The Oahu real estate market continued to show two distinct trends in September 2026. Single-family homes are selling faster and remain in a seller's market, while the condominium market is offering buyers more choices as inventory continues to rise. According to the latest monthly sales figures, Oahu home sales increased 6.2% compared with September of last year, while condo sales declined 8.1%. Whether you are planning to buy a home in Honolulu, sell a property on Oahu, or invest in Hawaii real estate, understanding these trends can help you make more informed decisions.
Oahu Single-Family Home Sales Increase as Properties Sell Faster
Oahu's single-family home market showed encouraging activity in September, with 293 homes sold compared with 276 during the same month last year. This represents a 6.2% increase in home sales. However, the median single-family home price declined 3.9%, falling from $1,155,000 a year ago to $1,110,000 in September 2026.
One of the most notable changes was the decrease in the time it takes to sell a home. Median days on market dropped from 26 days to just 16 days, a decline of 38.5%. This suggests that well-positioned homes are attracting buyers and moving through the market relatively quickly.
Inventory remained unchanged year over year, with 798 single-family homes available for sale in both September 2025 and September 2026. With approximately 3.2 months of remaining inventory, the Oahu single-family home market continues to favor sellers. Generally, a market with fewer than six months of inventory is considered a seller's market, although conditions can vary by neighborhood, property type, and price range.
Oahu Condo Market Offers More Choices for Buyers
The Oahu condominium market experienced a different set of conditions in September 2026. Condo sales declined 8.1% year over year, decreasing from 408 transactions in September 2025 to 375 in September 2026. This reflects the slower pace of activity that has characterized much of the local condo market.
Despite fewer sales, the median condo price increased 2.8%, rising from $508,750 to $523,000. The median time on market changed only slightly, increasing from 40 days to 41 days. These figures suggest that condo prices have remained relatively resilient even as sales activity has softened.
The more significant change is the increase in available inventory. Oahu had 2,509 condos listed for sale in September 2026, compared with 2,327 a year earlier. That represents a 7.8% increase in condo inventory over the past year. At the broader market level, condo inventory has nearly doubled over the past three years, creating more competition among sellers.
With approximately seven months of remaining inventory, Oahu's condo market currently favors buyers. Buyers may have more properties to compare, additional time to evaluate their options, and greater opportunities to negotiate on price and terms. However, buyers should also account for mortgage interest rates, condominium maintenance fees, association finances, insurance costs, and potential special assessments when evaluating a property.
What the Current Condo Market Means for Buyers and Sellers
For buyers searching for a condo on Oahu, the current market may present opportunities that were harder to find when inventory was tighter. With more properties available, buyers can compare locations, amenities, building conditions, and monthly ownership costs before making a decision.
Affordable new condominium construction remains a challenge for many buyers in Honolulu. Much of the new development in areas such as Ward Village focuses on the luxury segment of the market. Buyers looking for a more affordable property may want to consider existing condominium buildings, where pricing, maintenance fees, and building financial conditions can vary considerably.
For condo owners considering selling, increased inventory means that pricing and presentation are especially important. Buyers have more choices, so sellers should evaluate comparable sales, competing listings, building-specific conditions, and current demand before setting an asking price. A thoughtful pricing strategy can help a property stand out in a more competitive market.
Oahu Luxury Real Estate: September's Highest Home and Condo Sales
The luxury real estate market on Oahu also delivered some notable transactions in September 2026. The highest reported single-family home sale was an oceanfront property in Diamond Head that sold for $16.5 million. Despite the substantial sale price, the property had spent more than 800 days on the market over multiple listing periods, demonstrating that even exceptional luxury homes can take considerable time to find the right buyer.
The highest reported condominium sale for the month was a residence at Victoria Place that sold for $5.85 million. Luxury condo and home sales can vary significantly from month to month depending on the properties available, buyer demand, and the timing of individual transactions.
In the preceding two months, July and August, the highest condo sales on Oahu reached approximately $10 million each, exceeding the highest single-family home sales during those months, which were around $6 million. September reversed that pattern, with the top home sale substantially exceeding the highest condo sale.
These changes illustrate why looking at a single transaction or month may not tell the entire story of Hawaii's luxury real estate market. Buyers and sellers should consider broader market trends alongside the unique characteristics of individual properties.
Is It a Good Time to Buy or Sell Real Estate on Oahu?
The September 2026 numbers highlight the importance of understanding the differences between Oahu's single-family home and condominium markets. Home sales are increasing, properties are selling faster, and limited inventory continues to support sellers. In contrast, condo sales have declined, inventory has grown, and buyers have more options in a market with approximately seven months of remaining inventory.
For homeowners considering selling, the current conditions suggest that single-family homes may benefit from continued competition among buyers, particularly when properties are priced appropriately. Condo sellers may need to take a more strategic approach because buyers have more listings to choose from.
For prospective buyers, the condo market may offer opportunities to negotiate and compare properties, while buyers seeking single-family homes may need to be prepared to act quickly when a desirable property becomes available.
Real estate conditions can differ substantially across Oahu's neighborhoods, price ranges, and property types. Reviewing recent comparable sales and current listings is essential before making a purchase or sale decision.
Get the Latest Oahu Real Estate Market Updates
I'm David Buck with Harcourts Island Real Estate. I help buyers and sellers navigate the Oahu real estate market with local insights, property tours, and market updates designed to make the process easier to understand.
If you have questions about buying or selling a home or condo on Oahu, I would be happy to help you explore your options.
David E. Buck | Harcourts Island Real Estate
Phone: 808-371-3509
Stay tuned for the next local market update, where we will look more closely at which Oahu neighborhoods experienced the largest changes in sales and prices.