The September market numbers are in and the St. Louis housing market is shifting. Compared with last year, more homes are available, fewer buyers are moving forward with purchases, and homes are taking longer to sell. While single-family home prices continue to rise, townhouse and condo prices have softened.

So, what does this mean if you're thinking about buying or selling? Let's look at the latest numbers.

The St. Louis Market at a Glance

Single-Family Homes

• Median sales price: $340,000, up 7.3%
• Pending sales: Down 16.1%
• Homes for sale: 3,692, up 15.4%
• Average days on market: 31 days, compared with 29 last year
• Months of inventory: 2.8 months

Townhouses and Condos

• Median sales price: $217,500, down 4%
• Pending sales: Down 11.4%
• Homes for sale: 842, up 10.8%
• Average days on market: 60 days, compared with 43 last year
• Months of inventory: 3.8 months

The takeaway? Buyers have more choices, while sellers need to be more strategic about pricing and presentation.

What This Means for Buyers

More Choices and Potentially More Negotiating Power

With inventory increasing and pending sales declining, buyers may have more time to compare homes and negotiate price, repairs, or closing costs.

Townhouses and condos may offer particular opportunities, with median prices down 4% and homes taking longer to sell.

However, desirable single-family homes can still attract strong interest. Mortgage rates also affect monthly payments, making it important to get pre-approved and understand your budget before shopping.

My advice for buyers: Take advantage of the additional choices, but focus on finding the right home at a price that works for your finances.

What This Means for Sellers

Pricing and Presentation Matter More Than Ever

Single-family home prices are up 7.3% compared with last year, but that doesn't mean every home will sell for more. Townhouse and condo prices have declined, making accurate pricing especially important in that segment.

With more homes competing for buyers' attention, professional photos, a well-prepared home, and a realistic asking price can make a real difference. Sellers should also be prepared for negotiations and potentially longer selling timelines.

My advice for sellers: Price your home based on recent comparable sales and current competition. A strong strategy from the beginning can help attract serious buyers and avoid unnecessary time on the market.

What About the National Market?

Nationally, existing-home sales fell 1.2% year over year, while inventory increased to 1.62 million homes. The national median existing-home sales price reached $429,100, up 1.6% from a year earlier, even as mortgage rates moved above 7% in late September.

These trends reflect a broader market where buyers have more options, but affordability remains a challenge.

The Bottom Line

The St. Louis market isn't the same for every buyer or seller. Single-family homes continue to see price growth, while townhouses and condos are experiencing softer prices and longer selling times.

Whether you're buying or selling, understanding your local market is key. The right strategy depends on your neighborhood, price range, property condition, and goals.

Thinking about making a move? Let's talk about what these trends mean for you and your real estate plans.

Source: St. Louis Association of REALTORS® market report and National Association of REALTORS® data. Figures reflect the reporting period provided.