DC Real Estate Market Update
OCT 2026
September Market Update: Capitol Hill’s Fall Market Picks Up
After a quieter August, Capitol Hill’s market came back to life in September. New listings returned, buyers responded, and contract activity rose in both of the Hill’s ZIP codes. Here’s what the numbers show.
20002: Steady prices, faster sales
- 47 homes closed, up 14.6% from both August and last September.
- The median sold price was $700,000, essentially unchanged from August’s $699,000.
- Homes went under contract in a median of 27 days, about three weeks faster than a year ago.
- Sellers received 98.6% of original list price on average, up from 95.4% last September.
- New pendings rose 28.6% from August, a strong sign heading into fall.
20003: A smaller month, with momentum building
- 20 homes closed. With so few sales, the mix of homes drives the numbers, and September’s sales leaned toward larger homes, putting the median at $1,152,500.
- The median time on market was 71 days, reflecting a split month: some homes that had been listed longer finally sold, while in the Capitol Hill neighborhood itself the median was just 7 days.
- Looking ahead, new pendings doubled from August (35 vs. 17), and new listings more than doubled (69 vs. 28).
Washington, D.C.: More choice for buyers
- 398 homes closed citywide at a median of $660,000.
- Homes went under contract in a median of 36 days, slightly faster than last September.
- New pendings jumped 33.8% from August.
- DC had 3,041 active listings, the most for any September in the past five years.
What it means for you Buying?
This fall offers more selection than we’ve seen in years, and for homes that have been on the market a while, room to talk terms. Well-priced homes in the heart of Capitol Hill are still moving in about 1-2 weeks, though, so it pays to be prepared.
Selling? Buyers are active again. Homes that are priced well and presented well are selling close to asking. The ones that sit are usually telling you something about price or condition, and that’s where a smart strategy makes the difference.
Thinking about a move this fall? Reach out to the Joel Nelson Group. We’d be glad to walk you through what’s happening on your block. Latest rate here.
Want to know how these trends affect your price point or neighborhood?
Call or text 202.243.7707 for a free consultation—book a time with one of our Buyer Experts or our Listing Team to map out your spring strategy.
We’ll share our Real Know-How to help you make the right next move!
Data source: Bright MLS via SmartCharts, pulled October 22, 2026. Figures reflect September 2026 closed sales compared year-over-year to September 2026.
