The semi-good news for condo sellers? Prices in the Washington area this past January dipped just 1.3 percent compared with January 2025, according to the multiple-listing service Bright MLS. The bad news? Just about everything else. Over the same time period, sales were down 22 percent. Listings now sit an average of 43 days, up from 32 last year.
Affordability is an issue. “For first-time buyers who want to make a low down payment, it’s not always cheaper to own than rent, especially with elevated interest rates and higher insurance costs,” says Morgan Knull, an associate broker with RE/MAX Gateway in DC. In some buildings, spiking monthly condo fees are exacerbating the squeeze felt by potential buyers. “They’ve increased a good bit in recent years due to the cost of everything from staff to management contracts to insurance going up,” says Sammy Dweck, an agent with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in DC.
Also contributing to sluggish sales: Supply outpaces demand in some neighborhoods, especially where there’s a glut of new buildings—such as DC’s Trinidad and H Street corridor, Knull says. Add it all up, Dweck says, and condo sales are “especially tough right now.”
Facing these headwinds, some owners are holding back their units from the market. But if you’re still looking to sell, here are three ways to improve your offering.
Price Wins
In the current market, Dweck says, pricing is more important than ever: “Buyers have more choices and no strong sense of urgency. Sellers are listing at prices based on comps from a different market climate. Sellers who succeed are the ones who have agents who help them understand the reality of the new market and who price significantly enough below the old comps to be the best value in a sea of listings.”
Vive La Différence
According to Knull, the condo market is experiencing a “flight to quality”—so if your condo has special and in-demand features, flaunt them. “Condos that have a differentiator such as private outdoor space, a nice view, desirable amenities, and high-quality finishes and craftsmanship are easier to sell,” Knull says. “In-unit laundry and pet-friendly buildings are a big thing with buyers, along with how package delivery will be handled securely.”
Sell Your Strengths
Sellers can’t control what amenities a building provides, but the right marketing can help a listing stand out. Highlight the amount of light a unit receives. Talk about what residents can walk to nearby. Provide a simple summary of the condo fees and what they cover. And mention recent building improvements, says Brian Block, managing broker of RE/MAX Allegiance in Alexandria, “to reassure buyers of the value.”
This article appears in the April 2026 issue of Washingtonian.
