The Portland housing market has changed—again. The bidding wars of a few years ago have cooled, but opportunity hasn’t disappeared. As we move through fall 2025, the market looks steadier, healthier, and surprisingly favorable for sellers who plan strategically.
The Market Has Found Its Balance
According to the latest RMLS Market Action Report (September 2025), Portland’s housing market remains stable. The average sale price sits at $616,200, up 0.6% from last year, and the median price at $550,000, up 0.9%. Both closed and pending sales are higher than a year ago, while inventory holds at 3.8 months—a balanced level where neither buyers nor sellers dominate.
Homes are taking a bit longer to sell—an average of 62 days—but that extra time often means smoother transactions and more qualified buyers.
Equity and Demand Keep Sellers in a Strong Position
Even with mortgage rates around 6.6%, many Portland homeowners have built significant equity from years of appreciation. That creates flexibility: some are downsizing, others are moving closer to family or investing in new neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, buyers haven’t gone anywhere. In September, more than 2,100 homes went pending, showing that demand persists—especially for well-priced, move-in-ready listings.
Affordability Is Improving—Slowly
Housing affordability in Portland has nudged in a better direction. A household earning the median income of $124,100 can now afford about 93% of the payment on a median-priced home, assuming a 20% down payment.
That means more serious, qualified buyers are entering the market again—good news for sellers heading into 2026.
Timing Still Matters
Fall and winter bring fewer casual shoppers and more motivated buyers. Listing before spring’s surge of competition can be a smart move. If you’re planning for early 2026, now’s the time to prepare—finish small repairs, refresh landscaping, and connect with your agent to plan pricing and marketing.
Want to fine-tune your strategy? Check out:
- Sneak Peek Strategy for Sellers
- Pricing Strategy 101: The Psychology Behind Listing Prices
- Should You Renovate Before You Sell?
A Steadier Market Favors Smart Sellers
The Portland market today rewards preparation and strategy, not guesswork. With balanced conditions and steady demand, well-presented homes are still selling quickly and at strong prices.
If you’re considering selling soon—or just wondering how your home fits into the 2025 market—our team at Robbins Realty Group is here to help. We’ll walk you through the numbers, the trends, and the timing so you can make your move with confidence.
