ICYMI: PMA's Market News Update

Philadelphia Metro is One of 10 Job Markets Setting the Stage for Strong Housing Demand in 2026

Of the numerous factors that impact the housing market, one is emerging as particularly important for 2026: employment.

Employment strength is the driver behind buyer confidence, income growth, and, ultimately, housing demand. Conversely, slower hiring, layoffs, and rising unemployment have a direct correlation to weaker housing markets.

With this logic, NewHomeSource parent company Zonda produced a list of the top employment markets to watch in 2026. Each market is likely to have a strong housing market in 2026 given the strength of AI employment, manufacturing investment, health care employers, or other employment-related factors.

Spring Could Bring Better Home Buying Opportunities in Philadelphia Region

Despite affordability concerns pausing many buyers, the current conditions, including stable low rates and a slight uptick in listings, are making spring an opportune time to re-enter the Philadelphia region’s housing market, writes Mark Zandi for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

House price growth has slowed due to affordability constraints. Mortgage rates, currently around six percent, are about as low as they can be expected to go.

Two Chester County Towns Rank Among Pennsylvania’s Most Competitive Housing Markets

Two Chester County boroughs rank among the most competitive housing markets in Pennsylvania according to a recent report from Stacker.

In the evaluation, completed by Redfin Real Estate, West Chester and Phoenixville ranked among the state’s twenty most competitive markets. The two boroughs ranked sixteenth and eighteenth respectively.

These Delaware County Towns Have Some of Pennsylvania’s Most Expensive Homes

Stacker has compiled a list of 30 towns with the most high value homes in Pennsylvania using data from Zillow. Some towns feature higher home prices tags than other. Location, home size, age, and condition of the property all contribute to a home’s value.

Here in Delaware County, three communities stood out for homes with higher values.

Coming in 13th, Garnet Valley homeowners have seen their properties increase 49.9 percent in value over five years, 4.8 percent in the last year alone. A typical Garnet Valley home goes for $651,311.

Glen Mills placed halfway up on the list of 30, coming in at 15th. It saw a 5-year increase in home prices of 46.8 percent, with a 4.9 percent increase in the last year. A typical Glen Mills home goes for $649,373.

Media Borough placed 23rd on the list. It saw a 5-year increase in home prices of 41.9 percent, with an increase in the last year of 3 percent.

Get the Latest Local Housing Market Information from Long and Foster's Market Conditions Report

Pennsylvania Ranks No. 18 for Homeownership

Out of all the states, Pennsylvania has the 18th highest homeownership rate, at 69.3%, according to Visual Capitalist, which reports on the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau (2024).

This is notably higher than the national homeownership rate, which is estimated at 65.3% of households.

Pennsylvania’s higher homeownership rate may be attributed to its affordability, as saving for a home in the Keystone State is quicker than in 38 other states.

Philadelphia Region Luxury Homes Rank Among Top Ten Fastest-Selling Markets

In November 2025, luxury homes in the Philadelphia region sold faster than those in most other parts of the country, according to a new analysis by Realtor.com, writes Michaelle Bond for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

With luxury homes spending an average of 64 days on the market, roughly a week less than at the same time in 2024, the Philadelphia area now ranks eighth among the country’s fastest-moving luxury markets.

Realtors Reveal Benefits of Selling Before Spring

Traditionally, as winter winds down, the housing market begins to heat up. In fact, selling before the spring rush can have various benefits.

Getting ahead of those who wait until the weather warms up can give sellers a timeline advantage. However, listing too soon can have its own negative effects, notes PAR President-elect David Dean.

“If you agree that the spring rush is pertinent to your market, any leg up timewise before the onslaught of competition can never be a bad thing,” Dean says. “But remember, extended days on the market may result in bargain buyers.”

We hope you enjoyed this Market News Update. For more information about how we can help you, please contact us.

Plymouth Meeting: 610.834.8700

Doylestown: 215.345.7600

NJ: 609.398.8600

info@phillyadvisors.com

www.phillyadvisors.com

Share This Email

Information and analysis is obtained through third parties and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Philadelphia Mortgage Advisors is a licensed mortgage lender by the PA Dept. of Banking and Securities, NJ Dept. of Banking & Insurance, the State of DE, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation and MD Mortgage Lender #23004. NMLS #128570.