Real estate in Washington, D.C., is always in high demand. From the history, gorgeous architecture, activities, and accessibility, it is a beautiful place to live. Recently, the area went from
79,282 home sales in 2021 to approximately 59,450 in 2022. According to Bright MLS, as of January 2023, local properties were
on the market for a median of 30 days – the longest stretch since January 2019. This doesn’t mean D.C. real estate is in a bad market, but rather a more level one, making it easier for people to buy property without extreme competition. If you are considering buying or selling a house in Washington, D.C., here are the latest trends to help inform your decision.
Washington, D.C., housing market prices, trends, and forecasts 2023
The Washington, D.C., housing market comprises various property types, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. The market is also divided into several submarkets, such as Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and Logan Circle. Experts forecast that the demand for housing in Washington, D.C., will remain strong in 2023.
The city is home to many job opportunities, and the population is expected to continue growing, creating a strong demand for housing. As a result, the median home value in Washington, D.C., is expected to increase by 3.5%, which is driven by strong demand and lower supply, though it is a slight decline compared to the median home value in 2022.
Increasing home values
In the last few years, the median sold price of houses in Washington, D.C., has increased steadily, which is excellent news for sellers. In 2020, the median sold price was $600,000. At the beginning of 2023, houses in Washington, D.C., sold for a
median price of $545,500 and have increased to $676,000 as of April 2023.
In April 2023, there was a slight decline in the number of
new listings on the market but an increase in pending offers in April 2023. So far, the Washington, D.C., housing market isn’t strongly favoring either buyers or sellers.
While buyers have more room to ask for a home inspection or negotiate price, reasonably priced houses in desirable areas are still getting many offers, and because there’s high demand for homes for sale in Logan Circle, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown, prices have remained strong.
Dupont Circle median home prices 2023
Real estate in Dupont Circle typically sells after 30 days on the market, which is an increase compared to 2022. The real estate market in Dupont Circle has remained stable throughout the years.
Dupont Circle is very walkable, with easy access to Logan Circle, Adams Morgan, Shaw, and its own metro stop. There are also numerous embassies and restaurants, and it is home to Kramers, an iconic, carefully curated bookstore, restaurant, and bar.
Logan Circle
This beautiful, historic neighborhood has it all. Logan Circle is a highly sought-after neighborhood with beautiful architecture, quiet streets, and easy access to the city’s entertainment and amenities. This vibrant area has plenty of restaurants, bars, gyms, and shops and is within walking distance to Shaw, U Street, Dupont Circle, and easy access to the metro. A small park is also perfect for picnics or reading outside during the warmer months.
The Logan Circle neighborhood offers many housing options, including small townhouses, large multi-family units, and sprawling single-family homes. Many of the houses in the area have been around for quite some time, which gives the neighborhood its signature charm and character.
In 2019, 53% of
homes bought in Washington, D.C., were built between 1980 to 1999. Many of the properties have been converted into multiple single-family homes that are divided among many renters. Doing so allows owners to live on a portion of their home while receiving rental income.
Washington, D.C., real estate market: Should you invest?
There are opportunities and challenges facing buyers and sellers in the housing market today. Buyers are expected to continue facing increased competition and higher prices. Sellers are also expected to face increased competition and changing buyer preferences but can take advantage of the latest marketing techniques and price their homes competitively.
Like the buyers and sellers, investors also face tight supply and higher prices in Washington, DC. However, there are plenty of options to find properties in the area, such as investing in up-and-coming neighborhoods or flipping a house. Additionally, the recent funding for affordable housing and infrastructure projects provides potential avenues for investors to get involved.
How to buy a home in the current market
Navigating a competitive housing market is quite a challenge. Thankfully, working with a trusted agent eases the stress because they know the real estate market in Logan Circle. Experts recommend touring as many houses as possible to get a better sense of what you can get for your money once you have a list of your “must-haves.” Having this list will allow you and your realtor to weed out houses that don’t fit your needs, so you’re not wasting time touring houses that don’t have what you’re looking for.
You will need to tour a listing as soon as possible, given that homes sell within a month. The sooner you can go and tour the property, the sooner your agent can perform their due diligence, which can include researching the area’s zoning laws, talking to neighbors, and finding areas the seller may be willing to negotiate on.
Lastly, once you find the home of your dreams, consider what you’d be willing to risk to have your offer accepted. Your agent can advise you in this situation, but knowing whether you’d be willing to forgo some protections, such as an inspection contingency, can put your offer over the top.
Ready to enter the Logan Circle real estate market?