The Lehigh Valley housing market closed out December with declining sales but improving pending transactions, suggesting continued buyer interest despite limited inventory entering 2026, according to the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors.
Closed sales in Lehigh and Northampton counties decreased 5.6% year over year to 502 listings, according to data released by the group. The median sales price rose 2.3% to $337,500, up from $329,950 the previous December.
Pending sales improved 6.4% to 382 transactions, signaling potential momentum for early 2026, the GLVR says. However, inventory fell 9.3% to 605 available units, resulting in just 1.1 months of supply.
“Buyer demand remains steady, but supply is still extremely limited,” said Justin Porembo, CEO of the group. “That said, pending sales improving month over month is an encouraging signal as we head into the new year, particularly as national trends suggest modest relief from mortgage rate volatility.”
New listings decreased 7.5% to 356 in December. Homes sold in an average of 24 days, matching the previous year’s pace. Sellers received 99.6& of their list price on average, down 0.5 percent.
In Carbon County, the median sales price reached $286,000. Closed sales remained nearly flat at 59 transactions, down two from the previous year. Pending sales rose to 43, an increase of seven listings. Inventory stood at 134 units, representing 2.3 months of supply. Homes in Carbon County sold in an average of 55 days.
“With inventory hovering near historic lows, buyers and sellers alike are operating in a highly competitive environment,” said Michael Bernadyn, president of the GLVR. “As national sales activity shows signs of stabilizing, our region remains resilient, but increasing housing supply remains critical to long-term affordability and market balance.”