The short version: In September 2026, the median single-family sale price was $784,000 in Fairfield County, down 2.1% from a year earlier, and $455,000 in New Haven County, up 5.8%, according to SmartMLS. In both counties, homes took more than a week longer to sell than last September and more homes were on the market. Well-priced homes still sold for just over 102% of list price.
Every month I go through the SmartMLS numbers for the two counties where I do most of my business. September's report, released October 8, shows a market that is shifting, not falling apart. Prices are holding, but buyers have more choices and more time than they did a year ago. Here is what the data says and what it means for you.
Fairfield County: September 2026 at a glance
Single-family homes | Sept 2025 | Sept 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Median sale price | $801,000 | $784,000 | -2.1% |
Closed sales | 543 | 486 | -10.5% |
New listings | 763 | 824 | +8.0% |
Days on market until sale | 30 | 39 | +30.0% |
Homes for sale (inventory) | 1,497 | 1,617 | +8.0% |
Months of supply | 2.8 | 3.2 | +14.3% |
Percent of list price received | 101.9% | 102.2% | +0.3% |
Fairfield County saw more new listings and fewer closings than a year ago, so inventory grew to 3.2 months of supply. The median price slipped 2.1%, but sellers still received 102.2% of list price on average, a sign that homes priced right for the market are still drawing strong offers.
New Haven County: September 2026 at a glance
Single-family homes | Sept 2025 | Sept 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Median sale price | $430,000 | $455,000 | +5.8% |
Closed sales | 474 | 462 | -2.5% |
New listings | 667 | 694 | +4.0% |
Days on market until sale | 27 | 35 | +29.6% |
Homes for sale (inventory) | 1,375 | 1,408 | +2.4% |
Months of supply | 3.0 | 3.0 | 0.0% |
Percent of list price received | 101.3% | 102.0% | +0.7% |
New Haven County kept climbing. The median price rose 5.8% to $455,000 and the average price rose 8.6% to $537,107. Supply held steady at 3.0 months, but homes took eight more days to sell than they did last September.
Condos and townhouses
The condo market cooled more than the single-family market. In Fairfield County, the condo median was $435,000 (down 1.0%), closed sales fell 25.8% and inventory rose 23.4%. In New Haven County, the condo median rose 3.7% to $280,000, but days on market jumped from 28 to 42 and inventory rose 14.8%. Condo buyers in both counties have noticeably more to choose from than a year ago.
Mortgage rates are the bigger story
The 30-year fixed rate averaged 7.40% on October 15, 2026, according to Freddie Mac, up from 6.27% a year earlier. The 15-year fixed averaged 6.71%. That jump changes monthly payments more than any price movement in either county, and it helps explain why homes are taking longer to sell even as prices hold.
What this means if you are selling
- Pricing matters more than it did a year ago. With more competition and longer market times, buyers compare closely. Homes priced in line with recent sales are still selling above list on average.
- Expect a little more time. Plan your move around roughly five to six weeks on market rather than three or four, and keep your timeline flexible.
- Know your local numbers. County figures are a starting point. Conditions vary by town, price range and property type.
What this means if you are buying
- You have more choices. Inventory is up in both counties, especially for condos.
- You may have a bit more time to decide, although well-priced homes still sell quickly and often above list.
- Get your financing lined up early. With rates over 7%, talk with a lender about your options before you shop. First-time buyers can review Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) programs at chfa.org.
Frequently asked questions
Are home prices falling in Fairfield County?
The median single-family sale price in Fairfield County was $784,000 in September 2026, 2.1% lower than September 2025, according to SmartMLS. One month is a single data point, and sellers still received 102.2% of list price on average, so it is more accurate to call prices flat to slightly lower than falling.
Is New Haven County a buyer's market or a seller's market?
New Haven County had 3.0 months of supply in September 2026. By the common rule of thumb that about six months of supply marks a balanced market, it still leans toward sellers, but homes are taking longer to sell than a year ago.
How long does it take to sell a house in Fairfield County right now?
Single-family homes in Fairfield County spent 39 days on market until sale in September 2026, up from 30 days a year earlier, according to SmartMLS. Your timeline will depend on price, condition and location.
Where does this data come from?
County figures come from the SmartMLS Local Market Updates for September 2026, published October 8, 2026. Mortgage rates come from the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey for October 15, 2026. SmartMLS figures do not account for seller concessions or down payment assistance.
Want your town's numbers every month?
I send a free monthly market update for towns across Fairfield County and New Haven County. Call or text me at (203) 913-3698 or email [email protected] and tell me which town you want to follow. If you are thinking about selling, you can also request a free market analysis of your home.
Sources:SmartMLS, Fairfield County Local Market Update, September 2026; SmartMLS, New Haven County Local Market Update, September 2026; Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.
This is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Market data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, and past performance does not predict future results.
