Is 2026 a Good Time to Sell a Home in Utah County?

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|10 min read

I’ve been getting this question a lot lately from homeowners: Is 2026 actually a good time to sell in Utah County, or should I wait?

The honest answer is that it depends—but probably not for the reasons most people think. National headlines tend to flatten everything into a yes-or-no narrative. The local data tells a more useful story, highlighting the importance of understanding the local market when deciding whether to sell a home in Utah County.

Utah’s competitive market means homes need to stand out, and sellers must be especially prepared and strategic to attract buyers in this environment. Right now in Utah County, the market works, but it doesn’t forgive bad assumptions. That’s not a negative. It just means sellers need to be clear-eyed.

What the Utah County Market Looks Like Right Now

As of January 2026, Utah County has 2,004 active real estate listings. For context, Salt Lake City is experiencing similar trends, with inventory levels and buyer activity reflecting broader patterns in the Utah housing market.

Inventory is up from the tightest years, but it’s still well below what I’d call an oversupplied market. Buyers have more options, but not an endless amount.

Real estate activity in the area remains strong, with buyers and sellers actively participating in the market. There are 986 homes currently under contract, which matters. That tells us buyers are still active and still writing offers.

Homes are selling—just not automatically. We saw 401 closed sales in January, which is lower than peak years but also very normal for winter, especially when you understand the best and worst times to sell a home. I see sellers overreact to January numbers every year. It’s rarely productive.

Average days on market is about 72 days. That feels long if you’re comparing it to 2021. In a more balanced market, it’s fairly normal.

Inventory and Months of Supply Matter More Than Headlines

If you really want to know whether it’s a good time to sell, months of supply is where to look—and it varies a lot by price range.

Here’s what the Utah County data is showing right now:

● Homes priced under $500,000 are sitting around 3.5 to 5 months of supply. Those homes are still moving.

● Homes priced between $500,000 and $700,000 are closer to six months of supply, which means pricing has to be tighter.

● Homes above $700,000, especially at the higher end, are taking longer and facing more competition.

Unlike most states, Utah’s real estate market can have unique supply and demand dynamics, so it’s important to understand local trends and regulations and to use accurate home value estimators when you sell a home in Utah.

This is where expectations get people into trouble. Sellers hear that “the market is still good” and assume that applies evenly across all price points. It doesn’t. Understanding the market value of your home is crucial for setting a competitive price that attracts buyers in today’s market. Avoid overpricing, as homes priced too high tend to remain on the market longer and ultimately sell for less.

To maximize exposure, make sure your marketing strategy includes flexible showings and keep your home ‘show-ready’ at all times to attract as many potential buyers as possible, keeping in mind how many showings it typically takes to sell a house.

Prices Aren’t Falling Apart—but the Market Isn’t Chasing Sellers

Prices in Utah County have mostly stabilized. Median and average price per square foot have flattened instead of dropping sharply.

That’s an important distinction. This isn’t a crash. It’s a reset.

What has changed is how buyers behave. Buyers aren’t stretching past list price just to win anymore, and they are less likely to offer above the asking price.

This makes it crucial for sellers to understand the process of pricing and negotiations in the current market.

Sale-to-list price ratios back that up—most homes are selling right around 98% to 101% of list price. In practical terms, that means the market tells you pretty quickly if you missed the price.

Overpricing doesn’t slowly correct itself. It just sits.

Buyers in 2026 Are More Careful—and That’s Reality

Today’s buyers are informed and payment-focused.

Higher interest rates have changed how people think about affordability, which affects what they’re willing to pay and what they overlook. I see this constantly.

Homes that are priced right and in good condition still get showings and offers, while owners who experience lots of showings but no offers usually need to revisit price, condition, or marketing.

Presenting your home well and pricing it appropriately helps attract buyers and increases the chances of appealing to potential buyers in a competitive market. Homes that start high and hope for negotiation usually don’t. Once a home sits, buyers start asking harder questions.

Who 2026 Works Well for as a Seller

From what I’m seeing on the ground, 2026 can be a good year to sell if:

  • Your home is in a high-demand price range
  • You have equity and flexibility
  • You’re selling for a real reason, not just trying to time the top
  • Willing to price based on today’s data, not memories of past markets

Attracting the right buyers is essential, and strategic preparation—like professional staging or expert guidance—can make all the difference in how quickly and successfully your home sells.

If your plan depends on squeezing every possible dollar out regardless of conditions, that’s where frustration usually starts.

The Most Common Mistake Sellers Are Making Right Now

The biggest issue I see is sellers anchoring to what homes sold for two or three years ago.

That market left a strong impression. It just isn’t the same market.

Conducting a comparative market analysis can help you price your home competitively from the outset, increasing your chances of a successful sale and avoiding common reasons a house isn’t selling. Homes priced correctly from the start almost always outperform homes that start high and chase the market down. In 2026, the first couple of weeks matter more than most people realize.

So, Is 2026 a Good Time to Sell in Utah County?

For many homeowners, yes—if the decision is based on current conditions.

Utah County is still a desirable place to live. Buyers are still active. Homes are still selling. But success in 2026 comes from understanding how today’s market works, not how the last one did. If you’re thinking about selling, the smartest first step is an honest look at where your home fits right now—not a guess and not a headline.

Take the right steps to sell your Utah home by understanding the current market and following a well-informed process.

FAQ’s About Utah Real Estate

What are the capital gains taxes to sell a house in Utah?

When selling a house in Utah, you may be subject to capital gains tax on any profit made from the sale. Capital gains are the profits realized from selling your house, and the federal capital gains tax applies unless you qualify for an exemption. The maximum amount of capital gain that can be excluded from taxation is $250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly. Utah charges a flat rate of 4.55% for capital gains tax on profits from selling a home, in addition to any federal tax owed.

What is the transfer tax in Utah when selling a house?

Utah does not charge a transfer tax when selling a home, making it more affordable compared to most states. Property taxes in Utah are prorated to the day of sale, so you only pay for the days you owned the house during the fiscal year. The average effective property tax rate in Utah is around 0.52% for owner-occupied housing. You are obligated to pay taxes, including property taxes and state taxes, and it’s important to understand deadlines and how taxes are prorated during the sale.

What are the closing costs to sell a house in Utah?

Seller closing costs in Utah are approximately 2.49% of the sale price, excluding agent commissions. Typical agent commissions in Utah average about 5.6% to 5.7% and are usually split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Other fees, such as title insurance and escrow fees, also impact your net proceeds from selling a house.

How long does it take to close on a house in Utah?

The closing process in Utah typically takes about 30–45 days in a traditional sale. During this time, you’ll complete the final paperwork, transfer ownership, and ensure all legal and administrative requirements are met. It’s wise to hire a real estate attorney to review all paperwork and protect your interests, especially given the amount of money involved and the impact of factors that can affect a home appraisal when selling a house.

How should I prepare to sell my house in Utah?

Preparing your house in Utah for sale should include a pre-listing inspection to identify and address potential issues before buyers conduct their own inspections. Professional photography and high quality listing photos are essential for your home listing, as most buyers start their search online. Consider using professional visuals, such as drone footage and 3D tours, to enhance your online listing and attract more buyers.

What marketing strategies should be used to sell a house in Utah?

Effective marketing strategies—such as open houses, virtual tours, and social media campaigns—can maximize your home’s exposure and attract serious buyers, including those from out of state. Homes in Utah are typically listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to maximize exposure to both real estate professionals and buyers searching on sites like Zillow and Realtor.com, which is standard practice in the Utah housing market.

First impressions are critical; simple curb appeal improvements like trimming bushes and adding fresh paint can make a significant difference. High-quality listing photos also have a major impact, with 87% of homebuyers saying that great images make a difference.

Working with a local real estate agent or listing agent is highly recommended. Look for an agent with experience, strong testimonials, negotiation skills, and marketing expertise—resources like those that help you find top real estate agents and Realtors in Utah can be useful. A good agent will guide you from listing to closing, help you understand all costs and money involved, and recommend strategies for a faster sale. Your listing agreement should outline the agent’s responsibilities, the agreed-upon listing price, and the contract duration.

Data source: Utah County Market Statistics Summary, January 2026, UtahRealEstate.com

Preston Hicks Preston Hicks Real Estate Group - JMG Utah

Preston was born in Provo, Utah, and raised in Spanish Fork, Utah. He graduated from Spanish Fork High School. He is married with 7 children. Along with his love of family, he has a very strong competitive spirit, is passionate about personal development, and truly cares for others. He has a background in sales and marketing and construction as a Project Superintendent. He has taken his life experiences working with people and transitioned into helping families and individuals make the very best decisions when it comes to real estate.

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