How Long Does It Really Take to Sell a House Right Now? (Fairfax County, VA)

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Fairfax County real estate market, you’ve probably noticed that homes are still selling—but not quite as fast as they used to. The question on many sellers’ minds this fall is one that comes up time and again: how long does it really take to sell a house right now?

Looking back at October 2024, the Fairfax County market was moving at a brisk pace. Homes priced between five hundred thousand and one million dollars spent an average of about sixteen days on the market before going under contract. Inventory was tight, with only enough homes to last about a month and a half if no new listings hit the market. Sellers held most of the cards then, with buyers competing for limited options and many homes selling quickly near or above asking price.

Fast forward to October 2025, and the story is slightly different. According to the latest Bright MLS data and Redfin’s November update, homes in Fairfax County are taking an average of twenty-four days to sell. Active inventory climbed to nearly one thousand homes countywide - up from around seven hundred a year earlier—and the months of supply increased from one point four to almost two. That’s a clear sign the market is gradually balancing out.

Even with that slowdown, home prices have remained steady. The most recent figures show the median sale price for Fairfax County homes is about ($746,000)seven hundred forty-five thousand dollars, marking a slight increase from last year. Sellers aren’t seeing the sky-high bidding wars that characterized 2021 and 2022, but values are holding firm thanks to consistent demand from buyers who still want to call Northern Virginia home.

The main factor behind the cooling pace is simple: affordability. Mortgage rates have hovered near seven percent for much of the year, and even as they start to inch down, buyers are feeling the pinch. Some have chosen to pause their home search temporarily, while others are looking more carefully at property condition and pricing before making offers. That has given motivated buyers a bit more negotiating power and allowed for slightly longer market times.

However, Fairfax County remains a strong, resilient market. The region’s reliable job base, excellent schools, and proximity to Washington, D.C. continue to drive demand. Well-maintained homes that are priced competitively still attract serious attention and can receive multiple offers, especially in sought-after areas such as Vienna, Reston, and Burke.

For sellers entering the market today, success is all about strategy. Pricing a home realistically based on recent neighborhood sales, presenting it in the best possible condition, and investing in strong marketing can make the difference between a home selling in a few weeks or sitting for months. Buyers, on the other hand, now have an opportunity to breathe, compare options, and make thoughtful decisions instead of rushing into bidding wars.

Compared to last year, Fairfax County’s market has clearly evolved. Inventory has grown, homes are spending a bit more time on the market, and overall activity has become more balanced. What used to be a fast-paced seller’s market is now finding a healthier middle ground—one that gives both sides a genuine chance to achieve their goals.

Fairfax County’s market in 2025 may not move at lightning speed anymore, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a sign of a more stable, sustainable housing environment where buyers and sellers have the time and flexibility to make sound decisions. In a region as stable and desirable as Fairfax, homes may take a little longer to sell—but they still sell, and often at values that reflect real long-term strength in the market.