2026 Westchester County Housing Market Update | Prices & Inventory

hor Westchester County continues to attract homebuyers who value strong schools, established neighborhoods, and convenient access to New York City. At the same time, elevated mortgage rates and constrained inventory have shaped buyer experiences throughout 2026. Understanding the current landscape can help prospective buyers set realistic expectations and prepare more effectively.

This article provides a general overview of recent housing market conditions in Westchester County based on publicly available data as of mid-to-late 2026. Market conditions change, and individual results vary widely. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial, real estate, or mortgage advice

Current Home Prices in Westchester County

Recent data from multiple sources indicates that home values in Westchester County have continued to rise, though the pace and absolute levels differ depending on the metric and property type examined.

According to Zillow’s Home Value Index data available through late August 2026, the typical home value in Westchester County was approximately $885,000. This figure reflected year-over-year growth in the range of roughly 7% to 10%, depending on the specific measurement period.

Sales data presents a more nuanced picture. Redfin reported a median sale price of approximately $916,000 over the three months ending in August 2026, representing an increase of about 4.6% compared with the same period the prior year. MLS-based reports focused on single-family homes showed higher medians. OneKey MLS data for August 2026 indicated a median sales price for single-family homes near $1.205 million, up approximately 9.5% from the same month in 2025. Condominiums and co-operatives generally sold at lower price points, though they also experienced price appreciation in many reports.

These figures illustrate an important reality: Westchester is not a uniform market. Prices in high-demand towns with highly rated schools often differ substantially from those in other parts of the county. A single county-wide median can mask significant variation by location, property condition, and housing type. Buyers evaluating specific towns or neighborhoods should review localized data rather than relying solely on county averages

Inventory Levels and Market Balance

Inventory remains a central factor influencing buyer options in Westchester. While the extreme shortages seen in some prior years have moderated in certain segments, overall supply has not expanded enough in many desirable areas to create a clear shift toward a buyer’s market.

Publicly reported figures from mid-to-late 2026 show that active listings have fluctuated. Some reports noted modest increases in total inventory compared with the previous year, particularly in condominiums and co-ops. Single-family inventory in several summaries remained relatively tight. Months of supply, the number of months it would take to sell current inventory at the prevailing sales pace has often stayed in the low-to-mid single digits for single-family homes in competitive segments.

When inventory is limited relative to demand, well-priced homes in strong locations tend to attract more interest. Homes that are overpriced relative to comparable recent sales or that require substantial work may sit longer. Buyers should approach the market with the understanding that selection can feel constrained in popular school districts and neighborhoods, even when broader inventory numbers appear higher than in peak shortage periods.

Days on Market and Competition

How quickly homes move from listing to contract provides useful insight into market dynamics. Recent data shows a range of outcomes. Some reports indicated median days on market in the mid-20s to low-30s for many transactions. Other broader measures that include longer-listed properties showed higher averages. A meaningful share of homes continued to sell at or above their final list price, particularly those that were accurately priced and well presented.

This does not mean every listing generates multiple offers. It does suggest that prepared buyers who can act decisively often have an advantage when a suitable property becomes available. Conversely, properties that linger may offer more room for discussion on price or terms, though buyers should still perform thorough due diligence.

Competition levels also vary by price range and location. Entry-level and mid-range homes in strong school districts frequently see more activity than higher-priced or niche properties. Seasonal patterns can further influence the number of active listings and the intensity of competition.

Mortgage Rate Environment in 2026

Mortgage rates have remained elevated relative to the historically low levels of 2020–2021. As of late September 2026, the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey reported the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at approximately 7.03%. Rates have fluctuated throughout the year and remain sensitive to broader economic data, inflation trends, and bond market movements.

Higher rates increase monthly payments compared with lower-rate periods. This affects purchasing power and can influence the size of the loan a buyer can comfortably support. Because many homes in Westchester exceed standard conforming loan limits, a significant portion of transactions involve jumbo financing, which can carry different rate structures and underwriting requirements.

Buyers evaluating affordability should consider the full monthly housing cost, including principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any applicable association or co-op fees. Running multiple scenarios with different rate and price assumptions can provide a clearer picture of long-term sustainability.

Practical Considerations for Buyers

Several general observations may help buyers approach the current market more effectively:

Preparation strengthens position.
Obtaining a pre-approval that reflects current underwriting standards, income documentation, and credit profile allows buyers to move more confidently when they identify a property of interest. Sellers and listing agents often view well-documented financing more favorably.

Local knowledge matters.
Appraisal practices, co-op board requirements, tax assessment patterns, and typical closing timelines can differ across Westchester towns. Working with professionals familiar with these local details may reduce unexpected delays or complications.

Budget realism is essential.
Focusing solely on purchase price without accounting for the full monthly cost and potential future rate changes can lead to strain. Buyers benefit from calculating a comfortable maximum payment rather than stretching to the absolute limit of qualification.

Flexibility on property characteristics can expand options.
Strict criteria regarding location, size, or condition may limit available inventory. Buyers who identify their non-negotiables versus preferred features often find more viable choices.

Market timing involves trade-offs. Waiting for lower rates or greater inventory carries its own risks, including the possibility of further price changes or reduced selection in preferred areas. Conversely, purchasing in a higher-rate environment means locking in a payment based on current conditions. Each situation is unique.

Looking Ahead

Westchester’s combination of location, schools, and community amenities continues to support underlying demand. At the same time, affordability constraints related to both prices and interest rates remain a significant factor for many households. Inventory levels and rate movements will likely continue to influence the pace and character of the market in the months ahead.

Prospective buyers who take time to understand current conditions, assess their own financial readiness, and work with experienced local professionals are generally better positioned to navigate the process. Conditions can shift, and past performance is not indicative of future results.

If you are exploring a home purchase or refinance in Westchester County and would like a general discussion of how current market factors may relate to different financing approaches, feel free to reach out. Conversations begin with listening and understanding your specific goals and circumstances.

Important Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes. It does not constitute financial, mortgage, real estate, tax, or legal advice. Housing market statistics are drawn from publicly available sources including Zillow, Redfin, OneKey MLS summaries, and Freddie Mac rate surveys as of mid-to-late 2026 and are subject to revision and change. Data can vary by source, methodology, and time period. Individual outcomes depend on numerous personal, property-specific, and market factors that cannot be predicted with certainty. Readers should conduct their own research and consult qualified, licensed professionals—including a mortgage professional, real estate agent, and appropriate advisors—before making any decisions. No representation is made that any particular result will be achieved. Biagio Maffettone is a licensed mortgage professional (NMLS #409994) serving clients in Westchester County, New York, and surrounding areas. Past performance or general market trends do not guarantee future results.