Pennsylvania's Real Estate Market Declines: January Sales and Prices Drop Significantly

The Pennsylvania housing market faced a notable downturn in January, with both home sales and prices experiencing significant declines. According to the latest report from the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, harsh winter weather, including heavy snowfall and unusually cold temperatures, played a major role in dampening real estate activity across the state.

Home sales dropped to 4,560 in January, a staggering 45% decrease compared to December 2025. This decline is even more pronounced when viewed year-over-year, showing a nearly 36% reduction in activity. David Dean, the 2026 President of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and a Realtor with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, pointed out that these weather conditions have led to delays in property showings and slowed down construction efforts, further dissuading potential buyers from entering the market during this period. Dean noted, "The slowdown in sales in the commonwealth mirrors broader trends observed nationwide."

The median sales price for homes in Pennsylvania fell for the second consecutive month, landing at $265,000. This figure represents an 8.5% decrease from the previous month, where the median was recorded at $289,900. Compared to the same time last year, prices also reflected a decline, down 3.7% from January 2025. This consistent drop in prices adds another layer of complexity for both sellers and buyers navigating the current market.

Interestingly, the number of housing listings saw a slight uptick in January, reaching 32,212, which shows just over 5% growth compared to the previous month. However, this figure is still about 3% lower than the total listings reported in January 2025. This increase in listings could suggest that sellers are becoming more willing to enter the market, despite the general decline in sales.

"Today's market reflects a more measured pace compared to the rapid activity we've seen in recent years," Dean elaborated. He stressed the importance of working with a licensed Realtor, especially as both buyers and sellers navigate these changing conditions. Experienced real estate professionals can provide invaluable insights and guidance to help individuals make informed decisions in this fluctuating market.

The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, representing over 38,000 members in the state, continues to monitor these trends closely. As weather conditions improve and the market stabilizes, stakeholders will be eager to see how these dynamics evolve in the following months.

In summary, January's statistics reveal a Pennsylvania housing market that is experiencing notable challenges due to severe winter weather. As conditions improve with the change of seasons, it will be critical to watch how the market adapts and rebounds in the coming months.