Scottsdale Housing Market Update - January 2026

Today, we're breaking down the actual data. No clickbait, no BS, just what really happened in the market last month.

Inventory is Finally Increasing

Scottsdale kicked off January with 2,438 active listings. That's up 20% from December, which honestly is a pretty big swing. For context, we've been starved for inventory for years—bidding wars, waiving inspections, people offering up their first born, you get it. But now, buyers actually have choices. And when that happens, the whole game changes.

It doesn't mean everything's falling apart. It just means we're not fighting over crumbs anymore. With even more homes on the market, 1,200 new listings still came through in January. Buyers are definitely still active—they're just not panic buying anymore. They're taking their time, asking questions, negotiating, and honestly, that's how it should be.

Homes Are Sitting Longer

Here's where it gets interesting. Homes are now sitting on the market about 108 days on average. Compare that to 2021 where houses were gone in three days—it's a totally different energy.

When you break it down by price:

• $700K - $1M range: About 5.3 months of supply
• Above $3M: About 10-11 months of supply

So if you're selling a high-end home right now, your pricing game has to be on point. Otherwise, your home will sit even longer. But if you're buying in that price range, you've got a lot of leverage—like actual room to work with.

What This Means for Sellers

If you're selling, especially in the luxury space, there is no time to just throw out a number and hope for the best. You need:

• Clean comps - Know what similar homes actually sold for
• Professional photography - Not just iPhone pics
• Professional videography - Drone footage, walkthrough videos
• A compelling story - Stories sell homes
• The right realtor - Marketing matters more than ever

I see so many homes on the MLS in these higher markets that don't have any video. I don't get it. I have houses that I've listed for $500,000 with complete marketing plans—drone footage, neighborhood insights, all of that good stuff. And some of these other listings have nothing, and they are the ones that sit for a really, really long time.

What This Means for Buyers

If you're buying, this is low-key your moment. You can:

• Negotiate on price
• Ask for credits
• Do a full inspection without fear of losing the house
• Take your time to find the right property

But negotiate wisely—especially if a home's been sitting for 90+ days. Those sellers are ready to move.

The Bottom Line

Look, the Scottsdale market isn't crashing—it's just cooling off. And when things cool off, that's when smart people make moves. This is where knowing the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the strategy actually pays off.

In January, we had 760 homes go under contract. What better way is there to buy a new home in the New Year? Talk about New Year, new me. Buyers are active, sellers are motivated, and the market is balanced.

About the Author: Leandra Mora is a Scottsdale realtor specializing in luxury real estate and relocation services. She helps buyers relocate to the Phoenix Metro area from all over the country and Canada, providing concierge-level service and expert market knowledge.