The Gist
If you have tried to buy a home or looked to see what’s available in Bensalem lately, you already know the story: there is nothing for sale. A new market analysis for early 2026 confirms that Bensalem is stuck in an “Inventory Squeeze.” While high interest rates have cooled the frenzy of bidding wars, they haven’t crashed prices because there are simply too few homes to go around.
As of January 2026, the median sold price in the township is hovering between $418,000 and $459,900, depending on the month.
The Big Number: 78
That is the approximate number of active listings in the entire township as of December. For a town of 60,000+ people, a healthy market should have closer to 250-300 homes for sale.
This scarcity is creating a “floor” for prices. Even though buyers are stretched thin by mortgage rates, they are forced to compete for the few dozen decent homes available.
Why is No One Selling? (The “Lock-In” Effect)
The report identifies a massive stall in new listings—only about 6 new homes hit the market in some weeks of December.
The culprit is the “Lock-In Effect.” Most current homeowners have a mortgage rate under 4%. Moving to a new house would mean trading that cheap loan for a rate near 6-7%, essentially doubling their monthly payment for the same amount of house. As a result, people are staying put and building additions instead of moving.
Winners & Losers
For Sellers: You are still in the driver’s seat, but the “anything goes” era is over.
- The Good News: If your home is turnkey (updated kitchen, new roof), you can still command multiple offers and sell in a weekend.
- The Bad News: Buyers are tapped out. They don’t have extra cash for repairs. Homes that need work are sitting on the market for 60+ days, while updated homes sell in 27 days.
For Buyers:
- The Strategy: Look at Neshaminy Valley for speed (homes sell fast there, avg. 27 days) or Millbrook if you have patience (slower market, avg. 47 days).
- The Reality: The “crash” isn’t coming. Prices are projected to inch up another 1.5% to 3.0% this year due to the lack of supply.
For Renters:
- It’s a tale of two markets. If you are already in a lease, you likely only saw a ~2% rent hike. But if you are looking for a new apartment, asking rents have jumped over 12%.
- The average rent is now landing between $1,687 and $1,860 per month.
Development Watch: What’s Being Built?
With open land scarce, developers are fighting for every acre.
- The Hot Topic: A proposal to build 70 single-family homes near Resurrection Cemetery is currently in “regulatory limbo.” The developer needs a zoning change from Industrial to Residential, but neighbors are pushing back over traffic concerns.
- Luxury Infill: Over on Byberry Road, a new “luxury infill” project will see 8 homes built on a wooded lot, with prices expected to top $900,000.
The Bottom Line
Bensalem in 2026 is a “mature” market. The days of rapid expansion are over; now it’s about infill and renovation. The completion of the U.S. 1 improvements has made the northern end of town more valuable for commuters, keeping demand high even as affordability tightens.
What To Do Now
If You’re Selling:
✅ Focus on turnkey appeal—buyers won’t pay for repairs
✅ Price competitively; you have leverage but not unlimited
✅ Expect 27-47 days on market, depending on neighborhood
If You’re Buying:
✅ Get pre-approved BEFORE house hunting
✅ Be ready to act within 24-48 hours on new listings
✅ Consider Millbrook for less competition
✅ Set up alerts: Zillow for Bensalem
If You’re Renting:
✅ Renew your lease if possible (only ~2% increase vs. 12% for new)
✅ Negotiate renewal terms in advance
✅ Budget $1,700-$1,900/month for new apartments
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Bensalem home prices drop?
A: Prices are not expected to drop in 2026. Due to the severe inventory shortage (only 78 active listings), prices are projected to rise another 1.5-3% this year.
Q: How many homes are for sale in Bensalem right now?
A: As of January 2026, there are approximately 78 active listings in Bensalem Township—far below the 250-300 needed for a healthy market.
Q: What is the median home price in Bensalem?
A: The median sold price is currently $418,000-$459,900, depending on the neighborhood and time of month.
Q: Why aren’t people selling homes in Bensalem?
A: The “lock-in effect”—homeowners with mortgage rates under 4% don’t want to trade them for current rates of 6-7%, which would double their monthly payment for a similar home.
Q: What’s the average rent in Bensalem?
A: Average rent ranges from $1,687-$1,860 per month. New leases saw a 12% increase, while renewals averaged only 2%.
Data Sources:
- Bensalem MLS listings (December 2025 – January 2026)
- Zillow Market Analysis
- Bensalem Township Planning Commission records
