The Skyline Report for the first half of 2025 is out, highlighting the latest trends in Northwest Arkansas’ residential and multifamily real estate.
Produced twice a year by Arvest Bank and the University of Arkansas’ Walton College of Business, the report provides a clear snapshot of how the region’s housing market is shifting.
Here are the key takeaways for homeowners, buyers, and sellers across Northwest Arkansas.
The Snapshot
5,049 homes sold (1H 2025)
Average prices up: Benton $471,427; Washington $417,489
Permits issued: 2,929 total (Benton 2,010 | Washington 904 | Madison 15)
Permits issued: 2,929 total (Benton 2,010 | Washington 904 | Madison 15)
Data from the University of Arkansas CBER’s Skyline Report (1H 2025).
NWA’s Residential Real Estate Story (Jan-June, 2025)
Northwest Arkansas kept moving in the first half of 2025. Closed sales reached a total of 5,049, and average prices climbed in both major counties (Washington & Benton).
Builders stayed active, pulling 2,929 permits across the region.
For buyers: more choices on the market than we’ve seen in the last couple of years.
For sellers: strong pricing power remains, but listings win on presentation and precision pricing now that shoppers can compare across both new builds and resales.
Breakdown by County
Benton County
Prices set the regional pace, with the average sale price at $471,427, up from both last half and last year. This is the county where you feel the weight of new construction the most. Permits, active subdivisions, and shovel-ready lots are concentrated in the Bentonville–Centerton–Pea Ridge–Rogers area. Sellers are still getting rewarded, but buyers have leverage in neighborhoods with several competing new-build options.
Washington County
The average sale price rose to $417,489, with steady owner-occupant demand and a meaningful pipeline of permitted homes. Expect continued competition in Fayetteville, Springdale, and the west-of-I-49 corridor, where subdivisions show a healthy mix of “under construction” and “coming” lots that will keep choices flowing into late 2025.
Madison County
Smaller base, bigger percentage swing. Average price at $321,676, markedly higher than last half and last year. Good to watch for buyers seeking more land and sellers weighing whether the window is right to list.
Residential Permits Pulled Jan-June
Bella Vista: 429 permits (up from 392 last half (H2, 2024) → steady stream of entry and move-up new builds.
Bentonville: 373 permits (up from 183) → significant momentum; expect fresh supply through year-end.
Centerton: 263 permits (up from 243) → continued infill + new plats on the west side.
Fayetteville: 319 permits (essentially flat vs. 314) → consistent pipeline across multiple price bands.
Springdale: 240 permits (down from 337) → still active, but a touch less than last half; presentation matters for resales here.
Prairie Grove: 116 permits (near prior pace) → ongoing west-county growth node.
Rogers: 124 permits (down from 214) → fewer starts than late 2024, but strong resale comps persist.
My Professional Opinion
Bentonville: Permit surge + deep subdivision pipeline means buyers will have more floor plans and finish levels to compare. Sellers: pre-list punch-lists and smart pricing against nearby builder specs are key.
Centerton & Pea Ridge: Centerton’s permit count held strong; Pea Ridge ticked up as well. Expect continual westward momentum and family-friendly product. Resales should emphasize yard, storage, and energy-efficiency features to stand out from spec homes.
Bella Vista: Another busy half. Affordability remains the hook; new starts should keep entry-level and move-up buyers engaged through the fall.
Rogers & Lowell: Rogers permits eased from the prior half, which could support resale momentum in neighborhoods with fewer immediate new-build comps. Lowell’s shift in average permit values suggests a mix adjustment. Keep an eye on comps carefully.
Fayetteville: Stable permitting and a broad set of subdivisions. In town, updated resales with walkability or school-zone advantages continue to command attention.
Springdale & West Washington County: Slightly lighter permitting in Springdale, but a large lot pipeline across west-county nodes keeps choices coming. Sellers benefit by dialing in curb appeal and move-in readiness.
Prairie Grove & Farmington: Consistent single-family growth; seasonal bursts tied to new phases. For buyers, this is where you can still find value if you’re flexible on commute.
Siloam Springs: Pipeline remains meaningful; watch for ongoing deliveries that keep pricing competitive for newer resales.
Final Take
If You’re Buying: Ask about builder incentives/rate buydowns where permits are heaviest (Bentonville, Centerton, Bella Vista, Fayetteville). In resales, negotiate on homes that need easy cosmetic updates and compare against spec homes down the street.
If You’re Selling: Treat your home like a model—fresh paint, yard spruce-ups, minor repairs—and price with current builder specs and nearby comp closings in mind. In high-permit zones, hit the market turnkey.
Curious About Your Home Value?
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Source: The Skyline Report: Northwest Arkansas Residential Real Estate — 1H 2025, Center for Business & Economic Research (CBER), Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas.
Disclaimer: Just because we are realtors/agents does not make us your realtor/agent. This content is for informational purposes only and shall not be relied upon as professional opinions. If you’d like to engage us to buy/sell, we’re happy to serve you, but only if there is an engagement agreement signed.
