Trends
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Seattle ranked No. 13 in the nation in RentCafe’s 2026 Most Livable U.S. Metro Areas report. That ranking would have been higher — if not for the city’s high cost of living.
Middle-income seniors stand to be affected most by projected shortages — those who don’t qualify for subsidized housing but can’t afford new construction.
NWMLS noted that the median home price reflects “a decade of sustained home value growth,” given the median of $310,000 in 2015.
These are the five most expensive homes sold in greater Seattle in 2025, as well as the brokers responsible for the transactions.
Affordability challenges continue to bedevil homebuyers, despite mortgage rates falling to a three-year low, the National Association of Home Builders reported.
Buyers for two of the 10 most expensive homes sold in the greater Seattle area in December will be neighbors on the same street in Medina.
Research showed a disproportionately high share of foreign-born workers active in the construction trades nationally in 2024.
Sales of existing homes jumped 5.1% month over month, topping analyst expectations.
The priciest new listing in Seattle is a $6.5 million, 3,000-square-foot penthouse at The Nexus.
Contract signings were up in all four U.S. regions.
Evidence points to home shoppers prioritizing the experiences they’ll have in their home over the style or size, Zillow said.
There’s a tie on this month’s list of the most expensive homes sold in greater Seattle — two penthouses in Seattle’s Escala high rise.
The NAHB’s monthly survey found the nation’s homebuilders remain optimistic about home sales next year.
Seattle placed No. 4, trailing behind Atlanta, Las Vegas and Tampa, Florida, but beating out popular cities like Denver and Austin.
Midwestern and southern metros may dominate buyer interest in 2026, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
Geographically, trends varied widely, with formerly hot areas like Florida and the Southeast posting the deepest declines and formerly cool areas, like the Midwest, showing healthy gains.
