Every spring the same question comes up: is this the right time to sell? In 2026 the answer is more nuanced than it has been in recent years. Inventory is climbing off multi-decade lows, buyer demand is recalibrating to a higher rate environment, and the window of peak leverage for sellers — though still open — is narrowing. Here is how to read what the data is actually saying.
What the data shows
Active listings in Fairfield County rose 18% quarter-over-quarter, the largest single-quarter gain since Q3 2019.
Median days on market extended from 11 to 19 days — still historically fast, but the multiple-offer frenzy of 2021–2023 is no longer the default.
Rate locks above 6.5% have reduced move-up buyer demand; first-time and downsizer segments remain active.
Price-reduced listings are up, but only in the over-$1.2M segment — the sub-$800K market remains supply-constrained.
What it means for sellers
The window has not closed, but it has changed shape. Sellers who price sharply and present well still attract multiple offers within the first two weeks. Sellers who anchor to 2022 comps and skip pre-listing prep are sitting longer and accepting concessions. The data is clear on one thing: preparation and pricing discipline matter more now than they did two years ago. If you want a market analysis tailored to your address and your timeline, contact us today — we run these numbers weekly and can give you a realistic picture before you decide.
