Chester County PA Housing Market Report | Sept 2026

by Rick Sheppard

Chester County's September: More Homes, More Time, Less Bidding

Chester County has been one of the region's most competitive markets for years. September showed that competition starting to ease.

More homes were for sale than in any September of the last five years. Homes took longer to sell, and the average home sold slightly below its original asking price.

Prices are still holding. Here's what I'm seeing in the numbers and what it may mean for you.

A Fall Wave of New Listings

Chester County recorded 621 new listings in September. That was up 18.5% from August's 524 and nearly even with September 2025's 625. It was above the five-year September average of 580.

Through September, 5,881 homes were listed, up 2.6% from the same period last year.

Fewer Buyers Signed Contracts

There were 456 new pending sales in September. That was down 10.2% from August and 6.0% from last September, and slightly below the five-year September average of 463.

With more homes coming on the market and fewer going under contract, buyers had less pressure to rush.

Through September, 4,603 homes went under contract, down 0.3% from last year, which is essentially even.

Closings Were Up From Last Year

September ended with 529 closed sales. That was down 2.6% from August's 543 but up 9.1% from last September's 485. It was also above the five-year September average of 489.

Year to date, Chester County recorded 4,397 closed sales, down 0.7% from last year.

Closings reflect contracts signed weeks earlier, so this solid number mostly reflects summer activity. The softer pending numbers are the more current signal.

Prices Held Steady

The median sold price was $554,900. That was down 2.6% from August's $570,000 and up 1.1% from September 2025's $548,900. It was well above the five-year September average of $513,160.

The median moves with the mix of homes that sell each month, so a small dip from summer is normal and doesn't mean values fell.

Through September, the year-to-date median sold price was $570,000, up 2.6% from $555,500 last year.

Buyers Have More Choice and More Time

Chester County ended September with 1,020 active listings, up from 864 in August and 898 last September. That was the highest September total in the five-year range, and well above the five-year average of 797.

Homes took an average of 24 days to sell, compared with 21 days in August and 23 days last September. That was the longest September average in five years.

The average home sold for 99.5% of its original asking price, down from 100.1% in August and 100.0% last September. That was the lowest September figure in the five-year range.

In plain English, Chester County is still a strong market, but the days of routinely selling above asking are fading for now. Buyers have more time to look and a bit more room to negotiate.

Third Quarter at a Glance

For July through September, the median sold price was $575,000, up 1.6% from the third quarter of 2025. A total of 1,734 homes sold, up 2.5% from 1,691 a year earlier. Homes sold in an average of 21 days, the same as last year.

A Quick Look at Mortgage Rates

Freddie Mac's weekly survey placed the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 7.40% as of October 8, 2026, up from 6.71% in early September. Higher rates may be part of why fewer buyers signed contracts in September.

That is a national average, not a rate every buyer will receive. Rates vary by lender, credit score, down payment and loan type, and they can change daily. Comparing more than one lender matters even more when rates are moving.

What This Means If You're Thinking About Selling

You're competing with more listings than in any September of the last five years, and buyers are taking their time. Expect to price close to the market rather than above it to draw offers.

Preparation pays off here. Clean, well-presented homes priced right still sell, and Chester County prices are holding.

If you're ready to move, you don't need to wait for spring. Fall buyers tend to be serious.

What This Means If You're Thinking About Buying

This is the most room buyers have had in Chester County in some time. You can look at more homes, take a little longer to decide and negotiate on terms.

That said, this isn't a bargain market. Get fully preapproved, know your budget at today's rates and study recent comparable sales so you know a fair price when you see one.

The Bottom Line

Chester County's September was still healthy, but it was calmer. Inventory reached a five-year September high, homes took longer to sell and prices held steady. That gives both buyers and sellers a little more breathing room.

Countywide numbers can't capture every neighborhood. If you want to know what's happening on your street, just ask.

See How Chester County Compares

Read the September 2026 Montgomery County Housing Market Report and September 2026 Bucks County Housing Market Report for a broader look at our regional housing market.

Planning a Move This Fall?

Whether you're buying, selling or still weighing your options, Rick's guides explain what to expect and how to prepare:

See what homes are really selling for in your neighborhood. Request your custom market analysis at ricksheppard.com/evaluation.

Have Questions? Let's Talk

If you'd like to know what your home is worth, or simply want an honest conversation about whether moving makes sense for your situation, I'm always happy to talk. No pressure, just useful information.

Rick Sheppard Associate Broker | eXp Realty, LLC License #AB061272L 610-864-9872 rick@ricksheppard.com ricksheppard.com