09/30/2026
The Best Time to Buy a Home in 2026 | Licensed Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia
CDPE CIAS SFR
Timing your home purchase can make a real difference—especially here in the DMV. According to recent national data, the window from September 27 to October 3 in 2026 is projected to be the sweet spot for buyers. During this week, active listings could be up by 31.9% compared to the start of the year and 13.3% higher than the average week, meaning more options on the table. Homes are expected to be priced about 3.5% below their seasonal peak, potentially saving buyers around $14,000 on a median-priced home near $416K. Plus, competition is set to be 30.1% lower than the annual high, with homes spending about 64 days on the market—giving you a little more breathing room to make confident decisions. As someone who’s spent nearly a decade guiding buyers and sellers through our local markets, I see how moments like these can help first-time buyers and investors alike. Early fall may offer the widest selection, and as we move deeper into the season, price flexibility could improve even further. Having grown up here and helped many clients navigate the process, I know the importance of timing—and how it can help you move forward with clarity.