Washington State Real Estate Market Report – May 2026

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Washington real estate market - Washington State Real Estate Market Report - May 2026

According to Beyond Real Estate market data, the median active listing price in Washington State is currently $675,000, reflecting the balanced market conditions prevalent across the region. As of May 2026, the state has an active residential inventory of 18,676 listings, with 896 new listings added this month and 261 homes sold. These figures indicate a 3.4-month supply, signifying a market that neither favors buyers nor sellers.

Key Data Points

Washington’s real estate market has experienced a year-over-year median price increase of 2.5%, with a median sold price of $665,000 over the last 12 months. Homes are selling quickly, with the median days on market (DOM) for sold properties standing at 15 days, and a strong sale-to-list ratio of 99.3%. Pending sales currently number 7,446, showcasing ongoing buyer interest despite rising mortgage rates.

County-by-County Breakdown

  • King County: The median sold price is $865,000, with 6,498 active listings. Homes here spend an average of 13 days on the market, with a sale-to-list ratio of 99.7% and inventory levels at 3.4 months. Prices have increased by a modest 0.6% year-over-year.
  • Pierce County: With a median sold price of $612,450, the county has 2,337 active listings. Homes average 16 days on market, and the sale-to-list ratio is 99.4%. The county has seen a 6.5% increase in prices year-over-year, with 2.7 months of inventory.
  • Snohomish County: The median sold price here is $792,500, with 2,103 active listings and an 11-day average DOM. The sale-to-list ratio is 99.3%, and there is 2.9 months of inventory, with a 1.6% year-over-year price increase.
  • Thurston County: This county reports a median sold price of $500,000, 839 active listings, and a notably quick 7 days on market. The sale-to-list ratio is an impressive 101.6%, while prices have decreased by 5.2% year-over-year, with 2.8 months of inventory.
  • Clark County: With a median sold price of $710,000, 242 active listings, and an extended 82-day average DOM, the county has a sale-to-list ratio of 94.1%. Prices here have surged by 31.5% year-over-year, with the inventory standing at 3 months.

Market Analysis and Forward-Looking Outlook

Recent trends suggest that Washington’s real estate market remains resilient amid fluctuating national economic conditions. The balanced market conditions present opportunities for both buyers and sellers, with competitive pricing and limited inventory driving swift sales. King and Snohomish counties continue to see strong demand, while Thurston County’s price decline may offer opportunities for more budget-conscious buyers.

Mortgage rates, currently hovering between 5.9% and 6.3% by the end of 2026, could influence buyer activity as the year progresses. Nationally, the real estate market is experiencing slower price growth, with the National Association of Realtors reporting a 1.2% year-over-year increase in Q4 2025. However, Washington’s market, with its robust economic backdrop and strong buyer interest, may sustain its current momentum.

As the year unfolds, we anticipate that inventory levels will play a crucial role in shaping market dynamics. Potential homebuyers should stay informed of market conditions and consider consulting with real estate professionals to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.

Data Sources & Methodology

This report is based on data from Beyond Real Estate market data, which is refreshed daily from the Northwest MLS. National economic context is drawn from CBRE U.S. Real Estate Market Outlook 2026, Freddie Mac, and the National Association of Realtors. For mortgage rates, information is sourced from Norada Real Estate and The Madrona Group.

Editorial Note: This article is an independent analysis based on publicly available information. Market data is believed to be reliable but not guaranteed. The views expressed are those of our editorial team. For the most accurate and complete information, readers should consult official sources and work with licensed real estate professionals.


Beyond Real Estate

About Beyond Real Estate

Beyond Real Estate is a Washington State licensed brokerage and NWMLS member serving all 39 counties. Our market data comes directly from NWMLS, covering 30,000+ active listings across 654 communities. With 248+ data-driven articles powered by first-party MLS data, we provide the market intelligence Washington buyers and sellers need.

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