Blogs

February 2026 Housing Market Report

By MNR News posted an hour ago

  

New and active listings rise while prices dip 
Key Updates: Seller activity rose while buyer activity slowed across the state and metro in February, according to new data from the Minnesota state and Twin Cities metro REALTOR® Associations. 

  • New listings rose 1.9% statewide and 0.4% in the Twin Cities.
  • Signed purchase agreements (pending sales) fell 3.2% statewide and 3.5% in the metro. 
  • The median sales price decreased 1.5% statewide but remained flat in the metro.
image


Sellers, Buyers and Housing Supply 

Minnesota’s statewide housing market had more new listings and fewer sales in February as sellers were more active than buyers. There were also some early signs of stabilizationWhile pending sales fell, the February decline (3.2%) is the smallest decrease in three months. Even though rates improved and inventory increased, what some call “economic anxiety continued to be a factor holding back market activity on top of other challengesMetro activity followed a similar trend with pending sales down 3.5%, also the smallest decline in three months. Single-family and condo sales fell while townhome pending sales rose.  

 

As for sellers, new listing activity increased after two months of declines for both the state and metro. The number of newly listed homes rose 1.9% statewide and 0.4% in the metro compared to last February. The largest decline in new listings was in the $700-800K price range while the largest gain was in the $500-600K range. Statewide, single-family new listings increased while condo and townhome activity declined. Inventory levels moved up 3.7% statewide and 2.0% in the metro, while supply was flat at 2.3 months statewide and a slightly tighter 2.1 months in the metroFirst-time buyers face the biggest hurdles but move-up buyers and downsizers who become buyers bring existing equity and experience fewer challenges. 

 

Our take is that the January shortcomings were temporary and that Minnesota’s housing fundamentals remain strong, said Wendy Uzelac, President of Minnesota Realtors®Pent-up demand continues to build, but sellers should understand that buyers are more selective and payment-sensitive nowadays than a few years ago. Rates and the economy will be key to the market’s direction this year.” 

There were key differences between market segments across the state: 

  • Closed sales under $300K were down 2.5% while sales over $1M declined 13.7% 
  • Single-family sales fell 6.3%; condo sales were down 5.6%; townhome sales declined 6.8% 
  • Previously owned sales were 5.5% lower while new construction sales decreased 13.7% 
  • Two-bedroom home sales fell 2.2% while four or more-bedroom home sales declined 5.7% 
  • Non-waterfront sales were down 6.5% while private waterfront sales came down 9.0% 
  • Sales were down 18.2% in Minneapolis and decreased 7.9% in St. Paul 

Prices, Market Times and Negotiations 

Home prices softened statewide and were flat in the metro. The statewide median sales price dipped 1.5% to $339,900 while the metro median price held steady at $380,000. Several factors drove the decline. Sellers are becoming more realistic with their pricing strategies as affordability challenges persist. A home listed at $405,000 last year, for example, might be priced closer to $399,000 today. 

That shift reflects both sellers adjusting and buyers showing less willingness to make aggressive offers. Sellers are also accepting a smaller share of their original asking price to meet buyers where they areRealtor.com data shows the state of Minnesota had the highest number of listings with a price reduction since at least 2016. There was also a shift in the product mix. Sales under $300,000 declined less than other price points, meaning they made up a greater share of overall activity. And rising inventory combined with fewer sales meant less competition and fewer multiple offer situations. Overall, prices are recalibrating to today’s market conditions. 

 

Prospective buyers can be encouraged by a small dip in prices as it reflects a return to historical pricing trends after years of above-average growth and can present new opportunities,” said Danielle Bickham Pelton, President of the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®. It’s important to note that monthly home prices reflect the mix or cross-section of properties that happen to close during the month. A decline in sales prices does not mean all homes are worth less. Higher sales for luxury or newly built homes can skew prices up, while greater sales for smaller homes or condos can skew pricesIn February, affordable existing home sales fell less than pricier new builds. And more affordable condos fell less than higher priced single-family homes. This meant lower-priced homes made up a larger share of activity, pressuring median prices lower. 

 

On average, sellers accepted offers at 96.4% of list price statewide and 97.4% in the metro—both down slightly from last yearOffers were accepted after an average of 74* days on market statewide and 69 days in the metro—both flat or down slightly from a year ago.  

 

“We saw a challenging start to the year, and affordability remains a real concern for many households," said Aarica Coleman, President of Minneapolis Area REALTORS®. “In this environment, sellers who price their homes strategically and work closely with an experienced professional will be better positioned to navigate the market and reach the right buyer.” 

 

The latest jobs data show a continued slowdown in hiring activity—in fact the economy lost jobs in five of the last nine months. While recent inflation numbers have been in-line with expectations, conflict in the Middle East is driving energy prices higher and blanket tariffs are also inflationary. This could affect the path of the Fed, treasuries and ultimately mortgage rates. But housing markets are highly local and the Minnesota economy is stronger than the nation’s. Our incomes are above average while our home prices are below average. Our homeownership rates consistently rank near the top, especially for younger people. After a challenging start to 2026, the promise of a stronger spring and summer market persists. 

For more information on weekly and monthly housing numbers visit www.mnrealtor.com, www.mplsrealtor.com or www.spaar.com. 

A screenshot of a chart outlining Feb. 2026 Housing Market Activity compared to the year before

Feb. 2026 Mapped | Exploring Spatial Market Trends

 
image
image
image image image image

(Click on button to view desired map!)

All information is according to Minnesota Realtors® based on data from NorthstarMLS and participating MLSs.
Data are deemed reliable but not guaranteed. MNR serves the entire state of Minnesota. 
MAR and SPAAR serve the Twin Cities metro and western Wisconsin. 

#HousingReport

0 comments
11 views