Market Balancing

Summary

The Vermont housing market remains healthy but shifted markedly from the frenzied seller conditions of 2021-2024.

Inventory is up, pricing strategy is paramount and buyers are enjoying more negotiating power.

Well-prepared and properly priced homes continue to sell quickly, while overpriced properties and unrealistically priced properties linger on market.

Inventory Rising

The biggest story in Vermont real estate this year is the return of inventory. The increase is welcome news for buyers who have struggled for years with extremely limited selection even if inventory remains well below pre-pandemic norms, especially in and around the top Vermont ski areas and the top population and luxury real estate centers including Burlington, Shelburne, Woodstock, and Dorset-Manchester.

Median Home Prices Remain Near Record Highs

Although prices have softened slightly, Vermont remains one of the strongest housing markets in the Northeast.

Median prices remain historically elevated despite recent moderation.

Luxury Market Remains Strong

• Second-home buyers
• Remote workers
• Retirees from metropolitan areas
• Cash buyers from Montrel, Boston, New York and Massachusetts

Communities around ski areas and recreation destinations continue to outperform most of the state.

What Buyers Are After

1. Minimizing Flood Risk

Following recent flooding events, buyers increasingly request:

• FEMA flood maps
• Insurance history
• Drainage information
• Basement water history

2. Affordability

Mortgage rates near 6–7% continue to challenge affordability and reduce purchasing power.

3. Energy Efficiency

Properties with solar, heat pumps, high efficiency insulations and new windows command stronger interest.

What Sellers Need to Know

Pricing Correctly Matters More Than Ever

The days of simply putting a home on the market and expecting multiple offers are to some degree behind us.

Successful sellers are:

✓ Price realistically.

✓ listing with a broker who excels in photography, drone aerials, prose, marketing and prompt communication that knows more than just the local market.

✓ Prepare homes before listing by decluttering and addressing deferred maintenance.

✓ Disclosing flood risk, current and past property issues clearly and completely.

✓ Understand that buyers have more latitude and are more selective.

Outlook for Q3 + Q4 2026

• Exceptionally high quality of life
• Limited housing supply
• Strong second-home demand
• Recreation amenities
• Relative affordability versus many mountain communities in Colorado and Utah

Expect:

1. 📈 More listings
2. 📉 Slower price appreciation
3. 🏡 More balanced negotiations
4. 💰 Continued strength in desirable recreation markets
5. ⚖️ A market that increasingly rewards preparation and proper pricing

Stats Q1 + Q2

Single Family Homes:

Source: Vermont Association of Realtors®.

Bottom Line: Vermont Continues to Shine

Q3 & Q4 2026 continue the transition toward a healthier and more balanced environment—one that rewards informed buyers, prepared sellers using the most capable, knowledgeable realtors.

At Maple Sweet Real Estate, the goal is to keep you extraordinarily well informed. If you have any questions about getting your own property listed, a currently listed property or anything else related to Vermont Real Estate, email  [email protected], text or call Clayton-Paul Cormier @ 1-802-793-1515, thank you so much.

Check out the wealth of information too at www.maplesweet.com