Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways Construction Boom, But Not Enough: Washington issued permits for 65,000 new housing units in 2025, but needs 75,000 annually to meet demand driven by population and job growth. Population Growth Spreading Statewide: 95,000 new residents in 2025, with 60% from other states, creating housing pressure beyond Seattle in markets like Spokane, Bellingham, and Tacoma. Tech Jobs Drive High Home Prices: Average tech salaries exceeding $165,000 and strong job market (78,000 new jobs) push median home prices to $687,000, well above national averages. Market Rewards Quick Decisions: Strong demand and limited supply create opportunities for property owners who need to sell, but complexity requires understanding all available options.

Washington State Housing Market 2026: Construction Boom Meets Growing Pains

Look, I've been watching Washington's housing market for years, and what's happening right now is something else. The state is in the middle of a construction boom that would make your head spin, but here's the thing — it's still not enough.

I had a homeowner call me last week from Spokane. She inherited her grandmother's house and was shocked to learn it's worth three times what grandma paid for it just eight years ago. That's Washington in a nutshell right now — growth everywhere you look, but it's creating problems for regular folks trying to find affordable housing.

New Construction is Breaking Records (But It's Not Enough)

Washington state issued permits for over 65,000 new housing units in 2025, the highest number since 2007. That sounds impressive until you realize the state needs about 75,000 new units annually just to keep up with population growth and job creation.

The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area alone accounted for nearly 40% of all new construction permits. But here's what the pretty statistics don't tell you — most of these new builds are luxury condos and high-end single-family homes. The affordable housing? That's still in short supply.

I see this firsthand at HOMESELL USA. We're getting calls from people who can't afford the monthly payments on these new builds, or folks who bought during the peak and now need to sell quickly due to job changes or family situations. The new construction boom is great for developers, but it's not solving the affordability crisis for working families.

Population Growth: Everyone Wants to Live Here

Washington added approximately 95,000 new residents in 2025, making it the 8th fastest-growing state in the country. About 60% of this growth came from people moving here from other states — what we call net domestic migration.

Where are they coming from? California leads the pack (no surprise there), followed by Texas, Colorado, and New York. These folks are bringing their equity and their expectations, which is driving up home prices across the board.

The interesting thing is that it's not just Seattle anymore. Cities like Spokane, Bellingham, Olympia, and even smaller towns in the Columbia River Gorge are seeing significant population increases. Remote work made a lot of this possible — people can keep their high-paying Seattle or San Francisco jobs while living in more affordable areas.

The Ripple Effect on Housing

Here's what this population boom means for housing: every new resident needs a place to live, but they're competing with existing residents who are also looking to upgrade or relocate within the state. It's basic supply and demand, and demand is winning by a landslide.

The median home price in Washington hit $687,000 in late 2025, up 8.2% from the previous year. That's well above the national average of $425,000. Even in smaller markets like Wenatchee and Walla Walla, home prices have increased by double digits.

Job Market: Tech Still Drives the Bus

Washington's job market added 78,000 new jobs in 2025, with an unemployment rate sitting at 3.1% — well below the national average. Technology sector jobs grew by 12%, led by companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and a bunch of smaller tech firms you've probably never heard of but are making their employees very wealthy.

But it's not just tech anymore. The aerospace industry (hello, Boeing) is rebounding, clean energy companies are setting up shop, and the logistics sector is booming thanks to the ports in Seattle and Tacoma.

Average tech salaries in the Seattle metro area now exceed $165,000 annually. When you've got that kind of purchasing power competing for housing, it pushes everyone else out of the market — or forces them into situations they can't afford long-term.

That's where HOMESELL USA comes in. We help people who got in over their heads, inherited properties they can't maintain, or need to sell quickly because of job relocations or financial changes. Whether you sell to us or someone else, here's what you need to know: this market rewards quick decisions.

Migration Patterns: It's Not Just About Seattle Anymore

The most interesting trend I'm seeing is the dispersion of population growth across the state. Seattle and King County are still growing, but the real action is happening in places like:

• Spokane County: Growing by 2.1% annually, driven by remote workers and retirees
• Clark County (Vancouver area): Benefits from no state income tax but access to Portland jobs
• Whatcom County (Bellingham): College town attracting young professionals and outdoor enthusiasts
• Pierce County (Tacoma): The "affordable" alternative to Seattle (though not for long)

This dispersion is creating mini-housing booms in smaller markets that historically had stable, affordable housing. I've seen properties in Spokane that were worth $180,000 in 2020 now selling for $320,000. That's life-changing equity for some folks, but it's also pricing out local families who've lived there for generations.

The Challenges Ahead

Look, here's the deal: Washington's growth is creating prosperity, but it's also creating problems that nobody wants to talk about. Infrastructure is struggling to keep up. Schools in fast-growing districts are overcrowded. Traffic in secondary cities is getting worse every year.

From a housing perspective, we're seeing more people in situations they didn't expect. Property taxes are skyrocketing as assessments catch up to market values. HOA fees in older developments are increasing as they try to keep up with newer, fancier communities. Maintenance costs are through the roof because contractors are booked solid.

I've seen this pattern in other high-growth states, and it usually takes 5-7 years for supply to meaningfully catch up with demand. In the meantime, you're going to see continued price appreciation, more creative financing arrangements, and unfortunately, more people who need to sell quickly because they can't afford to stay.

What This Means for Property Owners

If you own property in Washington right now, you're sitting on a valuable asset. But valuable doesn't always mean liquid, and it doesn't always mean manageable.

Here at HOMESELL USA, we're seeing more calls from people who need to turn their equity into cash quickly. Maybe it's an inherited property with a big tax bill, or a divorce situation, or someone who bought during the pandemic and now needs to relocate for work. The strong market is good news for these folks because there's real value in their properties.

The key is understanding your options. The traditional real estate market is great if you have time and your property is in good condition. But if you need to sell fast, or your property has issues, or you just don't want to deal with the hassle of showings and inspections, there are alternatives.

Looking Forward

Washington's housing market isn't slowing down anytime soon. Population growth is expected to continue, job creation is strong, and new construction, while increasing, still isn't keeping pace with demand.

That means continued price appreciation, continued competition for available properties, and continued challenges for people trying to enter the market or navigate changes in their housing situation.

If you're dealing with a property situation in Washington — whether it's an inheritance, a financial change, or just need to sell quickly — don't let the complexity of this market overwhelm you. There are solutions, and there are people who understand what you're going through.

Whether you sell to us or someone else, here's what you need to know: this market rewards action. Property values are strong, buyer demand is high, and if you need to make a change, now is better than later.

If any of this sounds like your situation, give Uncle Charles a call. No pressure, no judgment — just straight answers about your options in Washington's wild housing market. Sometimes the best thing you can do is get the facts and make an informed decision, whatever that decision might be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington's housing market still growing in 2026?

Yes, Washington remains one of the fastest-growing housing markets in the country. The state added 95,000 new residents in 2025, and new construction permits hit 65,000 units. However, demand still outpaces supply, keeping upward pressure on home prices.

Why are home prices so high in Washington state?

High home prices are driven by strong job growth (especially in tech), continued population growth from other states, and housing supply that can't keep up with demand. The median home price reached $687,000 in late 2025, well above the national average.

Which areas of Washington are growing the fastest?

While Seattle continues to grow, the fastest growth is now in secondary markets like Spokane County (2.1% annually), Clark County (Vancouver area), Whatcom County (Bellingham), and Pierce County (Tacoma). These areas offer more affordability while still benefiting from job growth.

Is new construction helping with housing affordability?

Unfortunately, most new construction focuses on luxury condos and high-end single-family homes. While 65,000 units were permitted in 2025, the state needs about 75,000 annually to meet demand, and much of what's being built isn't affordable for middle-income families.

Should I sell my Washington property now or wait?

Market conditions remain strong with high demand and good property values. If you need to sell due to financial changes, inheritance, or relocation, current conditions favor sellers. However, every situation is different — consider your timeline, property condition, and financial needs when making this decision.