Bellingham Housing Market Remains Strong Heading Into Summer
The Bellingham real estate market continued to show strength during May 2026 as buyers gained more inventory, home values remained strong, and sales activity continued across a wide range of price points.
A total of 162 homes and condominiums sold in Bellingham during May, with sale prices ranging from approximately $160,000 for entry-level condominiums to more than $2 million for luxury residential properties. The wide range of sales reflects the diversity of Bellingham’s housing market and continued demand throughout the city.
One of the biggest stories this month is inventory. Buyers have more homes to choose from than they did a year ago, creating a healthier and more balanced market. At the same time, pending sales increased across Whatcom County, showing that buyers remain active despite higher prices and mortgage rates.
According to the latest Northwest Multiple Listing Service statistics, the median home price across Whatcom County reached $645,000 in May 2026, up from $602,500 one year ago. Inventory increased from 3.3 months to 3.7 months while pending sales climbed more than 12 percent compared to the same period last year.
Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or simply following the Bellingham real estate market, here’s what the latest numbers reveal heading into summer.
Whatcom County Market Snapshot
| Metric | May 2025 | May 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sales Price | $602,500 | $645,000 | +7.1% |
| Active Listings | 918 | 964 | +5.0% |
| New Listings | 551 | 536 | -2.7% |
| Pending Sales | 335 | 376 | +12.2% |
| Sold Listings | 276 | 263 | -4.7% |
| Months of Inventory | 3.3 | 3.7 | +12.1% |
Bellingham Home Prices Continue to Show Strength
Bellingham remained active throughout May with 162 residential and condominium sales recorded during the month.
Sale prices ranged from approximately $160,000 to more than $2 million, demonstrating demand across entry-level, move-up, luxury, and waterfront housing segments.
While affordability remains a challenge for some buyers, the increase in inventory is creating additional opportunities throughout Bellingham neighborhoods including Fairhaven, Columbia, Barkley Village, Silver Beach, Sunnyland, and the Lake Whatcom area.
Home Prices Continue to Rise
The median sales price across Whatcom County increased from $602,500 in May 2025 to $645,000 in May 2026.
That represents a 7.1 percent increase year over year and continues the long-term trend of appreciation throughout Bellingham and surrounding communities.
Inventory Is Increasing
One of the most important changes in today’s market is inventory growth.
Active listings increased from 918 homes last year to 964 homes this year, while months of inventory rose from 3.3 months to 3.7 months.
Buyers now have more opportunities to compare homes, negotiate terms, and make thoughtful decisions.
Pending Sales Show Strong Buyer Demand
Pending sales increased from 335 homes in May 2025 to 376 homes in May 2026.
A 12.2 percent increase in pending sales is one of the strongest indicators in this report and suggests healthy buyer demand heading into summer.
What This Means for Buyers
Buyers have more choices than they did a year ago without experiencing a significant decline in property values.
The result is a healthier market where buyers can move more deliberately while still competing for desirable homes.
What This Means for Sellers
Sellers continue to benefit from rising home values and active buyers.
The difference today is that pricing strategy matters more than it did during the highly competitive markets of recent years. Well-prepared and properly priced homes continue to attract strong interest.
Summer 2026 Outlook
The Bellingham real estate market remains healthy heading into summer.
Key trends to watch include:
- Rising home prices
- Increasing inventory
- Strong pending sales activity
- More buyer choices
- Continued demand throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Bellingham?
Josh and Jolene Baijot have more than 25 years of local real estate experience helping buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating families throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County.
Contact Josh and Jolene directly through this website for a customized market analysis or to discuss your real estate goals.
May 2026 Housing Market Data from Northwest Multiple Listing Service
