If you’re buying a home in the DMV—or thinking about selling—speed matters. In 2026, “days on market” can be the difference between snagging your dream place in Arlington and watching the same D.C. condo sit through multiple price drops. The truth is, the DMV real estate market isn’t moving at one pace: Arlington homes, Alexandria charmers, and D.C. rowhomes all behave differently depending on neighborhood, home type, and pricing strategy. Here’s what the latest data says (plus how to use it to your advantage).

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How is the DMV market changing in 2026?

The big story heading into 2026 is a more balanced—but still local—market. Nationally, Realtor.com expects mortgage rates to average around the mid-6% range in 2026 with modest home price growth (not a dramatic “crash” or “boom”). (Realtor)

Regionally, forecasts suggest the Washington metro could be a bit softer than other areas, with price expectations varying based on the local economy and federal-sector uncertainty. For example, Bright MLS projections reported by local outlets pointed to a slight dip in the region’s median sale price in 2026. (FFXnow) Meanwhile, Northern Virginia’s outlook has been framed as “finding balance,” with moderate price changes and slightly higher inventory compared to the tightest years. (NVAR)

Translation for buyers and sellers:

• Homes that are well-priced and well-presented can still move fast (especially close-in, transit-friendly neighborhoods).

• Properties that feel overpriced, dated, or hard to show are more likely to sit—especially in segments with more competition (hello, certain condo pockets).

• Micro-markets matter more than headlines: one ZIP code can feel like 2021 while another feels like 2019.

Where are homes moving fastest in 2026: Arlington, Alexandria, or D.C.?

When we talk about “moving fast,” we’re usually talking about median days on market—how long it takes the typical listing to go under contract (or go off-market) in a given month.

Using the latest monthly data available (December 2025, which sets the baseline as we enter 2026), here’s the snapshot:

• Alexandria City: 59 median days on market (FRED)

• Arlington County: 62 median days on market (FRED)

• Washington, D.C.: 75 median days on market (FRED)

To keep things fair (December is slower nearly everywhere), here’s a more “typical fall market” comparison from October 2025:

• Alexandria City: 31 median days (FRED)

• Arlington County: 36 median days (FRED)

• Washington, D.C.: 47 median days (FRED)

What this means:

• Fastest overall: Alexandria and Arlington are neck-and-neck, with Alexandria slightly quicker in the most recent comparisons. (FRED)

• Most variable: D.C. can be fast in specific neighborhoods and property types—but overall, it’s taking longer than close-in NoVA. (FRED)

Why do Arlington homes stay competitive in 2026?

Arlington VA real estate in 2026 is still powered by a simple formula: location + lifestyle + limited supply. Buyers love the walkability and transit access in places like Clarendon, Ballston, Rosslyn, Pentagon City, Crystal City, and Shirlington, plus the strong long-term demand tied to major employers and commuter routes.

But here’s the nuance: Arlington moves fastest when listings check these boxes:

• Updated kitchens/baths (or priced for renovation)

• Parking or easy transit access

• Solid condo financials/HOA docs (for condos)

• Turnkey curb appeal (for townhomes/single-family)

If you’re selling your Arlington VA home, it’s not just about listing—it’s about launch strategy (prep + pricing + marketing + timing).

What should first-time buyers know in Arlington VA?

If you’re a first-timer trying to buy in Arlington, go in with a plan—not just a pre-approval.

First-time buyer playbook (Arlington edition):

• Know your “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves.” Arlington inventory moves quickly in the most popular price bands. (FRED)

• Be condo-smart. Review condo fees, reserves, and rules early so you don’t lose time during negotiation.

• Get strategy help on offer terms. Closing timeline flexibility, appraisal planning, and inspection approach can matter as much as price.

• Track the micro-market. Median days on market is a helpful baseline, but your target neighborhood may move faster or slower.

If you want extra peace of mind as you shop, check out the Buyer Guarantee—it’s built for real-world DMV competition.

Alexandria: historic charm, strong demand, and “pocket hot spots”

Alexandria often attracts buyers who want character and community—think Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, and Potomac Yard vibes—plus easy access to D.C. and major corridors. And while Alexandria can feel more relaxed than Arlington on a Saturday open house circuit, the data still shows it moving quickly when homes are priced correctly. (FRED)

Redfin’s market snapshot has also shown Alexandria homes selling in roughly the “weeks-to-a-few-months” range depending on the month, reinforcing that it’s competitive but not uniformly frantic. (Redfin)

How do you win in Alexandria in 2026 (without overpaying)?

Try this approach:

• Get clear on the neighborhood premium. Del Ray and Old Town can command a different pace than farther-out pockets.

• Be ready for condition-driven bidding. Renovated, move-in-ready homes tend to compress timelines.

• Use data to time your move. If you’re flexible, shopping in slower weeks can reduce the “multiple-offer” pressure.

Washington, D.C.: faster rowhomes, slower pockets, and big neighborhood differences

D.C. is the most “choose-your-own-adventure” market of the three. On paper, the citywide median days on market has been higher than Arlington or Alexandria (for example, 75 days in December 2025). (FRED) But that doesn’t mean D.C. is slow everywhere.

What tends to move fast in D.C.:

• Well-priced rowhomes in in-demand neighborhoods (think strong transit access, established community amenities, and classic housing stock)

• Renovated homes with flexible space (home office, guest suite, finished basement)

• Turnkey properties that photograph and show well

What can take longer:

• Condos with lots of competing inventory or higher monthly fees

• Listings priced above neighborhood comps “just to test the market”

• Homes that need significant work but aren’t priced accordingly

D.C. is also navigating longer-term shifts in how neighborhoods evolve—like major office-to-residential conversions downtown that could reshape demand patterns over time. (The Washington Post)

First-time homebuyer guide DC: what should you watch for?

If you’re buying in D.C., keep an eye on:

• Condo docs & fees: building financials, reserves, rules, rental caps

• Parking reality: what “street parking” truly looks like on weeknights

• Historic district or permitting considerations: renovation plans can take longer

• Resale strategy: think about future buyer pool (layout, light, transit, fees)

What about Falls Church and the “in-between” DMV markets?

Falls Church is a great reminder that smaller markets can be their own universe. Inventory is limited, demand can be intense, and the “right” home can still fly—even if broader metrics look mixed month to month. Redfin has shown Falls Church homes taking around 50 days in a recent snapshot, but that number can swing based on seasonality and the small sample size of listings. (Redfin)

If you’re targeting Falls Church (or bordering neighborhoods), the best move is to track new listings daily and be ready to tour quickly.

FAQs: quick answers buyers and sellers are searching in 2026

Which area has the fastest-moving homes right now?

Based on the latest median days-on-market comparisons, Alexandria and Arlington are moving faster than D.C. overall, with Alexandria slightly ahead in recent months. (FRED)

What does “days on market” actually tell me?

It’s a snapshot of how quickly the typical listing is going off-market in a given month. It’s useful—but your specific neighborhood, price point, and property type can move very differently.

Is 2026 a good time to buy in the DMV?

If you’re financially ready, 2026 is shaping up to be more “strategic” than “stampede.” National forecasts point to more stable conditions (not a dramatic reset), which can create opportunities for prepared buyers. (Realtor)

How can I sell my Arlington VA home faster in 2026?

Focus on launch readiness: smart pricing, high-impact prep, great photos, and a showing-friendly schedule. Arlington still rewards sellers who treat the first week like a campaign. (FRED)

Should I list now or wait for spring 2026?

Spring often brings more buyers—but also more competition. If your home will shine (and you can price it right), listing earlier can mean fewer competing listings and more attention from serious buyers.

Ready to make your move? (Strong CTA)

Whether you’re buying in Arlington, exploring Alexandria, or narrowing down D.C. neighborhoods, the right strategy matters—and KS Team real estate experts are here to help you move confidently.

• Ready to start your search? Search All Homes

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Ready to take the next step toward your Arlington VA home? Contact KS Team today to schedule a free buyer consultation or get your home’s value instantly with our free home valuation tool:
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