Oahu's Housing Market Shows Divergence: Single-Family Homes Surge as Condos Cool

·3 min read

Oahu's real estate market presented a mixed picture in November, with single-family home sales experiencing a significant surge while the condominium market saw a decline. This divergence could signal shifting investment strategies and present different opportunities for buyers and sellers.

A close-up image of a hand holding a keyring with several house keys, symbolizing real estate and home ownership.
Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki

The Oahu real estate market concluded November with a pronounced split, as detailed in a recent article from the Pacific Business News. Single-family home sales experienced a robust increase of nearly 19%, while the condominium sector moved in the opposite direction. This divergence offers valuable insights for investors, real estate professionals, and prospective homeowners navigating the local market.

Driving the surge in single-family home sales could be attributed to several factors. A report from Locations Hawaii noted that the median sale price for single-family homes on Oahu in October 2025 was $1,175,000, up 10% from the previous year. Simultaneously, the median days on market increased by 53% to 26 days. This suggests that while demand remains high, homes are taking longer to sell. This could be influenced by a variety of conditions, including shifting buyer preferences or increasing interest rates.

In contrast, the condominium market's downturn points to a possible shift in buyer behavior. The Locations Hawaii report also highlighted that condo sales activity on Oahu were mixed in October 2025 with sales up 5% from the year prior. Moreover, the median sale price for condos in October 2025 was $536,000, up only 3% from last year, with the Days on Market increasing by 64% to 46 days. This data suggests an oversupply of available condos or a decline in their desirability relative to single-family homes. The reasons for this shift warrant closer investigation, potentially relating to economic trends or evolving lifestyle preferences in the Hawaiian market. This could affect the investment strategies of individuals and firms significantly.

This bifurcated market dynamic creates unique opportunities and challenges. For entrepreneurs, understanding these diverging trends is essential for making informed investment decisions. Real estate agents and brokers must adapt strategies to better serve clients, depending upon the clients' location preferences and budget considerations. As the market evolves, it is essential for stakeholders to stay informed and leverage recent research and analysis to make successful decisions in the Oahu real estate market.

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