The new year is off to an interesting start for the Maryland Eastern Shore real estate market, showing signs of balance and opportunity for both buyers and sellers.
🏡 Sales Activity
January saw 223 closed sales, a 10.9% increase year-over-year, making the Eastern Shore the only region in the Mid-Atlantic to post growth. However, activity varied by county. Caroline, Cecil, and Kent counties experienced increased sales, while Dorchester, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot saw declines.
New pending sales — a strong indicator of future closings — were up 3.9% overall, with only Caroline County reporting fewer new contracts than last year.
📉 Inventory & Seller Behavior
Sellers have been more cautious to start the year. New listings fell 5.6% year-over-year, suggesting some homeowners are holding off. As the market continues to normalize, sellers may need to adjust pricing expectations to stay competitive.
⏳ Days on Market & Pricing
Homes are taking longer to sell. The median days on market increased by nine days compared to January 2025. Additionally, price growth has softened, with the median home price down 7.4% year-over-year.
🔮 Market Outlook
The Eastern Shore market is moving toward a more balanced environment — a trend expected to continue throughout 2026. Buyers will benefit from more inventory and potentially more favorable mortgage rates, while sellers will need to focus on strategic pricing and presentation.
Although affordability concerns and economic uncertainty may keep overall sales modest, this evolving market presents opportunities for well-prepared buyers and sellers alike.
