Lancaster County Housing Market Update

February 13, 2026

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🏡 Lancaster County Market Update – January 2026

What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

The new year is off to a slower start in Lancaster County (can you say Artic Freeze?), with fewer homes selling and slightly lower prices. However, improved interest rates and faster market times suggest opportunity for both buyers and sellers as we move toward the spring market.

📊 Market Snapshot

  • Settled Units: 280 homes sold (down 23% from 368 last year)

  • Median Days to Sell: 11 days (down 8% from 12 days last year)

  • Average Sales Price: $366,236 (down 2% from $375,907)

  • Average Interest Rate: 6.1% (down from 6.9%)

💡 What This Means for Home Sellers

  1. Fewer Buyers in the Market — But Serious Ones.
    A 23% drop in settled units reflects typical seasonal slowdown and more snow than usual, but the buyers who are active tend to be motivated and ready to act.

  2. Homes Are Still Selling Quickly.
    Median days to sell improved to 11 days, meaning well-priced homes are still moving efficiently despite lower overall activity.

  3. Pricing Strategy Matters More Right Now.
    With average prices down slightly (2%), sellers need to be strategic. Proper pricing and strong presentation are key to attracting today’s more selective buyers.

🔍 What This Means for Home Buyers

  1. Lower Interest Rates Boost Affordability.
    Rates dropped significantly from 6.9% to 6.1%, helping improve monthly payments and increasing purchasing power.

  2. Less Competition Creates Opportunity.
    With fewer homes selling, buyers may face less competition and have more room to negotiate favorable terms.

  3. Prices Have Softened Slightly.
    A modest 2% drop in average sales price gives buyers a small advantage — especially compared to the stronger price growth seen late last year.

🏁 The Bottom Line

January reflects a seasonal reset in the Lancaster County housing market:

  • Sellers can still achieve strong results with the right strategy, despite lower activity.

  • Buyers benefit from lower rates, less competition, and slightly improved pricing.

As we move closer to spring, expect activity to pick up — making now a strategic time to plan your next move.

 

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