January always feels like a reset here in Hawai‘i—a chance to take a breath after the holidays and see what kind of momentum the new year brings. This year, the O‘ahu housing market kicked things off with stability, steady pricing, and some early signs of renewed buyer activity, especially on the single-family side.
Here’s a clear look at what happened in January and what it means for buyers and sellers moving forward.
January 2026 Market Snapshot
Single-Family Homes
- 194 homes sold, down just 1% year-over-year, showing a very steady start to the year
- Median price: $1,122,500, essentially flat (+0.2% YoY)
- Median days on market: 27 days, similar to last January
- 31% of homes sold above asking price, up from 23% last year
- Active inventory: 674 homes, down 8.2% YoY, keeping supply tight
- Pending sales jumped 14.4%, signaling strong early-year demand
Condos
- 297 units sold, down 4.8% year-over-year
- Median price: $529,000, down 1.9% YoY
- Median days on market: 47 days, up from 39 last year
- Active inventory: 2,210 units, up 5.8% YoY, giving buyers more options
- Most condos are selling below asking price, creating negotiation opportunities
Homes priced under $500,000—primarily condos—continue to attract attention, with more than 1,000 active listings available in that range. Meanwhile, nearly 60% of single-family home sales happened between $800,000 and $1.4M, which remains the most competitive part of the market.
What These Numbers Really Mean
For Buyers:
If you’re shopping for a condo, January brought more breathing room. Increased inventory, longer days on market, and more frequent price negotiations mean buyers can take a bit more time and be strategic—especially in areas like town, Salt Lake, or parts of ‘Ewa.
Single-family buyers should still be prepared. With limited inventory and rising pending sales, well-priced homes—especially in neighborhoods like Mililani, Hawai‘i Kai, and Kapolei—are still attracting competition.
For Sellers:
Single-family sellers are in a strong position. Even with prices holding steady, buyer demand is clearly there, and many homes are still selling at or above asking price when they’re priced correctly.
Condo sellers, on the other hand, need to be realistic. Buyers are price-sensitive, and with more choices available, presentation and pricing matter more than ever.
Big Picture:
This isn’t a market racing upward—or downward. It’s balanced, intentional, and more sustainable. We’re seeing confidence return without the frenzy of past years, which is a healthy sign as we move deeper into 2026.
Final Thoughts
January set a solid foundation for the year ahead. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market, understanding these shifts early can make a big difference in your strategy.
Want to talk about what this means for your real estate plans? Feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help.
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