REALTOR® News

February 2026 Housing Stats

by Jacky Mueck Housing Stats 0 0 Comment 71

Maryland Housing Market Shows Strong Prices Despite Fewer Sales in February
Structural supply shortages continue to influence
Maryland’s housing market

ANNAPOLIS, MD — March 16, 2026— Home sales in Maryland fell 5.1 percent in February, with 4,016 homes sold compared to 4,233 a year earlier. Despite the decline in sales, home prices continued to rise. The average sales price increased 3.3 percent to $489,994, while the median sales price climbed 3.7 percent to $474,335.

Pending sales—houses under contract but not yet closed—rose 5.1 percent to 4,981 units. At the same time, active inventory declined 19.2 percent, and new listings dropped 34.2 percent.

Nationally, in comparison, existing home sales increased by 1.7% month-over-month in February, according to the National Association of REALTORS^® Existing-Home Sales report. Month-over-month sales rose in the Midwest, South and West, and fell in the Northeast. Year-over-year sales rose in the South and fell in the Northeast, Midwest, and West.

“What this tells us is that buyers are still participating in the market but shrinking inventory and a decline in new listings point to more structural supply issues,” said Denise Lewis, 2026 President of Maryland REALTORS^®. “Years of underbuilding housing, caused largely by local zoning and land-use restrictions, have contributed to Maryland’s affordability crisis. Local governments have had years to address this issue, but many have lacked the political will to do so.”

Lewis noted that the association is closely monitoring three housing-related bills in the Maryland General Assembly.

The Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act of 2026 would increase housing supply and affordability by encouraging denser development near public transportation. The Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026 would expand opportunities for smaller homes, helping first-time buyers enter the market while also giving older homeowners options to downsize. The Housing Certainty Act of 2026 would provide greater predictability for housing developers by limiting regulatory changes after projects are approved.

“These are three common-sense proposals that would help expand housing opportunities across Maryland while strengthening local economies,” Lewis added. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”