Twin Tiers Real Estate is Strong!

Twin Tiers Real Estate: From the 2025 Rebound to a Strong 2026

If you’ve been watching the headlines, you know the housing market has been a rollercoaster. But here in the Twin Tiers—spanning the Southern Tier of New York and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania—the story is one of consistent, meaningful recovery. As we move into 2026, we’re looking back at a pivotal 2025 that changed the game for local buyers and sellers alike.

### 2025: The Year of the Rebound

Last year wasn’t just another year of “making do.” It was the year the Twin Tiers housing market found its footing again. Following a period of low transaction volume, 2025 saw a gradual but steady rebound:

Momentum Built Early: While the year started quiet, the second half of 2025 saw the strongest gains in activity.
A “First” in Years: By Q4 2025, many local markets recorded a surge in unit sales compared to 2024. This marked the first time in years we’ve seen consistent, year-over-year unit growth across the region.
Dollar Volume on the Rise: Closed dollar volume for single-family homes increased, proving that buyer interest is back in both our urban centers like Corning and Elmira, and our rural gems in Tioga and Bradford counties.

### Why the Inventory “Logjam” is Breaking

The biggest headline from 2025 was the rise in new listings. For a long time, homeowners were “locked in” by low interest rates, afraid to move. In 2025, that changed:

More Options for Buyers: We saw a significant increase in total listing dollar volume as more homeowners felt confident enough to put their properties on the market.
Supply Pressure Relief: This influx of inventory has helped stabilize prices and, for the first time in a long time, given buyers actual choices instead of just a “take it or leave it” scenario.

### What This Means for You in 2026

For Sellers: Timing is Everything

While inventory is up, demand is still outpacing supply in high-demand pockets. The “balanced” nature of the current market means you can’t just slap a sign in the yard. Success in 2026 requires:

Strategic Pricing: With more competition from other sellers, your home needs to be priced to the 2026 “stabilized” value, not the 2022 “peak” hype.
Modern Appeal: Move-in-ready homes are still fetching a premium. Buyers are looking for those “flex spaces” and energy-efficient updates we saw trend late last year.

For Buyers: Your Window is Open

2025 proved that the market is accessible again. With unit sales rising and inventory growing, you have more leverage than you did two years ago.

Stable Pricing: You aren’t chasing a runaway train anymore. 2026 is seeing steady, predictable appreciation.
Negotiation is Back: In a “balanced” market, things like seller concessions or home inspections are back on the table, making your purchase safer and more affordable.

### The Bottom Line

The Twin Tiers market has moved from “limited and volatile” to “active and balanced.” Whether you’re looking at a Victorian restoration or a modern valley build, the fundamentals are the strongest they’ve been in a decade.