December wrapped up the year with strong sales activity, rising prices, and improving interest rates — even as the market naturally slowed with the holidays. The data points to a resilient Lancaster County market heading into 2026.
Market Snapshot
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Settled Units: 473 homes sold (up 8% from 435 last year)
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Median Days to Sell: 12 days (up 33% from 9 days last year)
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Average Sales Price: $407,112 (up 5% from $384,839)
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Average Interest Rate: 6.1% (down from 6.7%)
What This Means for Home Sellers
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More Homes Are Closing, Even in a Seasonal Market.
An 8% increase in settled units shows strong buyer commitment, despite December typically being a slower month due to holidays and winter weather. -
Prices Continue to Trend Up.
Home values rose 5% year over year, pushing the average sales price above $400,000. Sellers entering 2026 are doing so with solid equity and favorable pricing conditions. -
Expect a Slightly Longer Sales Timeline.
Median days to sell increased to 12 days. While homes are still selling quickly by historical standards, buyers are taking a bit more time — making preparation, pricing, and presentation even more important.
What This Means for Home Buyers
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Lower Interest Rates Improve Buying Power.
Rates dropped from 6.7% to 6.1%, a meaningful improvement that helps offset rising prices and reduces monthly payments. -
Less Competition Than Peak Seasons.
With homes taking slightly longer to sell, buyers may find more opportunity to negotiate — especially during the winter months when fewer buyers are actively shopping. -
Strong Sales Volume Signals Market Confidence.
Increased closings suggest buyers are confident in Lancaster County’s long-term value, making now a smart time to purchase ahead of potential spring competition.
The Bottom Line
December’s numbers highlight a healthy, steady market closing out 2025:
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Sellers benefit from higher prices and continued buyer demand.
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Buyers gain from lower rates and a less frantic seasonal environment.
As we head into 2026, Lancaster County remains a market defined by stability, opportunity, and long-term value.
