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Seattle has traditionally been one of the hottest housing markets in Washington States, and arguably has some of the most expensive homes in the state. This article will look at some of the trends we can expect to see in Seattle in 2026, and three important trends that could define the local real estate scene throughout the year.
Home prices in Seattle are still very high relative to other centers in the state and across the nation, and inventory is still tight. This will continue to keep Seattle in a seller’s market.
The city was recently singled out for having the biggest housing shortage among 150 of the largest cities in America, which means home buyers are competing fiercely for limited inventory. Here are some more notable trends.
According to the real estate data company Zillow, the median home price in Seattle sits at $832,857. Prices in the city decreased 2.1% over the past 12 months, though prices are still relatively high and are expected to inch up modestly over the course of the next few months.
These high prices are making it difficult for buyers to get into the market because of affordability issues. That said, buyers are still in the market as demand remains high, which is a big reason why prices continue to appreciate quickly.
The local real estate market is expected to remain healthy this year, at least where appreciation is concerned. As noted, home prices are expected to increase in 2026, albeit at a more moderate rate than previous years.
According to the latest data from Zillow, the median house price in King County dipped 2.0% compared to a year ago. Despite this, the market in King County is very healthy.
The market in Seattle is just as strong. In fact, the high-paid tech workers in the area who can afford to compete with other homebuyers are helping to keep the fire lit under home prices in Seattle.
Pro Tip: Use an online mortgage calculator to estimate your future home loan costs.
Recent Seattle housing market trends suggest that the real estate scene will continue to be characterized by limited inventory. The housing supply in Seattle currently sits at about 3.5-months’ supply, which is far below a balanced market of about 5 to 6 months’ worth of inventory. Local home buyers should still expect a high level of competition in 2026. There’s a lot of demand for housing in Seattle, but supply is limited.
The message to home buyers is clear. Due to current housing market trends in Seattle, including the inventory situation, buyers should be prepared for competition. This means having your financing lined up ahead of time, and studying the market so you can move quickly with a strong offer.
Pro Tip: Get pre-approved for a home loan before officially applying to see what you may qualify for.
Do you need mortgage financing to buy a home in the Seattle area? We can help. Sammamish Mortgage is a local, family-owned company based in Bellevue, WA that has been helping buyers across WA, ID, OR, CA, and CO since 1992. We offer many different mortgage programs to suit your individual needs. Please contact us with any questions you have, or to receive an instant rate quote on your next home loan.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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