Yamhill County Housing Market Update
January 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Happy New Year! As we kick off 2026, the local real estate market is showing momentum many haven’t seen in years. After a quiet holiday period, activity surged in the first week of the year — especially among buyers. What’s driving this renewed interest and what does it mean for you if you’re planning to buy or sell? Let’s break it down.
Recent housing headlines are shifting, moving away from caution and toward quiet confidence. After a slower national cycle, affordability has meaningfully improved, buyers are stepping back in with intention, and inventory levels are increasing, and interest rates are the lowest we’ve seen since Sept 2022. These dynamics are setting the stage for stronger activity ahead. What matters most, though, is how this momentum is showing up locally. Below is a snapshot of what we’re seeing right now in Yamhill County and Washington County, and how each market is positioning itself as we move into 2026.
From a broader perspective, 2024 and 2025 will go down as two of the slowest transaction years in real estate history when adjusted for population growth, largely because many households chose to wait. Looking ahead, the outlook points to a steadier market rather than a rapid surge. Affordability is expected to improve modestly as rates remain in the low sixes, inventory continues to grow, and home prices rise more slowly. For the first time since 2022, the monthly cost to buy a home is projected to fall below 30% of median income, signaling a shift that could bring more buyers and sellers back into the market. As always, conditions can change, and if they do, I’ll keep you updated.
Key Stats to Know
Mortgage rates dropped from 7% in January 2025 to the bottom of the 6% range January 2026
Rates briefly reached 5.99% and currently sit just over 6%
A $500,000 home purchase now saves about $400 per month compared to last year
Inventory is higher than it has been in the past 5 years and is forecasted to continue growing throughout this year
Two thirds of Americans have either paid off their mortgage or have at least 50% equity
Equity remains strong nationwide
2024 and 2025 rank among the slowest transaction years when adjusted for population growth
Forecasters expect about 10% more homes on the market in 2026
Home price appreciation is projected at a modest 1–2%
Monthly housing payments are expected to drop to 29.3% of median income (under 30% for the first time since September 2022)
Wage growth is now outpacing home price growth
Yamhill County (December 2025)
Yamhill County posted a median sale price of $559,000 in December 2025, below Portland Metro's $535,000 median, with an average of 93 days on market. Washington County areas like Tigard/Wilsonville ($617,000 median), Beaverton/Aloha ($549,900), and NW Washington County ($700,000) averaged higher prices amid 74-107 days on market. Portland Metro saw closed sales up 6.5% year-over-year to 1,633, with inventory at 2.9 months and total market time at 81 days.
What this suggests: Yamhill County ended the year with stable prices and steady buyer interest, making it a balanced market where smart pricing wins.
Washington County (Late 2025)
Washington County submarkets showed resilience: Tigard/Wilsonville had 104 pending sales (down 26.2% monthly) at $617,000 median and 82 days on market; Beaverton/Aloha $549,900 median, 74 days; NW Washington County $700,000 median, 107 days; Hillsboro/Forest Grove $518,000 median, 85 days. Pending sales varied but outperformed some areas year-over-year, with average prices above metro medians reflecting employment strength.
Washington County remains a premium market, driven by employment hubs like Tigard, Wilsonville, and Sherwood, and continues to attract buyers seeking both urban convenience and lifestyle amenities.
Compared to national trends, Washington County has remained relatively resilient with Pending sales remarkably higher than one year ago and outperformed most Portland sub-markets.
Regional & National Context
Across Oregon and nationally, 2025 marked a year of steady market adjustment:
Growing inventory → slower buyer decisions → longer market time → stable prices.
Nationally, home sales were slower, but December 2025 showed renewed buyer activity as mortgage rates dipped.
In short: Buyers are back in the market, sellers are adjusting pricing, and stability is the theme heading into 2026.
What This means for buyers
More inventory = better choices. More homes on the market give buyers options and negotiating leverage.
Negotiation leverage is real, but limited. Well-priced homes still command competitive offers.
Data > emotion. Knowing local trends and comparable sales is critical to making strong offers that win.
What this means for Sellers
Pricing accuracy is everything. Listings priced right from the start see the most traction.
Condition still separates. Homes in excellent condition attract faster sales and better offers.
Overpricing backfires. Homes priced too high risk longer market times and price reductions.
As we move toward spring, the busiest selling season, positioning your home strategically now can capture early demand.
Final Takeaways for January
➡️ Yamhill County: Stable prices with moderate growth; market time slightly longer.
➡️ Washington County: Premium prices continue, with steady sales and slightly longer market time.
➡️ Regional trends: Balanced supply and demand, renewed buyer activity.
➡️ National context: Cautious optimism with rates easing.
McMinnville and the broader Willamette Valley market are balanced, stable, and awakening from the winter lull. And with Summers Homes NW leading the top 1% of Realtors in Yamhill County, you’re in expert hands to navigate this market successfully.
BIG NEWS!! Bella Casa Real Estate Group finished as the #1 Selling Brokerage in Yamhill County, and our team was huge contributor to that achievement!
We are proud to be part of Bella Casa Real Estate Group, the top-selling and top-rated Real Estate Brokerage in Yamhill County, Oregon. None of this would be possible without our amazing clients and supportive community!
ready to make your move?
Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or investing, Summers Homes NW is here to guide you every step of the way. With our proven track record, deep local expertise, and role as a top contributor to Yamhill County’s #1 brokerage, we’ll help you make smart, confident real estate decisions in 2026.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation , let’s make your real estate goals a reality this year!
