Quick Answer: Wilmington DE Housing Market 2026
According to Redfin (March 2026), Wilmington's median home sale price is $251,200 (+12.1% year-over-year), with a median 61 sold days on market and a Redfin Compete Score of 57/100 ('Somewhat Competitive'). The Zillow Research City ZHVI shows $325,758 (+2.5% year-over-year, 2026-03-31) — the gap reflects Redfin closed-sale medians versus Zillow's stock-based Wilmington city value index. Delaware's total transfer tax is 4% (2.5% state + 1.5% city of Wilmington). Cash buyers cover all closing costs and close in 7–14 days as-is.
Wilmington DE Housing Market Report — 2026
Market data compiled April 2026 from March 2026 source data
Key Market Stats
| Median sale price — Wilmington City | $251,200 | Redfin, Mar 2026 |
| YoY change — sale price | +12.1% | Redfin, Mar 2026 |
| Median home value (Zillow Research City ZHVI) | $325,758 (+2.5% YoY) | Zillow Research City CSV, 2026-03-31 |
| YoY change — city ZHVI | +2.5% | Zillow Research City CSV, 2026-03-31 |
| Price per square foot | $169/sqft | Redfin, Mar 2026 |
| YoY change — price/sqft | +5.6% | Redfin, Mar 2026 |
| Median days on market | 61 days | Redfin, Mar 2026 |
| Sale-to-list ratio | 98.3% | Redfin Wilmington city, Mar 2026 |
| Redfin Compete Score | 57/100 — Somewhat Competitive | Redfin, Mar 2026 |
| Homes sold monthly | 64 | Redfin Wilmington city, Mar 2026 |
| Transfer tax — Wilmington | 4.0% total | DE Division of Revenue |
| Cash offer range | 70–80% of FMV before property-specific adjustments | Market estimate, compiled Apr 2026 |
Neighborhood Price Guide
Wilmington's neighborhoods vary widely in price and investor activity. The city's pre-war brick row home stock concentrates in Southbridge, West Center City, and West Side Wilmington — where investor demand is highest and cash buyers are most active.
| Neighborhood | Price Range | Housing Type | Investor Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trolley Square | $350K–$500K+ | Victorian row homes, brownstones, condos | Moderate |
| Quaker Hill | ~$271,655 | Pre-war two-stories, Victorian row homes | High |
| West Center City | ~$218,000 | Dense row homes, some detached | High (fastest-appreciating) |
| West Side Wilmington | ~$198,000 | Brick row homes, pre-war housing | Very High |
| Southbridge / South Wilmington | $100K–$200K | Brick row homes, American Foursquare | Very High |
| Brandywine Village | $150K–$250K | Victorian two-stories, brick row homes | High |
| Little Italy | $180K–$280K | Brick row homes, traditional two-stories | High |
| Downtown / Riverfront | $250K–$500K | Condos, lofts, modern construction | Low for wholesale |
Sources: Redfin neighborhood data; Ark7 Wilmington investment guide (ark7.com, Feb 2026); homes.com neighborhood guides
Delaware Transfer Tax — What Sellers Need to Know
Wilmington has one of the higher real estate transfer tax rates on the East Coast. Unlike Pennsylvania markets where the standard rate is 2%, Wilmington sellers face a 4% total transfer tax:
- Delaware state tax: 2.5% (per Delaware Code Title 30, Ch. 54 — the state rate drops from 3% to 2.5% when a local tax applies)
- City of Wilmington local tax: 1.5%
- Total: 4.0% — split 50/50 by convention (buyer and seller each pay 2%)
On the Wilmington median sale price of $251,200, the total transfer tax is $10,048 — the seller's conventional share is $5,024. When you sell to USA Home Buyers, we cover all closing costs including the full transfer tax.
Sources: Delaware Division of Revenue (RTT PDF) | New Castle County Transfer Tax
Recording Fees — New Castle County
Per the NCC Recorder of Deeds (800 N. French Street, Wilmington DE 19801):
- Statewide document fee: $30.00
- Technology fee: $5.00
- Recording fee per page (deed/mortgage): $13.00/page
- Each parcel description: $3.00
- Typical 2-page deed, 1 parcel: $30 + $5 + $26 + $3 = $64 total
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilmington DE a buyer's or seller's market in 2026?
Wilmington DE is a somewhat competitive market. According to Redfin (March 2026), Wilmington has a Compete Score of 57/100. Homes are selling at 98.3% of list price with a median of 61 days on market. That 61-day DOM is significantly longer than most PA markets — reflecting a buyer pool that negotiates carefully on aging urban housing stock.
What is the average home price in Wilmington DE?
Wilmington's median sale price is $251,200 (Redfin, March 2026), up 12.1% year-over-year. The Zillow Research City ZHVI for Wilmington is $325,758 (+2.5% YoY, 2026-03-31). The price discrepancy reflects Redfin closed-sale medians versus Zillow's stock-based city value index, not a county/suburban blend.
What neighborhoods in Wilmington are most affordable?
Southbridge and West Side Wilmington have the lowest median prices — typically $100,000-$200,000 — with very high investor activity. West Center City has seen the fastest appreciation (+24.6% YoY as of late 2024, Redfin). Quaker Hill runs around $271,655 median. Trolley Square and Downtown Riverfront are the most expensive pockets at $350,000+.
What is the real estate transfer tax in Wilmington DE?
Wilmington DE has a 4% total transfer tax — 2.5% Delaware state tax plus 1.5% City of Wilmington local tax. By convention, buyer and seller split it 50/50, each paying 2%. On a $251,200 home, the total is $10,048. This is the highest transfer tax rate in Delaware (New Castle County overall = 4%; Kent County = 3%; Sussex County = 3.5%). Source: Delaware Division of Revenue (financefiles.delaware.gov); newcastlede.gov/138.