As the first signs of spring appear in Westchester County, the housing market isn't just warming up—it’s fundamentally resetting.
If 2024 was the year of "Wait and See" and 2025 was the "Grind," early data from Q1 2026 suggests we have finally entered the Great Reawakening. We are still technically in a seller's market in Westchester County (our market performs differently than the national trends we see), but for the first time in years, the math is starting to make more sense for buyers.
| Metric | Q1 2026 Performance | Trend vs. Q1 2025 |
| Median Sales Price (Single Family) | $920,000 | Up 6.7% |
| Total Inventory | ~2,664 Units | Up 13.8% |
| Average Days on Market | 52 Days | Down 12.5% |
| Sale-to-List Price Ratio | 102% | Stable |
As your Westchester County real estate experts, GSL Signature Properties is diving into the three national shifts from Q1 that are defining the 2026 landscape—and what they mean for your next move.
1. The "Lock-In" Effect is Loosening
For the past two years, many Westchester homeowners were reluctant to sell, clinging to the 3% mortgage rates they secured during the pandemic. However, with rates now hovering around 6.4% and stabilizing, the gap between "old" and "new" rates has narrowed enough to encourage movement. We saw a significant 13.8% increase in total units compared to last year, providing much-needed breathing room for buyers.
2. Speed Still Wins
Even with more inventory, the "good" houses—those that are priced correctly and professionally staged—are moving faster than ever. The Average Days on Market (DOM) dropped to 52 days, a double-digit percentage decrease from last year. This suggests that while there are more options, the pool of ready-to-act buyers remains deep.
For Sellers: Your "marketing" matters again. You can't just stick a sign in the yard; you need a strategic pricing plan and staging to stand out in a growing sea of options.
3. The "Commute-Ready" Premium
Towns with direct Metro-North access into Grand Central (like Larchmont, Pelham, and Scarsdale) continue to outperform the county average. In these micro-markets, it is still common to see homes sell for 101% to 103% of the asking price, as the hybrid-work model has solidified, and buyers are willing to pay a premium for a shorter "office day" commute.
4. The Generational Equity Handover
We are seeing a massive "thaw" in the market as older homeowners finally decide to move. The median age of a home seller has climbed to 64, and many of these sellers are sitting on record amounts of equity.
5. Luxury is Taking the Lead
One bright spot in the market this year is luxury. This sector is set to continue to outperform the general housing market. Why? Luxury buyers are often less sensitive to interest rates because they are using cash or significant down payments from previous home sales. While first-time buyers are still facing headwinds, the move-up and luxury markets are seeing a surge in activity as equity-rich homeowners finally trade in their low rates for a better lifestyle.
6. Mortgage Rates Have Dipped Slightly
At the start of 2026, the cost of owning a home was trending down slightly year over year. Mortgage rates settled into the low 6 percent range, with some weeks dipping close to 6.0 percent.
As we entered March, things took a turn. Rates jumped back up to 6.22% mid-month and are currently sitting at 6.45%(at the time we are writing this article), with global conflict and inflation being two key factors that are impacting rates. The hope is that this is a temporary hike and things will settle back into the downward trend we were seeing in January and February.
Despite these recent hikes, mortgage rates remain nearly half a percentage point lower than the same time last year.
Why it matters: Nationally, the typical monthly mortgage payment is expected to fall by about 1.3% this year. It sounds small, but combined with rising wages, it means the "affordability ceiling" is finally beginning to lift. Buyers who were "rate-locked" or priced out in 2025 are finding they have hundreds of dollars more in monthly breathing room.
The Bottom Line for 2026
The first quarter of 2026 has proven that the market isn't going to crash—it’s going to rebalance. We are seeing slower price growth, better inventory, and the first real improvement in affordability in half a decade.
Are you curious how these national shifts are playing out in our specific Westchester County neighborhoods?
Whether you’re looking to capitalize on your equity or finally make your first purchase, GSL Signature Properties is here to run the numbers for you. Let’s sit down and map out your 2026 strategy.
