October 2026 Market Update | September 2026 Statistics
Key Insights: More Homes, Higher Values, and a Changing Fall Market
As October settles into Lancaster County, the latest real estate statistics are revealing an interesting shift in our local housing market. Active listings climbed to 779 homes in September, while the median sold price reached $370,000—4.2% higher than a year ago. Homes spent an average of just 20 days on the market, and sellers continued to receive more than their original asking price on average. For buyers, sellers, and those considering building a new home, these numbers suggest a market with more choices, continued competition, and opportunities worth understanding.
Above asking on average. Source: Bright MLS / MarketStats by ShowingTime, September 2026. Year-over-year comparisons are against September 2025 & Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty
What September’s Numbers Reveal About Your Next Move
Every month, I review Lancaster County’s real estate statistics with one question in mind: What do these numbers actually mean for the people buying and selling homes here?
Because behind every sale is a family making a decision. Someone buying their first home. A homeowner considering downsizing. A growing family searching for more space. Or a buyer wondering whether building a new home might make more sense than purchasing an existing one.
And September’s numbers give us plenty to talk about.
Lancaster County Real Estate Market at a Glance
1. Inventory Is Growing—and That’s Welcome News for Buyers
One of the most notable changes in September was the increase in available homes.
Lancaster County ended the month with 779 active listings, compared with 685 in August and 664 in September 2025.
That’s approximately a 17.3% increase over last year.
Even more interesting, September’s inventory was substantially higher than the five-year September average of 599 homes.
For buyers who have spent months feeling like there was little to choose from, this is encouraging.
More inventory can mean more opportunities to compare homes, neighborhoods, layouts, and price points without feeling quite as restricted.
But there’s an important distinction.
More homes available doesn’t necessarily mean less competition for the homes everyone wants.
The most desirable properties—those with the right combination of location, condition, layout, and price—can still attract significant interest.
2. Home Prices Have Moderated, But Values Remain Strong
September’s median sold price was $370,000, down from $385,000 in August.
At first glance, that might sound like home prices are declining.
But here’s why looking at just one month can be misleading.
In September 2025, the median sold price was $355,000. That means this September’s median was still 4.2% higher than a year earlier.
And the year-to-date median sold price reached $365,000, compared with $350,000 during the same period last year.
Monthly median prices can fluctuate based on the mix of homes that sell. A greater number of smaller or lower-priced homes closing in one month can influence the median without indicating that every home’s value has declined.
From a homeowner’s perspective, the bigger picture remains encouraging: Lancaster County home values, as measured by the median sold price, are still higher than a year ago.
For buyers, the slight month-over-month moderation is a reminder that the market isn’t moving in a perfectly straight line.
3. Buyers Are Still Active, But They’re Taking a Closer Look
September recorded 457 closed sales, down 9% from August’s 502 closings but up 6.5% compared with September 2025.
Pending sales totaled 453, down 7.9% from August and 3.2% from the previous September.
This is where the market becomes especially interesting.
More homes are available, but the number of newly pending properties has eased.
That doesn’t mean buyers have disappeared. In fact, closed sales were stronger than a year ago.
It does suggest that buyers may have more room to compare their options.
And when people have choices, details matter.
Condition matters. Pricing matters. Location matters. And the way a home is presented can make a meaningful difference.
Yet homes still sold in an average of just 20 days—five days faster than September of last year.
Buyers may be more selective, but they’re still making decisions quickly when the right home comes along.
Thinking About Selling? Your Home Deserves More Than an Average
One statistic I always encourage homeowners to look beyond is the countywide median price.
Your home’s value isn’t determined by the average or median of every property sold throughout Lancaster County.
A home in Lititz may face very different competition than one in Millersville, Lancaster City, or Manheim Township. Even homes within the same neighborhood can perform differently based on condition, improvements, layout, and lot characteristics.
September’s data shows that sellers received an average of 103.1% of their original asking price.
That’s encouraging, but it doesn’t mean every home sold above asking.
The goal isn’t simply to put your home on the market.
It’s to position your property so the right buyers recognize its value.
If selling is something you’re considering before the end of the year or in 2027, a personalized market analysis can help you understand your home’s potential value, current competition, and what improvements may be worth making before listing.
How to Make the Most of Lancaster County’s Fall Housing Market
Understanding the numbers is helpful. Knowing what to do with them is where the real value begins.
Whether you’re preparing to sell, searching for a home, or considering new construction, September’s statistics offer some useful guidance.
If You’re Thinking About Selling Your Home
1. Price your home for today’s market, not last spring’s market.
With 779 active listings, buyers have more choices than they did earlier this year. That means your asking price needs to make sense alongside comparable properties.
An attractive price doesn’t mean leaving money on the table. It means positioning your home to generate interest from the beginning.
2. Make your home stand out before it goes live.
Buyers are comparing more properties, which makes presentation increasingly important.
Take time to address minor repairs, refresh landscaping, reduce clutter, and make sure your home photographs beautifully.
3. Don’t automatically wait until spring.
Fall can still be a worthwhile time to sell, particularly when your home appeals to buyers with specific needs or timelines.
The key is understanding your competition and developing a marketing strategy around your property.
For additional guidance on selling your home, explore the Seamless Selling Strategies.
If You’re Thinking About Buying a Home
1. Take advantage of the additional inventory.
September’s 779 active listings represent a meaningful increase from last year.
You may have more opportunities to compare homes, explore different neighborhoods, and find a property that better fits your needs.
2. Understand that desirable homes can still move quickly.
Even with more inventory, the average home sold in just 20 days.
Be financially prepared and ready to evaluate a property when the right opportunity appears.
3. Evaluate the entire cost of homeownership.
Your mortgage payment is only part of the picture. Property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and potential improvements all deserve consideration.
A home that costs slightly less upfront isn’t necessarily the better long-term investment.
For additional guidance, explore the Home Buyer’s Journey.
If You’re Considering Building a New Home
New construction deserves a place in this conversation, especially as buyers compare a wider selection of resale properties.
When comparing building versus buying, consider the total investment rather than just the advertised base price.
Lot premiums, structural upgrades, design selections, landscaping, and construction timelines can all affect the final cost.
It’s also worth asking builders about available inventory homes, financing incentives, and included features. Incentives vary by builder and community, so they should never be assumed.
After more than 22 years working in Lancaster County real estate, including extensive experience with new construction, I’ve learned that the best decision often comes down to how well a home supports your long-term plans.
Sometimes that’s an existing home in an established neighborhood. Other times, it’s the opportunity to build something that fits the way you want to live.
Looking Back: How Lancaster County’s Market Has Evolved
One of the reasons I share these updates is that real estate trends become much more meaningful when we look at them over time.
Consider how the market has progressed through the summer and into fall:
The pattern is worth watching.
Inventory has increased noticeably since July, while homes are taking slightly longer to sell. The median price has moderated from its summer level, although it remains higher than a year ago.
These changes don’t establish that Lancaster County has entered a buyer’s market. They do suggest that buyers may have more flexibility than they experienced earlier in the year.
For a broader perspective, visit the Lancaster Raad Real Estate blog to explore previous market reports, including the earlier summer updates and other local real estate insights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lancaster County Real Estate
Are home prices dropping in Lancaster County?
The median sold price decreased from $385,000 in August to $370,000 in September 2026. However, it remained 4.2% higher than September 2025. A one-month decline in the median doesn’t necessarily mean individual home values are falling.
Is Lancaster County a buyer’s or seller’s market?
September’s statistics show characteristics of both. Buyers have more inventory to choose from, but homes still sell relatively quickly and average sale prices remain above original asking prices. The balance varies by neighborhood, property type, and price range.
Is October a good time to sell a home in Lancaster County?
October can be a good time to sell when your property is appropriately priced, prepared, and marketed. The best timing depends on your specific home, competition, and personal circumstances.
Should I buy an existing home or build new construction?
Both can be good options. An existing home may offer an established neighborhood and a faster move-in timeline, while new construction may offer customization, modern layouts, and newer building systems. Compare total costs, timelines, and your long-term needs before deciding.
Your Next Move Deserves a Strategy, Not Just a Statistic
September’s Lancaster County real estate numbers tell an encouraging but evolving story.
Home values remain higher than a year ago. Buyers have more homes to choose from. Sellers are still achieving strong results, and well-positioned properties continue to attract attention.
But perhaps the most important takeaway is this:
The right real estate decision isn’t determined by whether the market is going up or down. It’s determined by how the market aligns with your goals.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about downsizing but aren’t sure where you’d go next. Perhaps you’re considering selling and building a new home. Or maybe you’ve been waiting for inventory to improve before beginning your home search.
Whatever your next chapter looks like, understanding the local market is the first step toward making a confident decision.
If you’re considering buying, selling, building, or relocating in Lancaster County, I’d love to help you explore your options.
Visit Lancaster Raad Real Estate to connect with me and start planning your next move.
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