Jen HoldenLicense ID: 639966- +1(443) 803-7620 jen@thejenholdengroup.com
Anne Arundel County Seller Outlook 2026: A New Era for Home Sales, Pricing Strategy, and Demand
Compass Intelligence | 2026 Market Update
2026 Housing Market Outlook
for Anne Arundel County
Real estate headlines can be confusing. We believe clarity comes from data, context, and a smart plan. That is why we created two easy resources you can use right now: a quick online summary and the full downloadable report.
Prefer to view the PDF before downloading? Open the PDF in a new tab.
Why we built these resources
The national housing market is entering a new phase. Compass Intelligence describes 2026 as the beginning of a more stable era, where affordability can improve gradually because prices flatten while incomes rise, and where sales activity can finally grow again.
Our job is to take the national story and translate it into what it means for Anne Arundel County, neighborhood by neighborhood, price point by price point, and timeline by timeline.
Two ways to explore the 2026 Market Outlook
The Market Outlook Web Page
This is the best place to start if you want a clear, skimmable overview.
- Macro outlook and the big 2026 narrative
- The "four signals" that matter most
- Affordability, mobility, and inventory insights
- Key charts and plain-English explanations
The Full Downloadable PDF Report
If you want the full context, charts, and deeper detail, the PDF is for you.
- Detailed analysis from Compass Intelligence
- Forecasts for pricing, rates, inventory, and sales
- Big trends like affordability improving and mobility thawing
- Why local markets can behave very differently than national averages
If your browser blocks direct downloads, use "View the PDF" to open it first, then download from Google Drive.
The 2026 outlook at a glance
Here are the four signals Compass is watching most closely heading into 2026. These are national forecasts, but they give us a smart framework for planning locally.
+0.5%
Forecast for national home prices, with a plausible range from about -3.6% to +4.6%.
5.9% to 6.9%
Expected trading range, with an average around 6.4% for the year.
~10% growth
More homes on the market can mean more choices and better negotiating power for buyers.
~4.25M
Home sales could reach about 4.25 million, which would be about 5% higher than 2025.
For Sellers: the opportunity is strategy
Sellers who plan ahead and market intentionally can win in a flatter environment. Here are the key talking points we are sharing with Anne Arundel County homeowners:
- 2026 is the start of a new era. We expect sales activity to finally grow, and affordability to improve as incomes rise faster than home prices.
- Smart pricing is powerful. As the market improves, we can test pricing and gauge demand by leveraging the Compass 3-Phased Marketing Strategy.
- More sellers may re-enter. Last year, many sellers who were also buying decided not to sell. With rate lock-in easing and more homeowners ready to move, we expect more meaningful activity in the 2026 market.
- Now is a great time to review your options. We can explore ways to test the market and gauge real buyer demand so you are positioned for success.
For Buyers: preparation creates leverage
Buyers who get organized early are the ones who feel calm and ready when the right home appears. Here are the key talking points we are sharing with Anne Arundel County buyers:
- The market is shifting toward stability. Heading into 2026, conditions look more stable and predictable than the last few years.
- Inventory may return. In 2025, an estimated 150,000 sellers withdrew their listings. As affordability improves, we expect many of these sellers to return to the market.
- Be first, not frantic. Now is a great time to talk through a strategy to take advantage of returning inventory, so you are the first to know when the right home comes on the market.
How this intelligence differentiates us locally in Anne Arundel County
National forecasts are helpful, but real estate is local. Our advantage is combining Compass Intelligence with local market experience, active buyer and seller feedback, and real-time pricing signals.
- We track real-time shifts in demand, not just monthly headlines.
- We help sellers "test and learn" with a structured marketing plan instead of guessing.
- We interpret pricing, days on market, and negotiation trends at the neighborhood level.
- We help buyers get ahead of inventory by building a plan before the perfect home appears.
Neighborhoods we watch closely
Anne Arundel County is not one market. It has many micro-markets. Here are a few areas we regularly analyze:
What we'll be watching as 2026 unfolds
- New listings, withdrawn listings, and seasonal inventory changes
- Days on market and whether buyer urgency is increasing or easing
- Price reductions and list-to-sale price ratios (negotiation leverage)
- Rate movements and how they impact weekly showing activity and offer volume
- Luxury vs. entry-level performance (they can behave differently)
Important note
This content is provided for informational purposes only. Forecasts and predictions are estimates and opinions based on available data, and they can change. Actual outcomes will vary by location, price point, and property characteristics. Consider consulting your own financial and legal professionals for advice specific to your situation.
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