The September numbers from SmartMLS are out. They show two different markets in our area. Middlesex County is still moving fast. New Haven County is slowing down a little, especially for condos. Here's what that means if you're buying or selling this fall.
Middlesex County: prices and sales are up
Middlesex County covers Middletown, Durham, Old Saybrook, Clinton, Westbrook, Essex, and the towns around them. Single-family homes there had a strong September:
Median sale price: $519,000, up 9.3% from last September
Closed sales: 164, up 16.3%
Days on market: 26, down from 29
Sale price vs. list price: 102.5% on average
Sellers are getting more than asking. More homes are listed too, with inventory up 10.1% to 403 homes. That's about 3.3 months of supply, which still favors sellers.
New Haven County: homes are taking longer to sell
New Haven County covers Guilford, Madison, Branford, Wallingford, North Haven, and the rest of the county. Prices are still rising here, but homes are sitting longer:
Median single-family price: $455,000, up 5.8%
Days on market: 35, up from 27 last September
Condo days on market: 42, up from 28
Condo inventory: 566 units, up 14.8%
Buyers have more time to decide and more homes to choose from. That's most true for condos and townhouses.
What this means for buyers
Mortgage rates are still high. The 30-year fixed averaged 7.32% for the week of October 22, according to Freddie Mac. That's down from 7.40% the week before.
Fall is a good time to shop. More listings and slower sales give you room to negotiate in New Haven County, especially on condos. Ask about seller credits toward closing costs or a rate buydown. In Middlesex County, expect to compete. Get pre-approved before you start looking, and be ready to act on the right home.
Search homes for sale on the Shoreline and in Central CT.
What this means for sellers
Your home's value is likely higher than it was a year ago. In both counties, homes are still selling for more than list price on average.
Pricing matters more now. Buyers have more choices, and homes priced too high sit. A home that sits gets marked down. Price it right from day one, and make it look its best in photos. Fall light and curb appeal help.
Thinking about listing in the spring? Start now. Small repairs and decluttering over the winter put you ahead when the spring market opens.
Want numbers for your town?
County data gives you the big picture. Your street and your home matter more. I can pull recent sales near you and tell you what your home could sell for, or what you can expect to pay where you want to live.
Call or text me at 203-208-8483, or send me a message.
Sources: SmartMLS Local Market Updates for Middlesex County and New Haven County, September 2026 (current as of October 8, 2026); Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, October 22, 2026.