well-staged home still creates that emotional “yes” moment. Minor updates and strong presentation can make a big difference in both price and speed.
  • Nail your online presence. With more listings to choose from, buyers are browsing longer. Professional photos, video, and compelling marketing are non-negotiables.
  • Price it right from the start. Today’s buyers are price-sensitive. Overpricing leads to longer days on market and potential reductions—while a well-priced home can create momentum and attract serious interest.
  • Be ready to move fast—if you’ve done the prep. Homes that show well and are priced accurately are still selling quickly, especially in neighborhoods with limited updated inventory.

As summer winds down, the key to seller success in Seattle is preparation, precision, and partnering with an expert who understands this evolving market.

Looking Back at Q2 2025

As the second quarter of 2025 comes to a close, the Seattle real estate market continues to reflect a dynamic mix of growth and recalibration. While rising inventory is creating more opportunities for buyers, well-prepared and well-priced homes are still moving quickly—especially in high-demand neighborhoods like Ballard, Green Lake, and Shoreline.

1. Market Activity & Home Sales: From April through June, buyer activity stayed robust. In King County, inventory hovered around 1.86 months, still signaling a seller-favored market—though more balanced than in years past. Homes in Seattle continued to sell in a median of 9 days, showing that buyer demand is alive and well for homes that are marketed properly and priced right.

2. Price Trends: The median sale price for single-family homes in Seattle reached $857,000 by the end of Q2, marking a 1.4% year-over-year increase. Condos also gained momentum, with prices climbing and buyer interest growing, especially in neighborhoods with strong transit access and walkability. While price appreciation is more measured than during the boom years, it reflects a sustainable and healthy market.

3. Inventory Levels:Inventory began to rise in early spring and continued climbing through Q2, giving buyers more breathing room in an otherwise competitive market. By the end of June, King County had 2.1 months of inventory—a notable increase from earlier in the year, but still well below the 4–6 months typically seen in a balanced market.

While new listings have picked up compared to Q1, the pace of buyer demand still outpaces supply in many desirable Seattle neighborhoods. This means well-priced, move-in ready homes are still going pending quickly—often with multiple offers. The slight increase in inventory is a welcome shift for buyers, but it’s not yet enough to tip the scales.

As we move into July, the market remains active, and thoughtful pricing continues to be essential for sellers who want to stand out.

4. Neighborhood Highlights: During Q2, Seattle-area neighborhoods like Bothell, Shoreline, Ballard, West Seattle, and Northgate continued to show strong buyer interest. Bothell remained highly competitive with multiple-offer situations on well-priced homes, driven by family-friendly layouts and top-rated schools. Shoreline gained momentum again thanks to its expanding light rail access and larger lots—making it especially appealing to move-up buyers and those seeking more space.

Ballard and West Seattle stayed in demand for their walkability, character homes, and vibrant neighborhood feel. Meanwhile, Northgate attracted both investors and first-time buyers due to its affordability and improving transit infrastructure, especially around the new light rail hub.

5. Economic & External Factors: Mortgage rates hovered around 6.74% throughout Q2—still higher than the historic lows of the pandemic but relatively stable month over month. Despite national concerns around inflation and interest rate volatility, Seattle’s tech, healthcare, and biotech sectors remain strong. This has helped support steady buyer activity and local confidence in the housing market.

Buyers continued to adapt by negotiating rate buydowns, exploring adjustable-rate mortgage options, and staying strategic in their search—prioritizing value, location, and long-term potential.

6. Looking Ahead: As we head into July, market momentum remains solid. Sellers who list now are entering a window with active buyers and low competition—provided their homes are priced well and show-ready. Homes with curb appeal, thoughtful staging, and strategic marketing are still seeing multiple offers.

Buyers should stay prepared by getting pre-approved and moving quickly when the right home comes up. With inventory up slightly, there are more choices—but the best homes still move fast, especially in well-connected, lifestyle-driven neighborhoods.

Market Recap: Highlights from Fall & Winter 2024

October 2024:

  • Market Activity: The market experienced a surge in new listings, with 1,566 homes entering the Seattle market—the highest since 2020. Despite this influx, inventory levels decreased from 2.5 to 2.3 months, indicating that buyer demand remained robust, absorbing the new supply.
  • Price Trends: The median home price was approximately $850,000, reflecting a stable market with steady demand.
  • Inventory Levels: Despite the increase in new listings, the strong buyer activity led to a decrease in overall inventory, highlighting the market’s competitiveness.

November 2024:

  • Market Activity: The market experienced a surge in new listings, with 1,566 homes entering the Seattle market—the highest since 2020. Despite this influx, inventory levels decreased from 2.5 to 2.3 months, indicating that buyer demand remained robust, absorbing the new supply.
  • Price Trends: The median home price was approximately $850,000, reflecting a stable market with steady demand.
  • Inventory Levels: Despite the increase in new listings, the strong buyer activity led to a decrease in overall inventory, highlighting the market’s competitiveness.

December 2024:

  • Market Activity: The market maintained its momentum, with continued buyer interest leading to quick sales.
  • Price Trends: The average home value in Seattle reached $851,513, marking a 3.7% increase over the past year.
  • Inventory Levels: The number of homes for sale increased, reaching the highest inventory levels since 2019, providing buyers with more choices.

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The Puget Sound Market Update with Emily Cressey shares market insights and tips for buyers and sellers in the always evolving Seattle – Bellevue – Everett real estate market. Whether you want to buy, sell, or invest, our market insights will help you track market trends and make smart decisions.

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Emily Cressy in Downtown Seattle
Emily Cressy on North Lake Union in Seattle, WA