Closed Dollar Volume Continues to Increase Over Last Year Across Markets, According to Third Quarter Report by William Pitt-Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

Closed unit transactions have shown more varied performance as median sale prices increase and inventory levels remain constrained

STAMFORD, Conn., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Most housing markets were firmly ahead of the first nine months of 2025 in closed dollar volume, with unit sales more mixed, trending slightly down in many counties while rising slightly in a few others according to a new third quarter report just released by William Pitt-Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty. The report details annual market results in Fairfield, Litchfield and Hartford Counties and the Shoreline in Connecticut, the Berkshires in Massachusetts, and Westchester, Putnam, Columbia, Dutchess and Ulster Counties, New York.

The third quarter of 2026 on its own saw dollar volume rise across nearly every territory compared to the third quarter of last year, with units showing more uneven results from county to county. The positive activity in both the second and third quarters, following a more sluggish first quarter, helped markets to land solidly ahead in closed volume year to date compared to the first three quarters of 2025.

The report observed across virtually an ongoing disparity between closed dollar volume and unit sales. Across territories, dollar volume metrics continue to outpace unit growth. This gap is driven by two key mechanics: a transacting product mix that remains heavily skewed toward higher-priced properties, and median sale prices that continue their upward trend. Twelve-month median prices were higher across most markets compared to the same timeframe last year. Notably, Westchester County experienced substantial appreciation, pushing its year to date median sale price well past the million-dollar milestone for the first time.

Well-priced homes routinely attract multiple competitive offers, frequently selling for well over the initial listing price, the report stated. Severe inventory constraints remain the underlying driver behind this competitive dynamic. Persistent buyer demand, much of it sustained by proximity to New York City, continues to outstrip the limited pool of active property listings. This has created an ongoing imbalance of supply and demand, yielding a strong sellers' market across price tiers. While total active inventory posted gains across several counties, overall available supply remains historically tight compared to pre-pandemic norms.

The report noted that indicators present a nuanced picture on the macroeconomic front, from current Federal interest rates and mortgage rates to consumer confidence and labor market metrics. In spite of macro fluctuations, the territories served by the company have repeatedly demonstrated resilience in the face of national trends.

"For property owners considering whether to sell, current conditions offer an outstanding window of opportunity," said Paul Breunich, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of William Pitt-Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty. "With unfulfilled buyer demand outpacing available inventory, sellers remain in a position of leverage. Homeowners who choose to list now are uniquely capable of capturing heightened buyer interest, negotiating favorable terms, and maximizing their sale price. We strongly encourage prospective sellers sitting on the sidelines to take advantage of these favorable market dynamics while supply remains so tightly constrained."

The 2026 Third Quarter Market Watch is available on the firm's website at williampitt.com.

About William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty
Founded in 1949, William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty and Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty manages a $5.5 billion portfolio with more than 1,100 sales associates in 29 brokerages spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. The company is one of the largest Sotheby's International Realty(R) affiliates globally and the 34th-largest real estate company by sales volume in the United States. For more information, visit the website at williampitt.com.

Sotheby's International Realty's worldwide network includes 1,075 offices throughout 81 countries and territories on six continents.

SOURCE William Pitt Real Estate LLC