The real estate market in Harford and Baltimore County is showing signs of cooling, with slower price growth, longer listing times, and reduced buyer urgency.
After years of rapid appreciation and frenzied buyer activity, the housing markets in Harford and Baltimore County are beginning to stabilize. While home prices remain elevated, the pace of growth has slowed, and key indicators suggest a shift toward a more balanced environment.
According to Zillow, the average home value in Harford County rose just 0.9% over the past year, reaching $418,482 as of May 2025. This marks a significant deceleration compared to previous years. Coupled with the deceleration homes in Harford County now spend an average of 23 days on the market, up from 19 days last year. In Baltimore County, properties are also lingering longer before selling.
- Across Maryland, more buyers are backing out of deals, reflecting growing caution and less competitive pressure.
- In June 2025, Baltimore County saw a decline in home sales compared to the same period last year.
- While in some areas prices are still rising, the rate of increase has tapered off, suggesting that the market is no longer overheated.
What is driving the shift?
- Rising interest rates have made borrowing more expensive, reducing affordability and cooling demand.
- After years of bidding wars and limited inventory, many buyers are stepping back, hoping for better deals or more inventory.
- Broader concerns about inflation and job stability are prompting more cautious financial decisions.
What will this mean for buyers and sellers?
Buyers may find more negotiating power and less competition, though affordability remains a challenge. Sellers should adjust expectations, as homes may take longer to sell and command fewer offers. - As Harford and Baltimore County shift toward a more balanced housing landscape, both buyers and sellers will need to re-calibrate their strategies. The coming months may reveal whether this cooling trend is a temporary pause—or the start of a longer reset.