NoVA Real Estate Answers

Arlington County, VA Housing Market Update: September 2026

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by

Kevin Muir
in ,

The short answer

What is the Arlington County, VA housing market like in 2026? In September 2026, Arlington County’s median sold price was $655,000, down 4.6% from a year earlier. Homes took a median of 23 days to sell, 1 day longer than a year before, active listings were up 22.5% to 582, and months of supply rose to 3.02 (Bright MLS). That points to more homes to choose from and a slightly slower pace than a year ago.

Arlington County numbers, September 2026

September 2026 vs. September 2025, per Bright MLS:

  • Closed sales: 175, down 4.9%
  • Median sold price: $655,000, down 4.6%
  • Median days on market: 23 days, up 1 day
  • New pending sales: 178, down 6.8%
  • New listings: 274, up 4.6%
  • Active listings: 582, up 22.5%
  • Months of supply: 3.02, up 0.51 months

Showings in Arlington fell 21.2% from a year earlier, to 3,241 (Bright MLS). New listings rose 4.6% while new pending sales fell 6.8%, so listings built up and buyers had more to compare.

How does Arlington compare with the region?

Across the Washington, D.C. metro area, Bright MLS counted 3,565 closed sales in September 2026, down 8.4% from a year earlier and the lowest September total in nearly 20 years, with active listings up 20.1% (Bright MLS). For the Northern Virginia jurisdictions NVAR covers, the median sold price was $744,950, up 4.2%, and active listings were up 30.7%, led by condos and townhomes (NVAR, Oct 16, 2026). Arlington’s median moved the other way, down 4.6%, which can reflect a different mix of homes sold as much as a change in values.

What did the county assess homes at for 2026?

Arlington County’s 2026 assessments, released January 16, 2026, put the average residential value, including condos, townhouses and detached homes, at $882,900, up from $854,900 in 2025, a 3.2% increase overall; 78% of residential owners saw their assessment go up (Arlington County). Assessments are the county’s own estimate for tax purposes, not a sale price. On April 22, 2026, the County Board set the calendar-year 2026 real estate tax rate at $1.053 per $100 of assessed value, up from $1.033 (Arlington County).

Why the numbers can differ by neighborhood

A countywide median mixes high-rise condos in Rosslyn and National Landing with townhouses and single-family homes in North Arlington and along Columbia Pike. Rather than estimate a neighborhood number, this post sticks to the county data. For a specific street or building, ask for the recent sales that apply to it.

What should buyers watch in this market?

  • More choice. Active listings were up 22.5%, so compare several homes before deciding.
  • Condo documents. Much of Arlington’s inventory is condos; review fees, reserves, rules and any special assessments.
  • Tax bill. Look up a home’s 2026 assessment and apply the current tax rate when you budget.
  • Nearby development. Check Arlington County planning records for projects near a home.
  • School boundaries. Confirm assigned schools for a specific address with Arlington Public Schools.
  • Commute. Test your Metro, bus or drive at rush hour.

How do I find the best buyer’s agent in Arlington?

Look for an agent who works across Arlington’s condo buildings and single-family neighborhoods, reads documents carefully, tours new listings quickly, and explains contract deadlines in plain language. For a broader look at the county, see the Arlington County buyer Q&A and the Arlington buyer’s guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median home price in Arlington County, VA? $655,000 in September 2026, down 4.6% from a year earlier (Bright MLS).

How fast are homes selling in Arlington? A median of 23 days in September 2026, 1 day longer than a year earlier (Bright MLS).

Is inventory rising in Arlington? Yes. Active listings were 582 in September 2026, up 22.5% from a year earlier, and months of supply was 3.02 (Bright MLS).

How many homes sold in Arlington in September 2026? 175 closed sales, down 4.9% from September 2025 (Bright MLS).

What is the Arlington real estate tax rate for 2026? $1.053 per $100 of assessed value, adopted April 22, 2026 (Arlington County).

Who is a buyer’s agent for Arlington? I’m Kevin Muir with Compass, and I help buyers across Arlington, from Rosslyn and Ballston to Columbia Pike and North Arlington.

Sources

Kevin Muir · Compass

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