If you are thinking about buying or selling in 2026, January’s housing data helps answer some practical questions. Are prices still holding? Is there more time to make decisions? How competitive does the market look when you consider current home availability and speed of home sales? You can view the infographic of the statewide housing data here.
If you want to learn more about how to understand housing stats, or want a refresher, read our Understanding Housing Stats article!
A Slower January Market
Across Maryland, 3,660 homes sold in January 2026, about 12% less than the 4,155 homes sold in January 2025. Sales were lower in most counties, reflecting a slower start to the year. That slowdown does not mean buyers disappeared. Often, January buyers (and sellers) return to the market cautiously, taking more time before making offers.
For buyers, this can mean the opportunity to evaluate homes without feeling rushed. Buyers can take full account of the market and their options, from their mortgage expectations to their wants and needs lists, and have time to look at each home they may be interested in.
For sellers, it means pricing and presentation are especially important early on to catch buyers’ interest. It’s best for sellers to pay attention to how your home shows, market it clearly, and keep an eye on how it compares to similar listings.
Even with fewer sales, prices did not fall across the majority of counties. In January, median home prices increased compared to last year in more than half of Maryland’s counties, continuing trends from the end of 2025.
The statewide median home price reached $410,000 in January, remaining largely stable with only a 0.5% increase from last year. Because average price can be influenced by the mix of homes sold, the median price offers a clearer picture of typical home values.
Inventory and Market Timing
Fewer homes entered the market in January, with 4,907 new listings in 2026, down 23.5% from 6,418 in January 2025. The total number of homes available for sale also declined, with active inventory falling to 11,700 homes, compared with 13,474 a year earlier.
Overall housing supply averaged about 2.1 months of inventory statewide, down from 2.3 months last year, though still below the five to six months typically associated with a balanced market. Homes also took more time to sell, spending about 29 days on the market, compared with 22 days last January.
This slower pace suggests buyers are taking more time to compare homes and negotiate terms. For sellers, it suggests that careful pricing and strong presentation can help a home stand out.
Your Local Market
Each region has its own considerations when you’re buying or selling, so it is important to understand how these housing stats vary in the region you’re looking to buy or sell in. Learn more about your local market with the county-by-county January housing data and by talking to a local REALTOR® who can help you understand what the local numbers mean for you and your home journey.
