The housing market in Montgomery County and Washington, D.C. continued its shift toward a more balanced environment in October, according to new data released by the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® (GCAAR).
Homes across the region spent an average of 37 days on the market, unchanged from September but 35% higher than the five-year October average of 27 days, signaling that buyers are gradually gaining leverage.
The median sold price for residential properties rose to $640,000, up a modest 1.8% from the previous month and 3.5% compared to October 2024. While the number of closed sales remains 4.9% lower than this time last year, activity picked up notably from September, with 1,332 homes sold, a 13% month-over-month increase.
Contract activity also showed signs of momentum. New pending sales reached 1,457, up 3.6% from September, while total pendings, including carryover contracts, rose 1.9% to 1,705. Inventory tightened slightly, with 4,797 active listings across the region.
Montgomery County vs. Washington, D.C.nGCAAR’s data highlights a split between the two jurisdictions as each responded differently to October’s market conditions:
Washington, D.C. (vs. September 2025)
- Median sold price: $675,000 (↓0.7%)
- Average days on market: 50 (↑3)
- New listings: 866 (↓24.4%)
Montgomery County, Md. (vs. September 2025)
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Median sold price: $625,000 (↑4.3%)
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Average days on market: 30 (↓2)
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New listings: 950 (↓8.9%)
GCAAR President Samantha Damato noted that the temporary federal government shutdown played a meaningful role in cooling activity, especially in D.C., where a large share of residents are federal workers.
“There’s no doubt that the shutdown of the federal government and the continuing uncertainty surrounding federal workers’ jobs paused some activity that we’d normally see in the market at this time of year, particularly in the number of new listings,” Damato said. “In Washington, D.C., where many residents have taken a direct hit as a result of the shutdown, activity decreased last month. Despite that, activity seems to be increasing in Montgomery County – and it’s encouraging that more homes sold in October than in September. It remains to be seen whether the re-opening of the government will yield more buyer and seller activity.”
