Published:
June 6, 2023
Last updated:
May 2, 2026
Bellevue, Washington Home Buying Trends: 2026 Edition
In This Article

Bellevue, Washington is one of the most popular real estate markets in the Seattle area. And if you currently live there, or have visited in the past, you probably already know why. It has low crime rates, great schools, cultural and recreational opportunities, and plenty of natural splendor.
It’s also one of the most expensive real estate markets in the state of Washington, and for all of the same reasons mentioned above. So you definitely want to do some research before entering this housing market.
We created this guide for anyone who is planning to buy a home in Bellevue in 2026. This report contains all of the latest statistics, news and developments you should know about when buying a home in Bellevue.

  1. Bellevue home prices have increased year-over-year.

Like the rest of the Seattle metro area, the Bellevue real estate market experienced a sharp rise in home prices that began during the second half of 2020. This trend continued well into 2022, culminating in an all-time high median home value of more than $1.4 million.
But starting in the late summer of 2025, home prices in Bellevue, Washington began to decline. This mirrored a broader trend happening across the country, as real estate markets nationwide began to cool. It’s what economists often refer to as a market “correction,” following a period of overheated home-buying activity and price gains.
But prices are on an upward trend. According to Zillow, the median price within the Bellevue real estate market was up to $1,296,767 as of April 2026.
If you’re planning to buy a home in Bellevue in 2026, you could benefit from steady appreciation over the long term, for the reasons stated above.

  1. There’s healthy competition these days.

Trying to buy a house in a hot real estate market can be frustrating. When buyer demand greatly exceeds supply, home buyers are forced to compete fiercely and often find themselves in bidding wars. They sometimes have to waive their contract contingencies and pay more than the asking price.
Higher home prices and mortgage rates have shrunken the pool of qualified buyers. This is true for cities all across the country, and to some extent within the Bellevue real estate market as well.
Seattle-area tech company layoffs have also reduced demand within the housing market. Even those who held their jobs through the recent shakeup might now feel some financial uncertainty. People are generally more reluctant to enter the real estate market when they feel their job could be at risk.
However, there appears to be a healthier outlook on the economy. So, those with healthy finances may look to the real estate market in Bellevue. However, buyers who purchase a home in Bellevue in 2026 could encounter strong competition within the real estate market.

  1. Bellevue is getting two new condominium projects in 2026.

Here’s some more good news for those are planning to buy a home (or, more specifically, a condo unit) in Bellevue, Washington. Two new condominium projects are coming onto the market in 2026.
Avenue Bellevue is a two-tower development with 365 residential condos, a 250-room InterContinental Hotel, and ground-level retail.
The Mari condominium project, also located in Bellevue, is currently under construction. This 17-story tower will offer 138 condominiums including studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences.
These new condominium towers, along with other construction projects, will bring more inventory to a real estate market that could really use it.
And speaking of inventory, here something else you should know about buying a home in Bellevue in 2026…

  1. Inventory has improved a bit, but the market remains tight.

A couple of years ago, there was practically no inventory within the Bellevue real estate market. You probably know why, due to all of the news coverage at the time. The COVID pandemic created a sharp increase in home buyer demand, across the Seattle area and elsewhere in the country. This drove inventory levels down to record-low levels.
Overall, supply conditions have improved since then. In March 2026, for example, the Bellevue housing market had about a 2.4-month supply of homes for sale based on Closed Sales, or 1.9 months based on Pended Sales. While still considered to be below normal, that’s a big improvement from the 0.5-month supply level experienced during the pandemic days.

Need a Mortgage in Bellevue?

Do you plan to buy a home in Bellevue, WA, sometime soon? Do you need mortgage financing to complete your purchase? We can help. Sammamish Mortgage has been helping borrowers across the Pacific Northwest since 1992, including Washington State, Colorado, Idaho, California, and Oregon. We offer many different mortgage programs with flexible qualification requirements to suit the needs of each borrower, including our Diamond Homebuyer ProgramCash Buyer Program, and Bridge Loans. Contact us today if you have questions about applying for a mortgage. Or, visit our website to get an instant rate quote.

FAQs

Is Bellevue, Washington an expensive housing market?

Yes. Bellevue is one of the most expensive real estate markets in Washington due to strong demand, highly rated schools, low crime rates, and its desirable location in the Seattle metro area.

Are home prices in Bellevue rising in 2026?

Home prices in Bellevue have been trending upward again in 2026 after declining from their 2022 peak.

What is the median home value in Bellevue as of April 2026?

The median home value in Bellevue was $1,296,767 as of April 2026.

Is Bellevue still a competitive market for buyers?

Yes. Competition remains healthy in Bellevue, especially for well-priced homes, even though higher mortgage rates and affordability challenges have reduced some demand.

Are bidding wars still possible when buying a home in Bellevue?

Yes. Buyers can still encounter bidding wars in Bellevue, particularly when desirable homes are listed in sought-after neighborhoods or price ranges.

Has housing inventory improved in Bellevue?

Yes. Inventory has improved compared to the extremely low levels seen during the pandemic, but the market is still relatively tight by historical standards.

How tight is the Bellevue housing market in 2026?

In March 2026, Bellevue had about a 2.4-month supply of homes based on closed sales, or 1.9 months based on pended sales, which indicates limited supply.

Are there new condo options for buyers in Bellevue?

Yes. New condominium supply has been added through projects such as Avenue Bellevue and Mari, both of which were completed and had presale closings in 2024.

What kinds of homes are available in Bellevue's new condo developments?

New Bellevue condo developments include a range of unit types, including studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom residences.

Should buyers expect long-term value in Bellevue real estate?

Bellevue has strong long-term appeal because of its schools, amenities, economic base, and location, which can support home values over time.