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Strong Growth in Central Pennsylvania Housing Market

Active neighborhoods in Central Pennsylvania experiencing a strong housing market.

News Summary

The housing market in Central Pennsylvania, especially in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties, is showing strong growth. Sales and home prices have risen, with Cumberland County seeing a 9.8% increase in closed sales and Perry County enjoying a remarkable 21.1% increase in home prices. Lancaster County also reports rising prices and quicker sales, showcasing a competitive market despite some fluctuations in inventory. Overall, buyer demand is driving momentum as the summer market transitions into fall.

Pennsylvania is witnessing a robust housing market, particularly in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties. According to the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS (GHAR), sales and home prices are on the rise as buyer activity strengthens in these areas.

As of June, active inventory levels reached their highest in the past five years across the three counties, indicating a notable increase in the number of homes available for sale. Closed sales in Cumberland County increased by 9.8%, accompanied by a 5.6% rise in home prices. Dauphin County reported a slight decrease in median prices; however, closed sales still saw a growth of 2.4%. In Perry County, the market showed remarkable growth with a 21.1% increase in home prices and a staggering 62.1% surge in pending sales.

The overall trend in the Central Pennsylvania housing market indicates increasing momentum, primarily fueled by heightened buyer demand. Despite some fluctuations, such as a reduction in new listings and pending sales noted in certain areas compared to the previous month, GHAR emphasizes the ongoing strength of buyer interest.

Market dynamics suggest a gradual shift towards a more balanced real estate environment. Although certain price points still reflect a strong seller’s market, the fluctuation in buyer and seller activity points toward evolving conditions in Central Pennsylvania. The housing data from nearby Lancaster County provides further context. In June, the region reported rising home prices alongside a decline in inventory.

The median home price in Lancaster County reached $360,000, marking a 4.3% increase from the previous month. New listings fell to 512 in June, reflecting a 6.9% decrease compared to May; nonetheless, this figure still represented a 6.2% rise year-over-year. Closed sales in Lancaster County also experienced an upturn, totaling 488 in June, which is a 10.4% increase from May and up 18.4% compared to June 2024.

Homes in Lancaster County are changing hands more quickly, with an average sale time of just 19 days, reflecting a competitive market. The Average Sales Price for June 2025 in Lancaster was reported at 104.2%, an increase from the trend observed in earlier months where the price hovered near 100%.

In contrast, York County’s market data indicates a median home listing price of $369,900 for July, which demonstrates an increase of 11.3% when compared to July 2023. This upward trend across different counties shows how buyer activity remains prevalent even in areas where prices may be rising.

Overall, while the Central Pennsylvania housing market displays signs of strength with rising sales and pricing trends, it is important to note that the environment is dynamic, with varying elements influencing buyer and seller behavior. The continued demand for housing could result in further price adjustments and inventory changes as the summer season unfolds into fall.