Washington D.C. Metro

March 2026 | 
Home Demand Index: 75 | 
Tier: Slow

Metro Area Overview

The Home Demand Index (HDI) for the Washington DC metro area stands at 75 for this report period, up from 69 last month and broadly in line with the 79 recorded during the same period one year ago. The six-point month-over-month gain reflects a meaningful spring reactivation in buyer activity, marking one of the more pronounced early-season recoveries across the three metros covered in this report. With the year-over-year gap narrowing to just four points, the DC market is tracking closer to prior-year demand levels than Baltimore or Philadelphia, suggesting underlying buyer engagement in the region remains comparatively resilient despite persistent affordability and financing headwinds.
The market trend line, below, provides a high-level monthly overview of the Home Demand Index for each of the metro market areas within the Greater Washington D.C. Metro Area. The Home Demand Index is baselined at 100, with 90-110 indicating a steady market. Index values above 110 indicate moderate and high activity while Index values below 90 indicate slower or limited activity. For more information for a given period of time, click on any point on the map to pull up the monthly report.
Metro Market Trend Data by Bright MLS | T3 Home Demand Index
Each of the market areas listed above are defined as follows:
  • Maryland-West Virginia Panhandle – Allegany, MD; Berkeley, WV; Garrett, MD; Grant, WV; Hampshire, WV; Hardy, WV; Jefferson, WV; Mineral, WV; Morgan, WV; Pendleton, WV; Washington, MD;
  • North Central Virginia – Caroline, VA; Clarke, VA; Culpeper, VA; Fauquier, VA; Frederick, VA; Fredericksburg City, VA; King George, VA; Madison, VA; Manassas City, VA; Orange, VA; Page, VA; Prince William, VA; Rappahannock, VA; Shenandoah, VA; Spotsylvania, VA; Stafford, VA; Warren, VA; Winchester City, VA;
  • Southern Maryland – Calvert, MD; Charles, MD; Saint Marys, MD;
  • Washington D.C. Metro – Alexandria City, VA; Arlington, VA; Fairfax, VA; Falls Church City, VA; Frederick, MD; Loudoun, VA; Montgomery, MD; Prince Georges, MD; Washington, DC;

Washington D.C. | March 2026

Home Demand Index

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The Home Demand Index (HDI) for the Washington DC metro area stands at 75 for this report period, up from 69 last month and broadly in line with the 79 recorded during the same period one year ago. The six-point month-over-month gain reflects a meaningful spring reactivation in buyer activity, marking one of the more pronounced early-season recoveries across the three metros covered in this report. With the year-over-year gap narrowing to just four points, the DC market is tracking closer to prior-year demand levels than Baltimore or Philadelphia, suggesting underlying buyer engagement in the region remains comparatively resilient despite persistent affordability and financing headwinds.
Demand by home type in the Washington DC metro shows broad-based improvement from last month, with most segments advancing meaningfully and several posting readings competitive with or above year-ago levels. Entry-level single-family homes rose to 73 from 71 last month and above last year’s reading of 71, marking this segment as one of the few entry-level tiers in the region showing year-over-year improvement, consistent with sustained first-time buyer demand at accessible price points. Mid-range single-family homes advanced to 60 from 56 last month but remain below last year’s 66, pointing to move-up activity that is building momentum without yet reaching prior-spring levels. Luxury single-family homes posted a notable gain, rising to 76 from 63 last month, though still well below last year’s 98, suggesting high-end buyers are re-engaging selectively after a soft winter period. Entry-level condos climbed to 98 from 91 last month, slightly below last year’s 104, continuing to serve as an accessible alternative in one of the region’s higher-cost housing environments. Luxury condos rose to 110 from 96 last month but trail last year’s 128 by eighteen points, reflecting some moderation in premium attached demand from the elevated levels of early 2025. Townhouses advanced strongly to 78 from 71 last month and match last year’s reading of 78 exactly, indicating this segment has fully recovered to prior-spring demand levels and is well-positioned as a primary beneficiary of the metro’s spring buyer reactivation.
Monthly Statistics for March 2026
Home Demand
Index
75
(Slow)
Home Demand Index
from prior month
69
Home Demand Index
from prior year
79
Index change
from prior month
8.7%
Index change from
same time last year
-5.1%
Bright MLS | T3 Home Demand Index

www.homedemandindex.com