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In March 2026, Northern Virginia homes sold in a median of just 25 days. Montgomery County saw the strongest price growth in the region — up 6.6% from a year ago. Here is what the data showed, and what it means if you are planning to buy or sell.
The March 2026 numbers are in. We compared this past March to March 2025 across six DMV markets: Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, Washington DC, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and Frederick County.
Below, we break down how fast homes sold, where prices moved the most, and what the data tells us heading into the rest of spring.
Which Markets Moved the Fastest in March 2026?
Days on Market (DOM) tells you how long a home sat before a buyer made an offer. A low number meant buyers were moving fast — and sellers held the power. A higher number gave buyers more room to negotiate.
| Market | Median Days on Market | Market Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia | 25 days | ▲ Strongest seller’s market |
| Howard County | 28 days | ▲ Strong seller’s market |
| Montgomery County | 31 days | ▲ Competitive seller’s market |
| Frederick County | 39 days | Balanced market |
| Prince George’s County | 48 days | ▼ Leaning buyer’s market |
| Washington, DC | 56 days | ▼ Strongest buyer’s market |
Source: Bright MLS, March 2025–March 2026. Residential properties.
Northern Virginia was the hottest market in the region. Homes there sold in a median of just 25 days. With a median sold price of $705,000, sellers got strong results fast.
Howard County came in right behind at 28 days. Buyers moved quickly, and the median sold price of $571,250 made it one of the more affordable fast-moving markets in the region.
Montgomery County came in at 31 days — still very competitive. And as we will show below, it was also the top market for price growth.
Where Did Home Prices Rise the Most?
Speed matters, but so does your return. Here is where sellers saw the biggest price gains compared to March 2025.
| Market | Mar 2025 Median | Mar 2026 Median | Change | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County | $610,000 | $650,000 | +6.6% | #1 for price growth in the DMV |
| Frederick County | $493,979 | $510,000 | +3.2% | Steady growth, moderate pace |
| Northern Virginia | $725,000 | $705,000 | −2.8% | Still the highest median price in the region |
Montgomery County led the region in price growth. The median sold price rose from $610,000 in March 2025 to $650,000 in March 2026 — a gain of about 6.6%. Homes still sold in just 31 days. That combination of speed and growth made it one of the strongest markets in the region for sellers last month.
Frederick County came in second for price growth at 3.2%. The market moved at a slower pace (39 days), but prices still trended in the right direction for sellers.
Where Did Buyers Have More Power?
In a slower market, homes sit longer before selling. That means less competition and more room to ask for a lower price, repairs, or other concessions.
Washington, DC was the most buyer-friendly market in March. Homes sat on the market for a median of 56 days before going under contract. With a Months of Supply Index (MSI) of 7.1 — well above the 6-month mark that signals a buyer’s market — there was real room to negotiate.
Prince George’s County was another solid option for buyers, with homes sitting for 48 days on average and prices essentially flat compared to a year ago. Buyers there had less competition and more negotiating room.
Quick Answers: DMV Real Estate FAQs
How long did it take to sell a home in the DMV in March 2026?
On average, about 38 days across the six major markets. In Northern Virginia and Howard County, homes went under contract in under a month. These trends can help you set realistic expectations if you are planning to list soon.
Which areas gave buyers the most leverage last month?
Washington, DC and Prince George’s County gave buyers the most room to negotiate in March. More homes were available, and sellers were more open to concessions compared to faster-moving suburbs.
Did home prices go up or down in March 2026?
It depended on where you looked. Montgomery County and Frederick County posted solid year-over-year gains. Howard County and Prince George’s County were roughly flat. Northern Virginia dipped slightly but remained the highest-priced market in the region.
What the Data Tells Us Heading Into Spring
March 2026 showed a market that is still moving, but with clear differences from one area to the next. Sellers in Montgomery County and Northern Virginia came out strong. Buyers in DC and Prince George’s County found more room to work with.
Understanding what happened last month is the best way to plan your next move. We track the numbers every month so you do not have to guess.
Thinking about moving this year? Don't just listen to national news. Reach out today for a personal look at your neighborhood's market. Whether you're buying or selling, we'll help you succeed in this dynamic real estate market.
Data sourced from Bright MLS. Date range: March 2025–March 2026. Residential properties only. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2026 Bright MLS.
