As 2025 comes to an end, national real estate headlines are everywhere: rising and falling home prices, shifting interest rates, market “cool downs,” market “recoveries,” and everything in between. If you scroll long enough, you’ll hear that the market is both crashing and booming at the same time.
Here’s what most homeowners don’t realize:
National real estate trends rarely reflect what’s happening in Pittsburgh, and basing your decisions on them can lead to major misunderstandings about your home’s value or the best time to make a move.
Real estate is deeply local. Not just city-by-city, but neighborhood-by-neighborhood.
What’s true in Phoenix, Denver, or Florida has almost nothing to do with what buyers and sellers are experiencing in Pittsburgh, Peters Township, Canonsburg, or Mt. Lebanon.
So as we close out 2025 and start planning for the 2026 market, here’s why understanding local conditions matters more than ever, and where Pittsburgh differs from the national story.
1. National Trend: Home Prices Are Cooling
Local Reality: Pittsburgh Prices Have Remained Steady, and in Some Areas, Rising
Many national reports claim that appreciation is slowing or even declining in certain markets.
But here in Western Pennsylvania, we’re seeing something very different:
- Home values have remained stable across most of the region
- Some suburbs (Peters Township, South Fayette, Upper St. Clair) continue to experience year-over-year growth
- Demand still outpaces supply in the most desirable neighborhoods
- Well-maintained, move-in-ready homes frequently attract multiple offers
Pittsburgh’s affordability and steady job market protect it from the volatility seen elsewhere.
2. National Trend: Inventory Is Increasing
Local Reality: Pittsburgh Still Has a Shortage of Good, Move-In-Ready Homes
In many U.S. cities, inventory levels have grown, giving buyers more options.
But in Pittsburgh?
- Quality listings remain limited
- Updated homes in good school districts sell quickly
- Buyers relocating to the region continue to increase demand
- Winter inventory remains especially tight
This limited supply is one of the biggest reasons Pittsburgh values have been so resilient.
3. National Trend: Buyers Are Pulling Back Due to High Rates
Local Reality: Serious Buyers Are Still Actively Shopping — Even During the Holidays
Interest rates have impacted buyer behavior nationally, but Pittsburgh tends to see:
- Consistent buyer activity year-round
- Highly motivated winter buyers
- Strong demand from families targeting specific districts
- Steady relocation traffic from higher-cost cities
Instead of disappearing, buyers in our region are simply becoming more selective, which means well-prepared homes stand out even more.
4. National Trend: Market Uncertainty Is Making People Wait to Sell
Local Reality: Strategic Sellers Are Taking Advantage of Low Competition
While some homeowners nationwide are holding off, many Pittsburgh-area sellers are discovering:
- Listing during lower-inventory months means less competition
- Homes in great condition command attention quickly
- Buyers are still willing to pay a premium for updated properties
- Early 2026 could bring another wave of pent-up demand
This creates opportunities for sellers who prepare early and position their homes correctly.
5. National Trend: Remote Work Demand Is Decreasing
Local Reality: Buyers in Pittsburgh STILL Want Space and Flexibility
Even as some companies reduce remote work options, buyers in Western PA continue seeking:
- Finished basements
- Home offices and extra bedrooms
- Outdoor living spaces and larger lots
Suburban lifestyle demand remains high, especially in the South Hills, Peters Township, and North Strabane.
Why This Matters for Your 2026 Plans
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in 2026, relying on national news can lead to:
- Underestimating your home’s true value
- Assuming the market is slowing when your neighborhood is still strong
- Waiting too long and missing ideal timing
- Overestimating competition or underestimating buyer demand
The decisions that maximize your equity and opportunity depend on local data, not national averages.
This is why having a trusted local real estate expert is essential. Someone who:
✔ Understands micro-market shifts
✔ Analyzes neighborhood-level sales
✔ Knows what buyers want right now
✔ Tracks early-year market movements as they happen
✔ Can guide you in preparing for a 2026 move with confidence
Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or simply want clarity about your home’s value, I’d love to walk you through what’s happening right here in our region, not what the national headlines say. Let’s start plannin sooner rather than later.
Written by: Nichole Merrell, Pittsburgh real estate expert
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