O'ahu Real Estate Market Report – March 2025

O‘ahu’s real estate market wrapped up the first quarter of 2025 with a mix of signals, revealing both challenges and opportunities for buyers and sellers. Single-family home sales dipped 10.4% compared to March 2024, ending the month with 206 closed transactions. On the other hand, the condo market crawled out of stagnation and showed promising growth, with sales rising 7.3% to a total of 369 units sold—highlighting a shift in buyer interest, especially among first-time homeowners and investors.

Pricing trends told a nuanced story. The median sales price for single-family homes increased by 5.5% to $1,160,000, showing that demand remains strong, particularly in desirable neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the condo median price held steady at $500,000, signaling stability in that segment. However, the average single-family home price experienced a sharp rise of 31%, reaching $1,819,326—largely due to a single $65 million transaction in Kāhala. Excluding that outlier, pricing remains relatively consistent and reflective of broader market conditions.

A significant highlight this month is the increase in new listings—up nearly 30% for single-family homes and 21.9% for condos. This expanded inventory means more opportunities for buyers who may have previously struggled with low selection. With 773 single-family homes and 2,302 condos on the market by the end of March, buyers can take their time, compare options, and negotiate with more confidence—especially in neighborhoods with growing availability like ʻEwa Plain, Central Oʻahu, and Hawai‘i Kai.

At the same time, sellers have reasons to act quickly and strategically. Homes are moving faster: the median days on market for single-family homes dropped to just 15, nearly half of what it was a year ago. This indicates that well-priced and well-presented properties are still attracting serious offers swiftly. Sellers who properly prepare their homes, stage effectively, and price competitively can still enjoy strong interest, particularly with mortgage rates stabilizing and buyer activity picking up in certain price ranges.

Condos saw a longer time to sell, with median days on market increasing to 40 days feeling the effects of vast amounts of inventory. For condo sellers, this means focusing on standout features, updating where necessary, and being realistic on pricing can make all the difference in capturing buyer attention.

Pending sales dipped slightly for both property types, and more listings remained unsold at month’s end, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful strategy on both sides of the transaction. Buyers now benefit from greater selection and negotiation room, while sellers face more competition—making timing, pricing, and presentation more crucial than ever in today’s evolving market.

This report reflects information about re-sales of existing properties only and does not include new home sales. All the MLS information is com­piled from sales reported during the cited months; this data is Known only after closing of escrow. The time delay between the signing of a sales contract and the closing of escrow is usually between one and three months. This report is provided as a service to HBR members. Note: Percentage change compares data from March 2025 to March 2024.

How Sellers Should Navigate a Slower Housing Market

If you’re contemplating selling your home, reach out to me, and we can set up a free consultation! My contact information is listed at the bottom of this e-newsletter. I have ample data at my fingertips to inform you of current market conditions, which may have changed in the last few months. I can also assist you in selecting the right price to list your home and help you get it sold for the highest price possible. Some things to keep in mind: 

• Price trends are trackable, so if your market is slowing, you should price your home slightly below the market trend. You want to avoid having to reduce your list price, as the longer your home is on the market, the more likely it is that other agents and their buyers may conclude your home has a problem.
• The better condition your home is in, regardless of age, the more money you can ask. While it seems counterintuitive to spend money to make money, such as paying for remodeling or other professional services, your job is to make your home competitive to other similar homes with upgrades that buyers prefer.

Insurance Relief May Come Soon for Condos in Crisis

For the first time since an insurance crisis hit Hawaii condo owners, there is a timeline for state coverage to provide some relief: this June. — Daryl Huff

 

Read the full article from Hawaii News Now here.