Northwest Arkansas entered 2025 with a housing market that looks stable on the surface but the underlying dynamics tell a more nuanced story. While prices continue to trend upward across both Benton and Washington Counties, buyer behavior, inventory levels, and new construction activity signal a market that is shifting from momentum to precision.
This year-over-year comparison highlights where values are holding, where activity is slowing, and where strategy matters more than ever. With inventory expanding, new construction pulling back, and expired listings on the rise, today’s market is rewarding homes that are priced correctly, well-presented, and positioned with intention, while penalizing those that miss the mark.
Below is a NWALook breakdown of how the Northwest Arkansas residential market changed from 2024 to 2025, and what those changes mean moving going into to 2026.
📊 Benton County | YoY Change (2024 → 2025)
- New Construction Sales:2,493 → 2,375 (▼ 4.7%)
- Residential # of Sales:6,753 → 6,711 (▼ 0.6%)
- Median Sales Price:$374,900 → $388,500 (▲ 3.6%)
- Average Sales Price:$440,346 → $470,797 (▲ 6.9%)
- Price Per Sq Ft:222 → 238 (▲ 7.2%)
- New Listings:8,354 → 9,856 (▲ 18.0%)
- Expired Listings:8,299 → 8,799 (▲ 6.0%)
- Most Expensive Home Sold: 627 SE D Street, Bentonville, AR 72712 $3,400,000
📊 Washington County | YoY Snapshot (2024 → 2025)
- New Construction Sales:1,283 → 1,220 (▼ 4.9%)
- Residential # of Sales:3,830 → 3,859 (▲ 0.8%)
- Median Sales Price:$338,000 → $355,000 (▲ 5.0%)
- Average Sales Price:$397,092 → $425,699 (▲ 7.2%)
- Price Per Sq Ft:$214 → $220 (▲ 2.8%)
- New Listings:4,870 → 4,997 (▲ 2.6%)
- Expired Listings:4,488 → 4,917 (▲ 9.6%)
- Most Expensive Home Sold: 5137 Turnhouse Circle, Fayetteville, AR 72704 $3,400,000
Across both Benton and Washington Counties, 2025 reflects a market that remains pricing-resilient but increasingly selective increasingly selective.
- According to the NWA Council, more than 40 people are moving to Northwest Arkansas every day, providing continued support for housing demand across the region. As population growth accelerates, infrastructure capacity particularly sewer systems, utilities and roadways will play a critical role in determining how quickly new construction can keep pace with demand.
- Northwest Arkansas remains economically strong, with local unemployment hovering near 3%, well below the 4.0% national average, reinforcing continued demand and stability in the housing market.
- Home values are still rising overall, supported by higher average sales prices and price per square foot, even as transaction volume remains relatively flat.
- Inventory growth especially in Benton County (+18% new listings) is giving buyers more leverage, while also contributing to a rise in expired listings, longer days on the market and indicating the importance of accurate pricing.
- New construction sales declined ~5% in both counties, suggesting builders are adjusting to affordability constraints, land prices and buyers hesitations.
- Expired listings increased in both counties, a signal that the market is less tolerant of overpricing and condition issues than in prior years.
As we move into 2026 this is no longer a momentum-driven market. It’s a strategy-driven market where pricing precision, presentation, and data-backed decisions determine success.
By Desiree Stock | NWALook |Collier & Associates, Executive Broker|
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Featured Listing of the Week
2357 Fox Trail, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Listing Price: $1,499,000
🛏 5 Bedrooms|4 Full Bathrooms 1 Half Bathroom |📐 5,18 Sq Ft | Built 1997 | 5.50 Acres
Nestled on 5.5 private acres in Fox Run Estates, this beautifully remodeled East Fayetteville home offers the perfect blend of space, privacy, and outdoor living. With White River access just steps away, enjoy trails, fishing, and year-round recreation right outside your door. The home features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and over 5,100 sq ft of living space, with thoughtful additions including an oversized garage, spacious primary suite, and expanded living areas. Warm up by the stone fireplace, take advantage of the large walkout basement, and relax or entertain on the expansive deck surrounded by nature. A rare opportunity to own a private retreat with unmatched access to Fayetteville’s outdoor lifestyle.
Listed By:
Collier & Associates
Listing Agent : Stephanie Daniels
Cell: 479-586-2455
Office: 479-274-0662
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Luxury Sales of the Week
Benton & Washington County
🏡 4402 S 87th Place, Bentonville, AR 72713
💰 Sales Price: $1,492,500
📅 Sold Date: 12/29/2025
🤝 Represented by:
Seller’s Agent: Michelle Brock, Collier & Associates – Rogers Branch
📞 (870) 403-7541 | Office: (479) 633-7411
Buyer’s Agent: Jennifer Huffaker, Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette
📞 (479) 531-8502 | Office: (479) 273-3838
🏡 380 & 460 W Ravenswood Lane, Fayetteville, AR 72701
💰 Sales Price: $1,300,000
📅 Sold Date: 12/31/2025
🤝 Represented by:
Seller’s Agent: Carter Clark, Weichert REALTORS® – The Griffin Company
📞 (479) 466-9444 | Office: (479) 756-1003
Buyer’s Agent: Sylvia Schlegel, Flyer Homes Real Estate
📞 (479) 530-2386 | Office: (479) 601-5453
Desiree Stock
Leadership in Action:
Start the Year with the Right Mindset
Strong leadership isn’t about starting the year with all the answers. It’s about starting with clarity, intention, and ownership.
Begin by getting honest about three things:
- What’s working (and needs protecting)
- What’s not working (and needs to change)
- What you’re willing to be accountable for, daily, not just when it’s convenient
The most effective leaders don’t wait for motivation. They build disciplines, set clear boundaries, and make decisions aligned with long-term goals rather than short-term comfort.
Start the year focused on:
- Progress over perfection
- Consistency over intensity
- Responsibility over excuses
When your mindset is rooted in clarity and self-leadership, your team, clients, and results naturally follow.
Lead yourself well first; everything else compounds from there.
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Article Data Source: Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors MLS as of 12/01/25
This newsletter is provided strictly for informational purposes and is not intended to solicit or interfere with clients who are already represented by another real estate professional. We are happy to work with individuals who are not currently represented; our intent is to keep the public informed about market activity and community updates. The information contained herein is based on sources and information deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or applicable to every situation. NWALook and any associated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this newsletter or any actions taken based on the information provided. By reading this newsletter, you agree to hold NWALook and any affiliates harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, or damages arising from or related to your use of the information provided.
