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 days on market and a Redfin Compete Score of 59/100 ('Somewhat Competitive'). The Zillow Home Value Index shows $326,763 (+3.0% year-over-year) — the gap between Redfin's sale price and Zillow's ZHVI reflects Wilmington's mix of city-limit and suburban New Castle County properties. 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 last updated: April 2026
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 ZHVI) | $326,763 | Zillow, Feb 2026 |
| YoY change — ZHVI | +3.0% | Zillow, Feb 2026 |
| 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 | 98.7% | Redfin, Mar 2026 |
| Redfin Compete Score | 59/100 — Somewhat Competitive | Redfin, Mar 2026 |
| Homes sold monthly | 53 | Redfin, Feb 2026 |
| Transfer tax — Wilmington | 4.0% total | DE Division of Revenue |
| Cash offer range | 65-75% of ARV | Market estimate, April 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 59/100. Homes are selling at 98.7% 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 ZHVI for the broader area is $326,763 (+3.0% YoY). The price discrepancy reflects Redfin's city-limits transaction data versus Zillow's broader geographic index that includes surrounding suburbs at higher price points.
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 $210,000 home, the total is $8,400. 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.