NEPA Real Estate Market Update September 7 2026

NEPA MARKET UPDATE | CLIENT EDITION

September 7 2026

Northeast Pennsylvania entered September with limited housing supply, firmer asking prices and several development proposals that could reshape parts of Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and lower Luzerne County. The practical message is simple: local conditions still favor well-prepared sellers, while buyers and investors need to separate confirmed activity from projects that remain in the approval stage.

Article Synopsis

This update covers the latest Scranton-area housing indicators, the split between stronger office assets and older Class B space, two adaptive-reuse and downtown redevelopment opportunities, and the proposed Salem Township data center. It also explains a Pennsylvania consumer-contact rule taking effect in October.

Key Takeaways

Home inventory improved from a year earlier, but fewer new listings and faster sales kept the market competitive.

Commercial buyers are rewarding functional, visible and adaptable office properties while discounting obsolete space.

Several major projects remain proposals or early-stage approvals, so property decisions should rely on verified milestones.

Pennsylvania rules will place tighter limits on real estate marketing calls and texts beginning October 18.

Scranton Housing Remains Competitive

August data showed 1,109 active listings in the Scranton market, up 6 percent from a year earlier. New listings fell 4.6 percent, the median list price reached $279,990 and median time on market fell to 44 days. About 21 percent of listings had a price reduction.

What this means for clients Sellers still benefit from constrained supply, but the share of price reductions shows that buyers are not accepting every asking price. Sellers should use recent neighborhood comparisons and prepare the property carefully. Buyers should have financing ready and evaluate new listings quickly without skipping inspections or due diligence.

Source Realtor.com market report

Office Demand Favors Quality and Reuse Potential

Second-quarter office vacancy in Northeast Pennsylvania eased to 8.46 percent, while Class A vacancy fell to 6 percent and average asking rent rose to $20.05 per square foot. Investors continued to focus on medical uses, visible locations and buildings that can support conversion. The former Lackawanna College portfolio at 401 Adams Avenue, totaling about 97,000 square feet, sold in April at roughly $15 per square foot.

What this means for clients Office properties should be judged by their actual utility, tenant quality and cost to modernize. A low purchase price can be attractive, but buyers should budget for code work, parking, accessibility and the approvals needed for a new use.

Source Colliers Northeast Pennsylvania office report

A Former School Is Moving Toward Apartments

Luzerne County approved zoning relief for a proposed $2.5 million conversion of the former Northwest Intermediate School in Hunlock Township into 25 apartments. The plan calls for 22 one-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units.

What this means for clients The project shows how vacant institutional buildings can become housing, but this type of conversion depends on zoning, construction costs and building conditions. Nearby owners should watch the project schedule and final design rather than assume an immediate effect on rents or values.

Source Times Leader

The Salem Township Data Center Is Still a Proposal

The Salem Township Planning Commission recommended approval of the Salem 3 overlay connected to a proposed 4,000-acre, $1.4 billion data-center development. The township supervisors were expected to consider the proposal in October. The planning recommendation did not constitute final approval.

What this means for clients A project of this scale could influence land demand, infrastructure and nearby housing or service businesses. Those effects remain speculative until approvals, financing and construction milestones are confirmed. Owners and buyers should avoid pricing property solely on the announced project.

Source Times Leader

Downtown Wilkes Barre Has a New Development Prospect

The owner of the former Hotel Sterling site was negotiating with New York investors over a privately funded multistory project with ground-floor retail and apartments on the 2.1-acre parcel. Plans were still under review and no completed transaction or construction start had been announced.

What this means for clients The interest is a positive signal for downtown infill, but nearby owners should wait for formal plans, parking details and confirmed financing before treating the project as a comparable or a certainty.

Source Times Leader

Pennsylvania Is Tightening Marketing Contact Rules

Beginning October 18, Pennsylvania rules will expressly cover marketing texts, require prior express written consent for certain automated calls and texts, and limit marketing contacts to 9 a.m. through 7 p.m. in the consumer's local time. Sunday and legal-holiday contacts will be prohibited.

What this means for clients Clients may see clearer consent language and fewer automated contacts outside permitted hours. Consumers can ask a brokerage to stop marketing communications and should still distinguish marketing messages from transaction-related communication they have requested.

Source Pennsylvania Association of Realtors

How Revolve Can Help

If you are considering a purchase, sale or investment in Northeast Pennsylvania, Revolve Real Estate can help you compare current listings, local sales and project-specific risks before you make a decision.

Visit Revolve Real Estate

Important Information

Market information is current as of the publication date and may change. This article is for general information only and is not legal, tax, lending or investment advice. Verify property-specific facts and consult the appropriate professionals before making a decision.