Washington D.C. Real Estate Market Prices, Trends and Forecast 2024

Washington, D.C., has stunning parks and green spaces, including the iconic National Mall, Rock Creek Park, and the serene Tidal Basin, providing residents abundant opportunities to enjoy nature in an urban environment. Locals explore the historic halls of the Capitol Building, admire the grandeur of the Lincoln Memorial, or delve into the extensive exhibits at the Smithsonian museums. The city’s sophisticated public transportation system, featuring the Metro and a comprehensive bus network, ensures convenient and efficient travel throughout the area.

The job market in Washington, D.C., is rich and varied, encompassing sectors like government, international relations, technology, and healthcare. Numerous multinational corporations, non-profits, and think tanks add to the city’s dynamic employment landscape, attracting professionals from all over the world.

Additionally, Washington, D.C., offers an impressive selection of global fine dining and shopping experiences. From Michelin-starred restaurants to charming local eateries, the culinary scene is vibrant and diverse. With its combination of cultural heritage, beautiful green spaces, excellent transportation, a thriving job market, and world-class dining and shopping, Washington, D.C., is a prime location for living and investing in real estate.

Last year, Washington, D.C., experienced a robust seller's market, where demand for homes outstripped supply, leading to higher prices and quick sales. In such a market, sellers have the upper hand, often receiving multiple offers and selling their homes at or above the asking price. On the other hand, buyers face stiff competition, limited choices, and the pressure to act swiftly and aggressively to secure a property.

However, 2024 has ushered in a buyer's market characterized by an increased inventory of homes and more favorable conditions for buyers. In a buyer's market, there are more homes available than there are buyers, which means properties tend to stay on the market longer. Sellers need to be more flexible with their pricing and negotiations to attract potential buyers. This shift allows buyers to take their time, explore various options, and negotiate better deals. With more leverage and less competition, buyers can approach the market with greater confidence and bargaining power, making it an ideal time to invest in Washington D.C. real estate.

As of April 2024, the Washington D.C. housing market has shown some intriguing developments. The median sold price for homes in the capital is $656,135, or $509 per square foot. It represents a slight decrease of 2.6% compared to last year, reflecting the ongoing transition to a buyer's market. In contrast, the national median home price is significantly lower, at $366,733, highlighting the premium nature of the D.C. real estate market.

Despite the overall decline in prices, competition among buyers remains evident. In April 2024, 27% of homes in Washington D.C. sold for over the asking price, demonstrating that well-priced, desirable properties can still attract multiple offers and sell quickly. However, a larger proportion, 43% of homes, sold under the asking price, emphasizing the opportunities for buyers to negotiate favorable deals. This trend indicates a market where sellers need to be more realistic about pricing and may need to make concessions to close sales.

The real estate market in the surrounding areas of Washington D.C. offers a varied landscape, with distinct trends emerging in Bethesda, Tacoma Park, and Arlington. Bethesda, MD, stands out with a median sold price of $1,183,535 as of April 2024, reflecting a 2.3% increase from the previous year. This steady rise in prices underscores Bethesda's status as a seller’s market, where demand continues to exceed supply, giving sellers a competitive edge.

In contrast, Tacoma Park, MD, presents a different scenario. The median sold price here is $647,500, marking a decline of 4.4% since last year. Despite the drop in prices, Tacoma Park remains a seller's market. The area’s appeal, with its charming neighborhoods and community-focused atmosphere, keeps demand relatively high, allowing sellers to maintain some advantage despite the price dip.

Arlington, VA, showcases a robust growth trend, with its median sold price reaching $751,189 in April 2024, a significant increase of 7.7% from the previous year. This substantial rise highlights Arlington as a strong seller’s market, driven by its proximity to Washington, D.C., and the vibrant urban-suburban mix. The area’s popularity drives up home prices, benefiting sellers who expect competitive offers and swift sales.

The housing supply in Washington D.C. has seen notable fluctuations over recent months, reflecting broader market trends. In March 2024, there were 2,612 homes for sale, which increased to 3,255 by April 2024. This rise in available inventory provides buyers with a broader selection of properties, further contributing to the current buyer's market dynamics.

Despite the increase in homes for sale, the number of homes sold has slightly declined. In March 2024, 478 homes were sold; in April 2024, this number dropped to 457. This reduction in sales aligns with the shift towards a buyer's market, where properties may take longer to sell, and buyers have more leverage in negotiations.

The average time on the market has also extended, going from 28 days in April 2023 to 34 days in April 2024. This increase indicates that homes are taking longer to sell, which is typical in a market where buyers have more options and can afford to be more selective. However, it's worth noting that 69% of homes sold in April 2024 are still sold in under 30 days, suggesting that well-priced and desirable properties continue to attract quick interest and close swiftly.

For those looking to invest in real estate, Washington, D.C., presents a promising landscape with substantial rental income potential. The average rent for a two-bedroom home in the city has risen to $3,250, a 5% increase from last year. This upward trend in rental prices indicates strong demand for rental properties, offering attractive returns for investors.

Capitol Hill, a historic and vibrant neighborhood, sees an average rent of $2,248 for a two-bedroom home, reflecting a 4% increase from the previous year. Its desirable location and unique charm make it a hot spot for renters, ensuring a steady stream of potential tenants for property owners. Meanwhile, in the Bellevue neighborhood, the average rent for a two-bedroom home is $1,434, up 3% from last year. Although rents in Bellevue are lower than other areas, the steady increase in rental rates underscores its growing appeal and potential for future appreciation.

An impressive 58.9% of homes in Washington, D.C., are rentals, highlighting the strong demand for rental properties. This high percentage of rental homes provides a robust market for investors looking to capitalize on rental income. Property owners can expect consistent demand and occupancy rates, with a significant portion of the population opting to rent.

The timing presents a mix of opportunities and considerations for investors considering the Washington D.C. real estate market. While mortgage rates are expected to decrease gradually as inflation slows, neither is anticipated to undergo dramatic changes in the near future. This steady environment allows buyers to plan their investments with a reasonable expectation of stability in financing costs.

Home values have historically shown a pattern of appreciation, making real estate a reliable long-term investment. National trends reveal that home values have risen steadily since 1965, typically doubling in value approximately every ten years until 2000. Although the doubling trend slowed, with home values not doubling again until 2017, the overall trajectory remains upward. This long-term appreciation suggests that investing in real estate continues to be a sound strategy for building wealth over time.

The Tom Buerger Team is among the most trusted names in DMV real estate, renowned for their expertise and dedication. They enjoy helping clients achieve their real estate dreams, fostering stronger, more connected communities. By treating clients as neighbors, they provide personalized service and deep local knowledge. Their commitment ensures you get the best price in any market conditions, whether buying or selling homes in Washington, D.C. With The Tom Buerger Team, you have a partner passionate about your success and the vibrant communities they serve.