Market data current as of May 2026. Information may change, so verify before relying on it.
Seattle Market Snapshot
Figures reflect single-family detached medians from publicly available NWMLS and Redfin data through April 2026, cross-referenced with summary reporting from Norada Real Estate. Specific neighborhoods vary widely: Capitol Hill, Ballard, and West Seattle each behave differently from these citywide medians. All-residential and condo segments differ; see the Seattle Housing Dashboard for full segment detail.
Single-family detached, May 2026. NWMLS via Redfin. All-residential and condo segments differ.
For live numbers and longer-term trend charts, see the Seattle Housing Dashboard.
Neighborhoods Buyers Ask About
Ballard, Fremont, and Wallingford (North Seattle)
Walkable neighborhoods with strong transit access, mature trees, and a tight mix of craftsman bungalows and modern infill. Buyers here typically prioritize lifestyle and schools over square footage. ADU and DADU activity is strong because lots are deeper than Capitol Hill but still close to downtown.
Capitol Hill, Madrona, and Madison Park (Central Seattle)
Dense, mixed-use, and culturally rich. Capitol Hill skews toward condos and townhomes; Madrona and Madison Park are quieter pockets of single-family homes near Lake Washington. Premium pricing, low days on market, and strong rental demand.
West Seattle and Beacon Hill
More space, more value per square foot, and increasingly viable as light rail expands. Buyers here often trade commute time for larger lots, water views, and stronger ADU potential.
Queen Anne, Magnolia, and Greenlake
Established single-family neighborhoods with strong school attachment, lower turnover, and pricing that holds up in slow markets. Queen Anne in particular has tight inventory year-round.
Schools and Commute
Seattle Public Schools is the primary district; specific high school assignments (Garfield, Roosevelt, Ballard, West Seattle, Ingraham) drive significant pricing variation by attendance area. Commute considerations matter more than in the Eastside: light rail expansion (Lynnwood Link opened 2024, Federal Way and Bellevue extensions in progress) is reshaping which neighborhoods feel "close to work" for buyers commuting to South Lake Union, downtown, or Bellevue. Bus and Rapid Ride coverage is dense in the urban core but thins quickly in West Seattle and the far north.
Who Buys in Seattle
Seattle buyers tend to fall into a few clear groups: tech professionals trading up from a first condo into a single-family home; out-of-state relocations who prioritize neighborhood character and walkability over square footage; investors evaluating ADU potential to offset Seattle's higher price-to-rent ratios; and longtime residents downsizing within the city. Each profile requires a different strategy. The same listing can be a strong fit for one group and a wrong fit for another.
ADUs and DADUs in Seattle
Seattle has been one of the most ADU-friendly cities in the country since the 2019 ordinance changes, which removed owner-occupancy requirements, allowed both an AADU (attached) and a DADU (detached) on the same lot, and reduced parking requirements. The city also offers pre-approved DADU plans through its Pre-Approved DADU Program, cutting design and permit time significantly. Lot size, setbacks, tree-protection rules, and stormwater requirements still vary by neighborhood, so viability is best confirmed lot-by-lot rather than assumed from zoning alone. The 2026 Washington State ADU legislation reinforces these rights and limits cities' ability to add new restrictions.
For a deeper look at ADU and DADU rules, costs, financing, timelines, and red flags across the Eastside and Seattle, see the Eastside Seattle ADU & DADU Guide.
Latest Seattle Market Analysis
The Rental-Income Catch-22 Just Died: What It Means for Move-Up Buyers
A lot of people who want to keep their current home as a rental and buy a new one get stuck: the lender will not count the future rent until a tenant is in place, but they cannot carry two mortgages long enough to get one there. A Fannie Mae update taking effect November 1, 2026 changes how that math works.
The 21-Day Head Start: What NWMLS's New 'First Look' Means for Seattle Buyers and Sellers
Starting September 2026, Washington sellers can list a home in a new 'First Look' status: visible to every agent in the MLS, but only on Zillow and Redfin if the seller chooses. Here is what that actually means if you are buying or selling.
The Questions I Keep Getting, Answered
Since announcing CVA Realty Group, I've had a steady stream of the same questions: is it a good time to buy, where are prices headed, rent or buy. I've put my honest answers in one place.
The Small Trim Update That Makes an Older Home Feel New Again
Buyers glance at honey-oak trim and think 'dated'; they glance at clean white trim and think 'updated.' That perception, not a full remodel, is what a weekend of trim work actually fixes.
Information current as of May 2026. Median prices, inventory figures, and market statistics reflect publicly available data at time of writing. For the latest numbers, see the Seattle Housing Dashboard. This page is informational only and does not constitute financial or real estate advice.
Considering a move in Seattle?
Whether you're buying, selling, or evaluating an ADU-viable lot, an initial consultation gives you a grounded read on what your goals look like in today's Seattle market.
Schedule an Initial Consultation →