16 Jan December Home Sales in Phoenix Hit Record Numbers. Here’s Why
When is the best time to buy a home in the Phoenix market? That’s a question I get asked all the time from buyers in Glendale, Peoria, and throughout the Northwest Valley.
And honestly, the answer surprises a lot of people.
In one of my recent videos, I mentioned something I’ve seen consistently over the years working in Arizona real estate: the fourth quarter, especially late in the year, is often one of the busiest times in the Phoenix housing market.
I know what you’re thinking—the holidays? December? Isn’t that the slow season?
Not anymore.
The December Data Tells a Different Story
Let me give you a stat that really tells the story of what’s happening in the Phoenix real estate market.
In December of 2025, we sold over 800 more homes than were sold in December of 2024. And get this, December of 2024 already beat December 2023 by nearly 700 homes.
So this idea that December is a bad time to buy or sell in Arizona? The data just doesn’t support it.
In fact, December 2025 ranked as the fifth highest selling month of the entire year, right behind the traditional spring market months of March, April, May, and June.
That’s huge.
Why Is the Phoenix Market So Active in December?
So why does this happen? Why are so many homes selling in Glendale, Peoria, and across the valley during a time when conventional wisdom says the market slows down?
It could be the weather. Phoenix winters are hard to beat. While the rest of the country is dealing with snow and freezing temperatures, we’re enjoying perfect weather for touring homes and moving.
It could be that kids are back in school, vacations are done, and people are ready to make real decisions about their housing situation before the new year starts.
Or it could simply be that serious buyers and sellers are still very active when everyone else assumes things slow down. While casual browsers take the holidays off, motivated buyers and sellers are getting deals done.
What This Means for 2026
What this means as we head into 2026 is really good news for anyone thinking about buying or selling in the Phoenix area.
We’re starting the year with momentum. Buyers are engaged. Sellers are realistic about pricing. And opportunities are there if you know how to navigate the market.
The traditional advice about waiting for spring or avoiding certain times of year? It doesn’t always apply to the Phoenix market the way it does in other parts of the country.
Timing Matters, But Strategy Matters More
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of helping buyers and sellers in the Northwest Valley: timing matters, but strategy matters even more.
Yes, understanding seasonal patterns can help you make smarter decisions. Knowing when competition is lighter or when sellers might be more motivated gives you an advantage.
But the bigger factor is having the right strategy for your specific situation, your timeline, and your goals, regardless of what month it is.
Some buyers need to move quickly because of job changes or lease endings. Some sellers need to list now for financial or personal reasons. And some people have flexibility to choose their timing strategically.
The key is understanding what makes the most sense for you —not just following generic advice about the “best time” that may or may not apply to your situation or the Phoenix market.
Planning Your 2026 Move
Whether you’re thinking about buying early in the year, waiting for the right window, or just trying to understand what makes the most sense for your situation, having the right guidance makes all the difference.
The Phoenix market has its own rhythm and patterns that don’t always match what you’ll read in national real estate articles. Understanding the local market in Glendale, Peoria, and the Northwest Valley specifically helps you make better decisions.
If you’re planning a move in 2026 and want help figuring out the best timing and the best approach for your specific situation, let’s talk.
Contact me today: Phone/Text: (602) 329-7782
Helping buyers and sellers throughout Glendale, Peoria, and the Northwest Valley navigate the Phoenix real estate market with strategy and local expertise.