We're in the thick of winter season right now, but in only a few weeks we'll be entering a brand new season for our local real estate market. Here's a quick review of how the Dane County real estate market will be changing on the other side of the holidays. 

New listings

New listings are entering the market at a slow pace in December. However starting in January of 2026, listing activity will pick up significantly, peaking in the springtime, before gradually decreasing throughout the year. 

Showings

Buyer activity will speed up quickly in January, too. As the chart below shows, property showings will increase in January, peaking in the springtime, and then slowly decrease throughout the year. 

Accepted offers

More properties will go under contract in January, as well, with accepted offers peaking in the springtime and early summer.  

Competing offers

This is the most important seasonal trend for Madison area buyers and sellers to be aware of: The first 6 months of the year are always the most competitive, with competing offers and bidding wars peaking in the spring season. 

What questions do you have about buying or selling a home in 2026? 

Call us when you're ready for a helpful planning session. We're a group of professional, full-time realtors who are here to help you achieve all of your real estate goals. And never with any sales pressure, never with any spin.