FAIRFIELD - SOUTHPORT WESTPORT

If you’ve been watching the Fairfield County real estate market over the past year, you know one thing for certain: 2025 was anything but quiet. Inventory tightened again, buyer demand stayed strong—especially from New York—and each submarket evolved in its own unique way.

Fairfield, Southport, and Westport remain three of the most desirable communities along the Connecticut coastline. But the way buyers behaved, the prices they were willing to pay, and the types of homes they gravitated toward shifted noticeably in 2025.

Here’s your clear, side-by-side breakdown of what changed in 2025—and what’s coming in 2026 for each town.

Fairfield: The Most Balanced & Accessible Coastal Market

What Changed in 2025

Fairfield continued to shine as the most accessible, family-friendly coastal town while still capturing strong NYC relocation demand. Key trends:

• Inventory hit multi-year lows. Homes under $1.3M saw intense competition as entry-level buyers fought for limited supply.
  
  

• New construction surged. High-end spec homes in the $2M–$2.5M range saw strong demand from buyers wanting turnkey living.
  
  

• Lake Hills & Beach neighborhoods gained momentum. Proximity to amenities and renovated homes drove record premiums.
  
  

• Town infrastructure improvements—schools, drainage upgrades, and downtown enhancements—boosted buyer confidence.
  
  

What to Expect in 2026

Fairfield is heading into 2026 with momentum:

• More new construction inventory will hit the market as several in-progress homes wrap up.
  
  

• Interest rates trending downward will re-energize buyers who paused in mid-2025.
  
  

• Steady appreciation. Expect 3–5% growth, strongest in move-in-ready homes and modern colonials between $1.4M and $1.9M.
  
  

• Value engineering becomes key. Buyers love high design—but are cost-conscious. Homes with smart selections, efficient mechanicals, and low-maintenance materials (vinyl plank, composite decking, fiber cement siding) will sell fastest.

Southport: The Boutique Luxury Market That Quietly Boomed

What Changed in 2025

Southport experienced one of its best years in recent memory—precisely because of its restricted size and charm.

• Inventory tightened dramatically. With limited turnover, anything renovated or new construction sold fast.
  
  

• Historic homes gained new appreciation. Buyers loved timeless New England architecture paired with modern interiors.
  
  

• Waterfront and harbor-area properties hit record numbers, driven by NYC and Boston buyers looking for secondary homes.
  
  

• Two- and three-bedroom downsizer homes saw higher-than-expected demand from empty nesters.
  
  

What to Expect in 2026

Southport is poised for another strong year:

• Demand will outpace supply—again. Southport’s size keeps it in permanent “low inventory” status.
  
  

• Renovated and turnkey homes will command major premiums. Buyers don’t want historic projects—they want historic charm with modern systems.
  
  

• New construction will be rare but will sell quickly when it appears.
  
  

Average price growth could hit 5–8% if inventory remains extremely tight.

Westport: Luxury Demand Stayed Strong—but Selective

What Changed in 2025

Westport remained one of the strongest luxury markets in Connecticut—just more discerning than in the 2021–2023 boom.

• Buyers became more selective. They wanted architectural design, energy efficiency, and modern floor plans, not just square footage.
  
  

• Homes over $4M stabilized. Not every luxury listing commanded the premium sellers hoped for.
  
  

• Walkability exploded in demand. Downtown and Saugatuck homes—especially renovated capes and modern farmhouses—traded quickly.
  
  

• High-end new construction ($3.5M–$6M) performed consistently when design quality was high.
  
  

What to Expect in 2026

Expect a more competitive luxury market:

• Tighter inventory in the $2M–$3.5M range will create bidding wars again.
  
  

• Builders are refining product. Expect more modern coastal styles, indoor–outdoor living, and wellness features (steam showers, saunas, gyms).
  
  

• Commuter demand stays strong. Metro-North improvements and hybrid work schedules keep NYC buyers engaged.
  
  

• Appreciation will be moderate—about 2–3%—with premium neighborhoods like Compo and Greens Farms outperforming.
  
  
  

Final Takeaway: 2026 Looks Strong Across All Three Markets

The National Association of Realtors estimates 14% more sales nationally, with a year-over-year price appreciation (due to pent up buyer demand) of 4%. If you’re buying, selling, or planning a new construction project in Fairfield County, 2026 is shaping up to be a high-opportunity year—with easing interest rates, continued NYC demand, and a wave of new construction moving through planning now. 

Whether you’re aiming for a move, an investment, or a build, each of these three towns offers a unique advantage—and understanding those nuances is the key to making the right decision.

Contact us to set up an appointment now before the Spring market rush is here.