Kent County’s housing market started 2026 with tighter inventory and steady price appreciation, even as overall sales activity slowed compared to last year. January’s numbers reflect seasonal trends, affordability pressures, and continued supply constraints that are shaping the early-year market.
New Listings and Pending Sales Slow
New listings decreased 5.9%, falling from 391 in January 2025 to 368 in January 2026. Fewer homes entering the market continues to limit buyer options. Pending sales also declined 7.8%, moving from 421 to 388, signaling a modest slowdown in new contract activity.
This dip in activity may reflect buyers adjusting to pricing and interest rate conditions, but demand has not disappeared—inventory levels remain extremely tight.
Closed Sales Decline Year Over Year
Closed sales dropped 9.7%, from 340 to 307, consistent with softer pending numbers in prior months. Homes took slightly longer to sell, with days on market increasing 2.7% from 37 to 38 days.
While this represents a slight cooling in pace, properties are still selling in just over a month on average, which remains relatively efficient for this time of year.
Prices Continue to Rise
Even with fewer overall transactions, home values continued climbing. The median sales price rose 2.9%, increasing from $325,000 to $334,500. The average sales price increased 2.6%, from $370,050 to $379,794.
This steady appreciation highlights the ongoing imbalance between supply and demand in Kent County.
Inventory Tightens Further
Months supply of inventory declined 10%, moving from 1.0 month to just 0.9 months. A balanced market typically has five to six months of supply, so the county remains firmly in seller-favoring territory. Limited inventory continues to support price stability and competitive conditions.
What This Means for Buyers
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Inventory remains extremely tight at less than one month of supply
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Prices continue to rise, even as overall sales activity slows
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Homes are still selling in just over a month on average
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Preparation is key—buyers should have financing secured and be ready to move quickly
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Acting earlier in the year may reduce competition compared to peak spring months
What This Means for Sellers
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Low inventory continues to support strong pricing
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Even with fewer overall sales, home values are appreciating
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Serious buyers remain active in the market
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Proper pricing and presentation remain critical as buyers are more selective
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Listing before spring inventory increases could provide a competitive advantage
January 2026 shows a market adjusting in volume but holding firm in value. While transaction numbers are down compared to last year, rising prices and extremely limited inventory signal that demand remains steady. As we move toward the spring market, supply levels will play a key role in determining how competitive conditions become.
