August Housing Data Reveals a Robust Summer Market Amidst Declines in Inventory
- Median Sale Price is up 9.7%
- Average Sale Price up 11.2%
- Months of Inventory down 60% to 1.4 months
- Median days on market are down from 22 to 9
- Seven of Maryland’s rural counties have seen over 20 percent increases in average prices over last year.
| ANNAPOLIS, MD – September 28, 2020 Maryland’s August housing market demonstrated substantial recovery from spring’s COVID-related disruptions, according to housing statistics released by Maryland REALTORS®*. Data from June through August show both an increase in average and median home prices, and a decline in months of available inventory, echoing nationwide trends and sparking concern over housing imbalances. “The average sales price increased year-over-year from $361,823 to $402,452 and the median price increased from $310,000 to $340,000, growth of 11.2 percent and 9.7 percent, respectively” said Maryland REALTORS® President John A. Harrison. “Months of inventory dropped 60 percent to just 1.4 months, compared to 3.5 last year, which is a historic low for the state. Moreover, the median days on market fell from 22 to 9 which aligns with stories we’ve heard of bidding wars and homes selling within hours of hitting the market.” “The most notable, but unsurprising, feature of the current housing market is the sharp rise in activity in rural areas,” said Harrison. Seven of Maryland’s rural counties have seen over 20 percent increases in average prices over last year. With the rise in working from home, commute times are less of a factor. That and the relative affordability of rural areas make urban and some suburban communities less attractive. “The pandemic has prompted individuals and families to reimagine their housing requirements, often desiring home office space and more expansive outdoor living areas.” |