Dane County Housing Market Report: September 2026

 

Dane County's housing market closed out September with prices higher than a year ago, sales holding steady and fewer new listings coming on. In September 2026, 530 single family homes, condos and multi-family properties sold across the county, up slightly from 525 last September. The average sale price rose to $545,864, up 3.8% from $526,082 a year ago. The median sale price rose faster, climbing 6.7% from $450,000 to $479,950. With the national 30 year fixed rate averaging 7.25%, buyers are still active, and well priced homes keep drawing strong offers.

 

Supply is the story to watch. Sellers brought 659 new listings to market in September, down 5.7% from 699 last year. At the same time, 80.4% of new listings went under contract, up from 75.1% a year ago. As of October 5, there are 1,811 active listings in Dane County. Based on September's sales pace, that is about 3.4 months of supply, which is still below the 5 to 6 months usually considered a balanced market. Sellers still have the edge, but buyers have more room to negotiate than they did a few years ago.

 

Single family homes remain the strongest part of the market. Single family sales rose 4% to 414 closings, while the average sale price jumped 5.8% to $582,329 and the median reached $507,250, up from $480,000. Homes sold in an average of 29 days, faster than 32 days last year, and the median was just 10 days. Sellers received 98.9% of list price on average. Three bedroom homes were the busiest segment, with 225 sales at a median of $455,000, an average of 24 days on market and a median of only 8 days. Four bedroom and larger homes sold at a median of $650,000, but 29% of those listings expired without selling. That is a clear sign that buyers at higher price points will pass on homes that are priced above the market.

 

The condo market looks different. Condo prices rose sharply, with the median sale price up 13.3% to $340,000 and the average up 6% to $373,832. Condos also took much longer to sell. Average days on market climbed from 22 to 57, and the median rose from 8 days to 21. Sales were roughly flat at 101 closings, and there are 451 condos currently for sale. That works out to about 4.5 months of supply, so condo buyers have more choice and more time to make a decision than single family buyers do.

 

Multi-family properties cooled in September. Only 15 multi-family properties sold, down from 22 last year, and the median price eased to $610,000 from $640,000. Sellers received 92.9% of list price on average, the lowest ratio of any property type. With 99 multi-family listings now active, investors have more selection and more room to negotiate than at any point in the past year.

 

The active market shows where sellers need to be careful. The 1,811 homes currently for sale carry an average list price of $591,035, well above the $545,864 average sale price in September. Those listings have been on the market for an average of 76 days, with a median of 53. Across all property types, 121 listings expired in September. Homes that sell quickly are priced at the market from the first day. Homes that are priced above it sit, and then usually sell for less after a reduction.

 

Key indicators for buyers. Inventory is better than in recent years, especially in condos and multi-family, where days on market and supply have both increased. Homes that have been listed for 30 days or more give you room to negotiate. Three bedroom single family homes are still competitive, with a median of 8 days on market, so get preapproved before you start touring and be ready to act. With rates at 7.25%, a lender who can walk you through rate buydowns or seller paid concessions can make a real difference in your monthly payment.

 

Key indicators for sellers. Prices are up year over year, new listings are down and single family homes are selling faster than last year, so conditions still favor sellers. Even so, buyers are paying close attention to price. Sellers are getting just under 99% of list price on average, and overpriced listings are expiring or sitting for weeks. Pricing correctly from the start, presenting the home well and marketing it strongly are what get a home sold quickly and for top dollar.

 

Your Local Dane County Experts. The Huemmer Home Team has helped buyers and sellers through more than 2,200 closings, and we track these numbers every month for Madison and every community in Dane County. Whether you're planning a move this fall or getting ready for spring, we can tell you what these numbers mean for your neighborhood, your price range and your goals. Contact The Huemmer Home Team at LPT Realty for a free home valuation or a custom buyer consultation.