Second Quarter South Bellingham Real Estate Market Update: Samish Neighborhood Remains One of Bellingham's Hottest Markets

If you're following the South Bellingham real estate market, the second quarter of 2026 delivered encouraging news for homeowners throughout the area. Home values increased across most of South Bellingham's most desirable neighborhoods, with Samish, South Hill, Fairhaven, and Chuckanut all posting year-over-year gains.

As both a Samish neighborhood homeowner and a South Bellingham real estate specialist, I've seen firsthand how strong buyer demand continues to drive this market. If you've been thinking about selling your home—especially in the Samish neighborhood—current conditions make this one of the best opportunities we've seen in recent years.

Second Quarter Market at a Glance

• 📈 Samish home prices increased 9% year over year.
• 🏡 Only 10 homes are currently on the market in Samish.
• 🔥 22 homes sold during the second quarter, highlighting exceptionally strong buyer demand.
• 📊 South Hill (+26%) and Fairhaven (+13%) posted impressive gains, although those averages were influenced by a couple of higher-end home sales.
• 💰 Samish homeowners are in an excellent position, with rising home values and some of the lowest inventory levels in South Bellingham.

While the year-over-year numbers provide an excellent snapshot of the market, it's important to remember that neighborhoods with a relatively small number of quarterly sales can see average prices fluctuate based on the mix of homes that sell. This quarter, both South Hill and Fairhaven benefited from a couple of higher-end home sales that boosted their average selling prices. That's why it's important to look beyond the headline numbers and consider the broader market trends when evaluating home values.

Samish Neighborhood Real Estate: Strong Demand, Rising Prices, and Limited Inventory

The Samish neighborhood real estate market continues to stand out as one of the strongest in Bellingham.

During the second quarter:

• 22 homes sold
• Only 10 homes are currently on the market
• Average selling price increased 9% year over year
• Average home price rose from $1,194,680 in the second quarter of 2025 to $1,298,578 in 2026

These numbers tell an important story. Demand remains exceptionally strong while inventory is extremely limited. In fact, more than twice as many homes sold during the quarter as are currently available for purchase—a clear indication that buyers are actively competing for the limited inventory.

Unlike some neighborhoods where average price increases were influenced by a handful of luxury sales, Samish's appreciation was supported by a high number of transactions, suggesting broad-based demand across the neighborhood.

The Samish neighborhood continues to attract buyers because of its outstanding quality of life. Residents enjoy easy access to Lake Padden, Galbraith Mountain, Western Washington University, highly regarded schools, miles of hiking and biking trails, and convenient access to both Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham. It's easy to see why so many buyers want to call Samish home.

For homeowners, the current market presents a unique opportunity. With inventory so limited, well-prepared homes that are priced and marketed effectively are attracting strong interest from motivated buyers. If you've been waiting for the right time to sell, the current market conditions strongly favor Samish sellers.

South Bellingham Market Highlights

South Hill

South Hill posted the largest year-over-year increase in average home prices, climbing 26% to an average selling price of $1,325,548. Eleven homes sold during the quarter, with 13 homes currently on the market.

While that's an impressive increase, it's important to note that a couple of luxury home sales contributed to the higher average price this quarter. Even so, South Hill remains one of Bellingham's premier neighborhoods and continues to experience strong buyer demand.

Fairhaven

Fairhaven recorded a 13% increase in average selling price, reaching $767,882, with 17 homes sold during the quarter and 13 homes currently available.

Like South Hill, Fairhaven's average price was influenced by a couple of higher-end home sales. Nevertheless, the neighborhood continues to be one of Bellingham's most desirable locations thanks to its historic charm, walkability, vibrant downtown district, and waterfront access.

Chuckanut

Chuckanut remained a highly sought-after luxury neighborhood. Although only four homes sold during the quarter, average prices increased 12% to $1,107,405, while inventory remains exceptionally tight with just four homes currently on the market.

Edgemoor

Edgemoor experienced a relatively stable quarter, with average sale prices declining just 1% year over year to $1,892,718. Seven homes sold during the quarter, with 12 homes currently available. Given the limited number of luxury home sales in the neighborhood, modest fluctuations like this are well within normal market expectations.

Why This Is a Great Time to Sell a Samish Home

If you own a home in the Samish neighborhood, today's market conditions deserve your attention.

With only 10 active listings and 22 homes selling during the second quarter, inventory remains exceptionally low while buyer demand remains strong. When supply is limited, sellers often enjoy a stronger negotiating position, and well-prepared homes frequently attract multiple interested buyers.

Combined with a 9% increase in average selling prices, the current market presents a compelling opportunity for homeowners who have been considering making a move.

Local Expertise Matters

Real estate is local, and understanding neighborhood-specific trends is essential when pricing and marketing a home.

As a Samish neighborhood homeowner, I have a personal appreciation for what makes this community such a wonderful place to live. I also specialize in helping buyers and sellers throughout South Bellingham, including Samish, Fairhaven, South Hill, Chuckanut, and Edgemoor.

Whether you're buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or preparing to sell, I combine neighborhood expertise, local market knowledge, and strategic marketing to help my clients achieve exceptional results.

Curious What Your Home Is Worth?

If you're wondering what your home could sell for in today's South Bellingham real estate market, I'd be happy to provide a complimentary, no-obligation market analysis.

Whether you're planning to move this summer, next year, or simply want to stay informed about your home's value, I'm always happy to share insights about the local market.

The numbers from the second quarter tell a compelling story: the Samish neighborhood continues to be one of the strongest real estate markets in South Bellingham. With buyer demand remaining high, inventory exceptionally low, and home values continuing to appreciate, this may be the ideal time to take advantage of today's market.

If you'd like to discuss your home's value or learn more about the current South Bellingham real estate market, I'd love to help.