CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Chester County’s housing market continued to gain momentum in September 2025, with higher inventory and strong buyer demand echoing the national pattern reported in the latest RE/MAX National Housing Report. While affordability remains a challenge, the local market’s steady price growth and surge in listings suggest a more balanced landscape emerging after years of tight supply.
The county’s median home price climbed to $548,900 — a 3.6% increase over September 2024 — while closed sales rose 6.1% year-over-year. New listings jumped 19%, one of the strongest surges in southeastern Pennsylvania, signaling that more homeowners are willing to test the market. Inventory also improved by more than 21%, offering buyers additional choices as competition begins to moderate.
Despite the uptick in supply, demand remains brisk: homes averaged just nine days on the market. Chester County continues to be one of the most desirable areas in the region. Even with more inventory, well-priced homes are moving quickly.
National Data Mirrors Local Momentum
RE/MAX’s September 2025 National Housing Report showed similar patterns nationwide, with inventory up 20% from a year earlier — the 21st consecutive month of annual growth — and home sales 8.5% higher than in September 2024. Across 52 metro areas, buyers paid slightly less on average than in recent months, as the national median sales price fell 1.3% from August to $439,000 but remained 2.1% higher year-over-year.
“Smart buyers are turning to their agents for strategic guidance — and it’s paying off,” said RE/MAX CEO Erik Carlson. “As inventory grows and market dynamics shift, the months ahead may bring more balance to the market.”
The national figures suggest a cooling pace rather than a slowdown. Days on market averaged 48 nationwide — up seven days from last year — and the months’ supply of inventory rose modestly to 3.0, compared to 2.6 a year ago.
Chester County Outpaces Neighbors
Chester County’s 3.6% rise in median price and 6.1% increase in closed sales outperformed neighboring markets. Montgomery County recorded a median of $433,750 with smaller gains in listings and sales, while Bucks County posted a $510,000 median price and more moderate growth.
Unlike many metro areas that are seeing homes stay on the market longer, Chester County’s properties continue to sell at record speed — less than two weeks on average — spotlighting ongoing demand for homes in communities such as West Chester, Downingtown, and Kennett Square.
Affordability Pressure Persists
While higher inventory is good news for buyers, affordability remains the county’s biggest hurdle. Nearly 27% of Chester County households now spend more than 30% of their income on housing — a level considered financially unsustainable. Rising home prices and interest rates in the mid-6% range have made entry-level homes increasingly out of reach for first-time buyers and moderate-income families.
Nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity continue to focus on attainable housing efforts in Coatesville and other parts of the county, aiming to close the gap between demand and affordability.
Outlook: Gradual Rebalancing Ahead
With the Federal Reserve cutting rates in September and more listings entering the market, analysts anticipate a modest rebalancing through late 2025. However, the county’s long-term outlook remains bullish: Chester County is projected to be southeastern Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing county through 2050, sustaining long-term demand and keeping prices resilient.
For now, buyers may find a slightly more navigable market heading into the fall — one where opportunities are improving, but competition for well-located, fairly priced homes remains fierce.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.