Spring Surge or Slowdown? Greater D.C. Real Estate Market Moves to Watch – April 2025

What’s heating up, what’s cooling down, and what it means for buyers, sellers, and investors.

The D.C. spring real estate season is buzzing, but not every area is following the same rhythm. The latest data from Bright MLS reveals a market that’s evolving week by week—with new listings slowly increasing, prices trending upward in key counties, and buyer activity showing signs of hesitation.

Here’s what’s happening across the region—and what it means for you.

New Listings: A Mixed Picture

New listings across the Greater D.C. area were up 2.9% compared to the same time last year, with 2,012 homes added to inventory. However, there was a 6.5% drop compared to the previous week, suggesting some hesitance among sellers.

Notable shifts:

• Fredericksburg City, VA: up 233.3% year-over-year

• Howard County, MD: up 54.8%

• Washington, D.C.: down 20.8%

Buyers may find more opportunities in growing suburban markets, while core urban areas are seeing tighter inventory.

Home Prices Continue to Climb

The median list price across the region rose to $630,000—up 5% from the same time last year. This reflects growing seller confidence, especially in areas with strong school systems, access to transit, and suburban appeal.

Price growth highlights:

• Falls Church City, VA: $1.31M (up 77.4%)

• Fairfax County, VA: $848K (up 13.1%)

• Manassas City, VA: $525K (up 17.6%)

These increases underscore the demand in established suburban communities and emerging markets alike.

Price Drops Remain Uncommon

Only 7.6% of active listings in the region saw a price drop—slightly fewer than this time last year. Sellers appear confident in their pricing, and many homes are still moving without adjustments.

Counties like Prince William, Stafford, and Charles reported minimal price reductions, indicating that buyers are still willing to meet asking prices when homes are appropriately valued.

Pending Contracts Show Varied Momentum

Pending contracts dipped 3.3% year-over-year and 6.4% from the previous week. This signals a bit of hesitation on the buyer side, though the market remains active overall.

One standout was Manassas City, which saw a 71.4% year-over-year increase in pending contracts—a sign of targeted demand in smaller, more affordable markets.

Conversely, Fairfax City and Arlington County posted double-digit declines, showing some cooling in traditionally high-demand areas.

Showings Dip, but Interest Remains

Buyer activity, as measured by showing appointments, dropped 21.5% year-over-year and 18.1% from the prior week. That said, interest hasn’t disappeared—just shifted. Well-priced homes in good condition are still drawing attention, especially in markets like Charles County and Manassas City.

What This Means for You

If you’re buying:
You may find more choices in select counties, but competition remains in desirable areas. Act decisively if you find a home that checks your boxes.

If you’re selling:
Homes priced to market are still attracting offers, even with fewer showings overall. Spring remains a prime window for listing, especially if you're in a high-demand school district or commuter-friendly area.

If you’re investing:
Suburban appreciation continues to outpace urban centers. Markets like Falls Church and Fredericksburg may offer strong returns for long-term investors or fix-and-flip strategies.

Looking for personalized insights on your local market? Connect with a real estate professional who can help you interpret the data, time your move, and craft the right strategy.

Explore more at BrightMLS.com/DCtracker

DM us at https://www.colganteam.com/ if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Northern Virginia—whether it’s a spring surge or a slowdown, we’ve got you covered.