If you’ve been wondering whether now is a good time to buy or sell a home in Vermont, you’re not alone. It's one of the questions we hear most often this time of year from homeowners across the Champlain Valley region.
As we reach the midpoint of Vermont real estate in 2026, the market is settling into a healthier rhythm. We're seeing more homes come on the market, buyers have a little more breathing room, and well-prepared sellers are still finding success. Whether you're searching for Vermont homes for sale, considering buying a home in Vermont, or thinking about selling a home in Vermont, here's what the latest numbers tell us.
More Homes Are Hitting the Market
The biggest shift so far this year is the increase in available homes. Through the end of May, 1,248 new listings have entered the market across Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden Counties—4.9% more than the same time last year.
For homebuyers, that's welcome news. After several years of limited inventory, there are more opportunities to compare homes, explore different communities, and find a property that truly fits your needs. Whether you're looking for a home in Burlington, a lakefront property in the Champlain Islands, or a property in St. Albans, the selection has improved.
While desirable homes continue to attract attention, the market isn't moving at the frantic pace many buyers experienced in recent years.
Homes Are Taking a Little Longer to Sell
The pace of the market has eased slightly. The median days on market has increased to 10 days, up 25% from last year.
While we're still seeing many desirable homes sell quickly, fewer properties are going under contract within just a few days of hitting the market. Homes that are overpriced or don't stand out online are taking longer to attract buyers, giving buyers more time to schedule showings, compare properties, and make informed decisions.
Even so, a median of just 10 days is still remarkably fast by historical standards. For sellers, the fundamentals matter more than ever. Homes that are priced competitively, professionally marketed, and presented in their best light continue to generate strong interest across Northwest Vermont.
Home Values Remain Strong
Home prices have remained resilient, even as the market becomes more balanced. The median sales price is now $460,000, a 4.6% decrease from last year.
While prices have softened slightly, they're still well above pre-pandemic levels. Rather than signaling a downturn, this moderation reflects a market that is becoming more sustainable after several years of rapid appreciation.
Home sellers are still receiving an average of 99.0% of their asking price, showing that well-priced homes continue to command strong offers.
A More Balanced Vermont Housing Market
Perhaps the biggest story of 2026 is balance. Closed sales have increased 1.9%, with 733 homes sold across the three counties so far this year. Buyers have more choices than they did a year ago, while sellers continue to benefit from steady demand.
Instead of clearly favoring one side, today's Vermont housing market is creating opportunities for both. Buyers can take a little more time to make informed decisions, while sellers who price strategically and market their homes effectively are still achieving excellent results.
What This Means for Buyers
If you're thinking about buying a home in Vermont, today's market offers several advantages:
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More homes are available to choose from.
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You’’ likely have a little more time to evaluate your options.
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Negotiating repairs or other terms may be easier than it was during the peak seller's market.
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Interest rates and monthly payments still matter, so being pre-approved remains one of the best ways to shop with confidence.
What This Means for Sellers
If you're considering selling a home in Vermont, the opportunity is still very much there, but preparation matters.
Today's buyers have more choices, making pricing, presentation, and marketing more important than ever. Professional photography, thoughtful staging, and a strong online marketing strategy help your home stand out from the competition.
Homes that are well-maintained and priced appropriately continue to attract motivated buyers throughout Northwest Vermont, including many of the region's most desirable communities and Lake Champlain real estate markets.
Looking Ahead
As we move through the summer, the Northwest Vermont real estate market continues to shift toward a healthier balance. Buyers have more opportunities than they've seen in several years, while sellers are still benefiting from steady demand and historically strong home values.
Whether you're actively searching for Vermont homes for sale, considering selling a home in Vermont, or simply keeping an eye on the Vermont market update, understanding what's happening locally can help you make informed decisions.
If you're curious about what these trends mean for your home or your next move, our real estate agents are always happy to share local insight and answer your questions.
Market stats provided by Vermont Association of Realtors and Prime MLS.
