Updated October 2026 · Featuring September 2026 data
Every month I break down the latest numbers for the Portland metro housing market so you can see what’s really happening, whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on your home’s value. Bookmark this page; I update it as soon as each month’s data is released.
September 2026 at a Glance
| September 2026 | vs. August 2026 | vs. September 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median sale price | $545,000 | +0.9% | 0.0% |
| Average sale price | $630,500 | +3.8% | n/a |
| New listings | 2,487 | +1.9% | -0.4% |
| Pending sales | 1,760 | -12.6% | -17.9% |
| Closed sales | 1,752 | -7.9% | -4.0% |
| Months of inventory | 4.2 | up from 3.8 | n/a |
| Average market time | 68 days | up from 57 | n/a |
What Happened in September
Fall arrived a little early in the Portland market. Sellers kept listing homes at about the same pace as last year, but fewer buyers went under contract. Pending sales dropped nearly 18% compared to last September, which is the biggest change in this month’s report.
With fewer homes going under contract, inventory grew to 4.2 months of supply, the highest level we’ve seen this year. Homes are also taking longer to sell, with average market time climbing to 68 days.
The good news for homeowners: prices are holding steady. The median sale price of $545,000 is exactly where it was a year ago and slightly up from August.
What This Means for Buyers
- More choices. At 4.2 months of inventory, you have more homes to pick from than at any point this year.
- More time. With homes sitting longer, you can often take a second look before making a decision.
- More room to negotiate. Homes that have been on the market for a while may be open to price reductions, seller-paid closing costs, or repairs.
- Prices aren’t falling. Don’t wait for a big price drop. Values are stable, so the opportunity right now is in negotiating terms, not timing the bottom.
What This Means for Sellers
- Your value is holding. Year-over-year prices are flat, not falling.
- Pricing matters more than ever. Buyers have options, so homes priced right from day one sell; overpriced homes sit and often end up selling for less.
- Presentation counts. Clean, well-prepared, well-photographed homes stand out when buyers are comparing several options.
- Be ready to negotiate. Expect more requests for concessions and repairs than in the spring.
Looking Ahead
The slower pace in pending sales usually shows up in closed sales a month or two later, so expect October and November closings to be on the quieter side. Fall and winter are typically slower seasons in Portland, but they’re also when motivated buyers and sellers find each other with less competition.
Want Numbers for Your Neighborhood?
Metro-wide stats tell part of the story, but every neighborhood moves differently. If you’d like to know what’s happening on your street or what your home could sell for today, reach out: Jen Singer · 503-522-2300 · jen@soldbyjen.net
Source: RMLS Market Action Report, September 2026 (Portland Metro residential). Data deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
