December 2025 Real Estate Market Outlined for Salem, OR

How is the real estate scene setting up for the end of 2025 in Salem, OR? Buyers, sellers, and investors all want to know what signals to watch this season. December's numbers reveal a market that is shifting its pace, bringing new possibilities to those considering a move or investment. Whether you are actively searching or simply staying informed for the future, understanding what is happening with prices, listings, and sales volume in Salem, OR empowers your next step.

If you are curious about affordable homes in Salem, OR this December 2025, this report highlights the local trends and updates so you can approach your decisions with confidence. Active inventory has risen, median prices are shifting, and seller strategies are adapting in response to subtle changes in demand.

Key Inventory and Pricing Movements in Salem, OR

The number of new listings in December reached 275, representing a 5 percent increase over last year. This boost in options matters for buyers now seeing a wider variety of homes. Active listings at month-end increased to 370, compared to 300 a year ago. This increase presents fresh negotiating opportunities for buyers who want more choices and less pressure. At the same time, closed sales finished at 220, a modest contraction of 4 percent year over year. This means some homes are lingering longer, giving buyers and sellers more time to weigh decisions without feeling rushed.

The median sales price for December 2025 in Salem, OR climbed to $430,000, representing a 2 percent annual appreciation. Sellers benefit from consistent upward pricing, but the slower climb suggests a more balanced negotiation process. The average price per square foot reached $239, reflecting both the market's strength and stabilization. As for pending sales, December finished with 210, down 3 percent from last year, another indicator of a market that is moderating.

Why Closed Sales Trends Matter in December 2025

When the months of inventory increased to 1.7 from 1.3 last year, buyers gained a window of opportunity. A higher inventory means supply is slowly outpacing demand, shifting urgency toward sellers. For buyers, this could mean more leverage during negotiation, while sellers should be mindful of the need for compelling pricing and presentation. Notably, the list-to-sale price ratio slipped to 98.6 percent from 99 percent, reflecting the nuanced adjustments in negotiation dynamics.

Neighborhood and Type Analysis for December 2025

West Salem and South Salem contributed 52 percent of all sales activity, making them hotspots for both buyers seeking vibrant areas and sellers wanting reliable buyer interest. The median price in West Salem came in at $458,000, while East Salem offered a more attainable median at $389,000, expanding the choices for those seeking value. The most active price bracket was $350,000 to $500,000, where both buyers and sellers saw the most movement.

• Median home size: 1,940 sqft
• Cash sale share: 13 percent
• FHA financing: 31 percent
• Investor buys: 7 percent
• Average property tax: $4,927 per year

Seller Adjustments and Buyer Opportunities in Salem, OR

Sellers are adapting. Forty-two percent of active listings saw price reductions averaging $8,200, a strategic move to capture buyer interest. Homes that sold without reducing their price moved in 19 days versus 37 days for those that did, showing that sharp pricing can make a big difference. Sellers are also providing concessions; on average, $3,900 in closing costs per transaction, highlighting the competitive drive to attract buyers in a market where days on market increased to 29 from 24 a year ago.

Is it a good time to buy in Salem, OR? The answer rests on your unique timeline and priorities. The market's increased inventory and rising concessions suggest more room for buyers to negotiate while maintaining solid long-term value growth.

December 2025 Financing & Practical Details

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate for this month was 6.72 percent. Most buyers used conventional loans (52 percent), while FHA options were popular for 31 percent of successful buyers. HOA fees for attached housing averaged $232 a month, and no new construction closings were recorded for December 2025. For those asking how to sell your house fast in Salem, OR, competitive pricing, strategic concessions, and strong presentation are critical, especially in neighborhoods with the most active sales volumes.

What Does December 2025's Shift Mean for You?

Consider reaching out to explore current Salem, OR buying choices or selling strategies for December 2025 to make your next steps more informed. Remember, the value of your property or next home hinges on timing, negotiation, and knowing where the market is trending.

Whether your focus is buying, selling, or investing, the current data gives a clear guide to action in Town, OR this December 2025.

Shawn Watson is ready to help you chart a successful path this season.