Before diving into the numbers, it is important to remember that metrics like Median Sales Price, Sold Listings, and Days on Market largely reflect homes that went under contract in December and, in many cases, were originally listed in late 2025. January closings are often reporting on buyer and seller decisions that happened 30 to 60 days earlier.
With that context in mind, January’s data shows a market behaving very similar to historic ebbs and flows that we saw prior to 2020. While several year over year metrics declined slightly, those shifts could be more reflective of seasonal timing, holiday negotiations, and limited winter inventory than a fundamental change in demand.
As we move further into 2026, the Southern Maine housing market remains steady , even if activity is naturally quieter than during peak spring and summer months. Inventory has gradually increased, giving buyers more options, while sellers continue to benefit from historically low supply and pricing that remains strong by historic standards.
Anecdotally, our team has already seen a noticeable increase in activity on both the buy and sell sides throughout January and early February. Showings are picking up, listing consultations are happening earlier, and buyers are becoming more decisive. Based on this early momentum, we anticipate another busy spring market as seasonal demand returns.
As a reminder of the metric used to determine a Buyer’s vs. Seller’s Market:
Months of Inventory (MOI): Measures how long it would take to sell all current listings if no new ones were added.
The Thresholds:
Less than 4 months is a Seller’s Market
4 to 6 months is Balanced
6+ months favors Buyers
Cumberland County, Maine January 2026 Housing Market Trends
January reflected a market that is adjusting seasonally rather than stalling. Inventory continues to build while pricing remains relatively stable.
| Metric | January 2026 Data | Year over Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| New Listings | 199 | +7.6% |
| Median Sales Price | $546,250 | -2.4% |
| Sold Listings | 150 | -6.3% |
| Days on Market | 28 Days | +9.5 Days |
| Months of Inventory | 2.7 Months | +39.1% |
The Takeaway:
Cumberland County’s Months of Inventory increased to 2.7 months, signaling a gradual loosening of supply compared to last year. While this remains firmly within seller’s market territory, buyers are no longer feeling the same urgency that defined previous winters. Homes are taking closer to four weeks to go under contract, and the slight dip in median price reflects contracts that were negotiated during the slower holiday period.
York County, Maine January 2026 Housing Market Trends
York County continues to show more visible signs of normalization, particularly in pricing and time on market.
| Metric | January 2026 Data | Year over Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| New Listings | 179 | -5.8% |
| Median Sales Price | $518,900 | -6.5% |
| Sold Listings | 135 | -6.9% |
| Days on Market | 40 Days | +11 Days |
| Months of Inventory | 2.9 Months | +33.2% |
The Takeaway:
York County is approaching three months of inventory, which is higher than we have seen in recent years for January. Homes are taking longer to sell, with median days on market reaching 40 days, and prices softened more noticeably than in Cumberland County. As mentioned above, much of this data reflects properties that were listed and negotiated during December, so we'll see if these numbers improve as we head into the spring months.
How This Compares to Last Month
December already showed signs of inventory rebuilding, and January continued that trend. Both counties experienced year over year increases of more than 30 percent in Months of Inventory, paired with longer selling timelines and fewer closed transactions.
At the same time, closed sales data is inherently backward looking. The early indicators we are seeing now increased showings, listing preparations, and buyer inquiries suggest momentum is already rebuilding heading into the spring market.
The market has not shifted dramatically, but it has recalibrated into a more balanced environment for both buyers and sellers.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers Heading Into 2026
For Sellers:
Inventory is gradually increasing, and buyers are taking a more measured approach. The first two weeks on market remain critical. If early activity is limited, the market is providing valuable feedback on pricing or presentation. That said, interest is already building behind the scenes. Sellers who prepare early and position their homes correctly may benefit from reduced competition before the big jump in inventory in late spring/early summer.
For Buyers:
With inventory levels hovering between 2.7 and 2.9 months, buyers have more flexibility than in recent years. Longer days on market create opportunities for negotiation and thoughtful due diligence. While prices remain elevated by historical standards, the current environment offers a window to act before spring competition intensifies.
Thinking of Buying or Selling in Maine?
As the market settles into a more predictable seasonal rhythm and early signs of spring activity emerge, strategy matters more than speed. If you are considering a move in 2026, we would be happy to help you understand how these trends apply to your specific situation and how to position yourself for success in what is shaping up to be another active spring market.
