As 2025 came to a close, the Kent County housing market reflected a familiar year-end rhythm—fewer homes entering the market, slightly slower buyer activity, and continued upward pressure on prices. While December typically brings a seasonal pause, the underlying data shows that demand remained resilient and inventory stayed tight, setting the tone for an active start to 2026.
Fewer New Listings Create Ongoing Supply Challenges
New listings declined 10.8%, falling from 287 to 256 homes. This seasonal drop is common during the holiday season, as many homeowners delay listing until spring. However, in an already supply-constrained market, the reduction further limited buyer choices. With fewer homes available, buyers often found themselves competing for the same properties, particularly those that were well-priced and move-in ready. Pending sales also decreased by 4%, from 348 to 334, reflecting a cautious but still engaged buyer pool as the year wrapped up.
Closed Sales Rise, Showing Market Momentum
Despite fewer new listings and pendings, closed sales increased 6.5%, rising from 464 to 494. This growth suggests strong follow-through from contracts written earlier in the fall, when activity was higher. It also indicates that buyers who entered the market were serious and well-prepared to move forward. Days on market increased slightly by 3.4%, from 29 to 30 days. While this reflects a modest slowdown, homes are still selling quickly compared to long-term averages, reinforcing the market’s overall strength.
Price Growth Continues Across the County
Home values continued to trend upward in December, underscoring sustained demand and limited inventory. The median sales price increased 6.1%, rising from $330,000 to $350,000, showing that the typical home sold for significantly more than a year ago. The average sales price rose 6.6%, from $387,645 to $413,407, indicating continued strength in higher-priced segments of the market as well. Together, these increases highlight that pricing pressure remains firm even during a traditionally slower month.
Inventory Tightens Further, Favoring Sellers
Months supply of inventory decreased 8.3%, dropping from 1.2 to 1.1 months. A balanced market typically has around five to six months of supply, so Kent County remains firmly in seller’s market territory. This low level of inventory continues to support rising prices and quick sales, while also emphasizing the importance of strategic pricing and strong presentation for sellers.
What This Means Heading Into 2026
December 2025 closed out the year with strong price appreciation, increased closed sales, and extremely tight inventory. For buyers, this means competition is likely to remain high, especially for desirable homes. For sellers, the current conditions may present an opportunity to enter the market early in 2026 before inventory begins to build in the spring. Overall, Kent County’s housing market ended the year on solid footing, with momentum carrying forward into the new year.
