Berwyn Real Estate 2026: The Sellers Market Will Contine And Why Delaying Your Home Purchase Could Cost You More

As 2026 kicks off, the housing market in Berwyn and the surrounding west suburban areas continues to reveal a clear pattern. Low inventory, rising prices, and strong demand. Despite higher interest rates in recent years the market has shown remarkable resilience. When homes for sale become scarce prices don’t drop they pause briefly before climbing again. This trend is shaping the outlook for buyers and sellers in the coming year.

Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for anyone considering buying or selling a home in Berwyn. Waiting to purchase could mean paying significantly more while sellers may find the current conditions favorable. Let’s explore the key factors driving the market and what to expect in 2026.

Home Prices Keep Climbing with No Signs of Slowing

Over the past decade median home prices in Berwyn have nearly doubled. In 2015 the median sales price of a single family home hovered around the high $180,000's. As we enter 2026 that figure has risen to the mid $340,000's. Even during economic uncertainty prices have not experienced meaningful declines. Instead they have leveled off briefly before continuing their upward trend.

This steady growth means:

• Demand remains strong in Berwyn and nearby communities.

• Buyers are willing to pay more due to limited options.

• Waiting for prices to drop has not worked in the past and is unlikely to work in 2026.

  
  

Economists predict annual price increases of 4-6% in many Chicagoland suburbs. At this rate a home priced today could cost tens of thousands more in just a few years. For example a $340,000 home could increase by $13,600 to $20,400 within a year making early purchase a financially sound decision.

Median Home Prices Have Almost Doubled In The Last Decade

Price Per Square Foot Continues To Climb

Inventory Shortage Remains the Biggest Challenge

The core issue in the Berwyn housing market is supply. The number of homes available for sale remains historically low creating a seller’s market. Key points include:

• New listings are significantly down compared to pre 2020 levels.

• Months of supply hovers around 2 to 2.5 months, far below the 5 to 6 months needed for a balanced market.

• Many current homeowners hold ultra-low interest rates from previous years and are reluctant to sell further limiting inventory.

  
  

This shortage means buyers face stiff competition and often need to act quickly when a home becomes available. Sellers benefit from this environment often receiving multiple offers and selling above asking price if priced appropriately when entering the market.

There Continues To Be A Shortage Of Homes For Sale That Has Worsened Over The Past Year

New Listings Continue To Lag As People Stay Put In Low Interest Rate Mortgages

Months Supply Of Homes Keeps Us In A Sellers Market

Closed Sales Continue To Decline In Line With The Inventory Shortage

What Buyers Should Expect in 2026

For buyers, the market will remain competitive. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Act quickly when you find a home that fits your needs. A lot of homes will sell in 1 day.

• Be prepared to offer close to or above asking price. An agent can guide you.

• Use terms like letting the seller pick their closing day or buying as-is to your advantage to position your offer above others.

• Absolutely get pre-approved for a mortgage prior to viewing homes and making an offer.

• Understand that waiting for prices to drop may result in higher costs later.

  
  

For example a buyer who waits six months might face a price increase of several thousand dollars which can significantly raise monthly payments over the life of the loan vs buying now and refinancing when rates drop.

What Sellers Can Expect in 2026

Sellers are in a strong position due to limited inventory. Here’s what to expect:

• Homes will likely sell faster than in balanced markets.

• Multiple offers are common potentially driving prices above listing.

• Sellers can negotiate favorable terms including closing dates and contingencies.

• However, sellers who plan to buy another home may face challenges due to the same inventory shortage. Talk to your agent about reverse contingencies in your favor.

  
  

A seller who lists their home now could benefit from the current demand and price growth, while carefully planning their next move.

The Impact of Interest Rates on the Market

Interest rates have risen over the past few years, but the market has adapted. While higher rates increase monthly mortgage payments, they have not caused prices to fall. Instead, prices adjust briefly before continuing upward.

Buyers should consider:

• Locking in rates when possible to avoid future increases. While rates have stabilized and will possibly decrease a touch over the next year they can still jump higher at anytime.

• Calculating total housing costs including taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Not just the mortgage.

• Exploring different loan options to find the best fit.

  
  

Sellers benefit indirectly as higher rates discourage some homeowners from selling keeping inventory low and prices on the rise.

Why Waiting Could Cost You More

Delaying a home purchase in Berwyn could lead to paying more in several ways:

• Price increases of 4 to 6 percent annually add up quickly.

• Lower interest rates will bring additional buyers to market driving up home prices. Potentially increasing monthly payments and total loan costs.

• Limited inventory means fewer choices and more competition.

• Inflation and rising construction costs may push rehabbed home prices even higher.

  
  

For example a $340,000 home today could cost over $352,000 in a year, if rates drop slightly waiting could increase your total costs vs buying now and refinancing.

Final Thoughts

The Berwyn real estate market in 2026 is shaped by low inventory, rising prices, and strong demand. Buyers face a competitive market where waiting often means paying more. Sellers enjoy favorable conditions but must plan carefully if they intend to buy again. Please get in touch with us for a complimentary market analysis of your home.