Quick answer: There are very few homes for sale in Southington because most owners have nowhere to move to. They have a low mortgage rate and a house that works. Moving would cost them more each month, even for a smaller home. So they stay. Fewer people move, so fewer homes go up for sale. The fix is building new homes that give those owners a reason to move.

David Brooke went on Great Day Connecticut to talk about this. He runs Brooke Team at eXp Realty. He grew up in Connecticut and sells homes here every day.

Here is what he said, in plain words.

What the Southington market looks like right now

The numbers are strong.

• The typical Southington home is worth about $450,911

• That is up 5.1% from a year ago

• Homes go under contract in about one week

• Many homes sell for more than the asking price

Connecticut as a whole is up about 4.9%. The country is up about 2.0%.

So we are growing more than twice as fast as the rest of the country.

That is great news if you own a home. It is hard news if you are trying to buy one.

Why aren't more people selling?

Because moving does not make sense for them right now.

Think about a couple in Southington. They bought years ago. Their mortgage rate is under 3%. The kids are grown. The house is too big.

They want something smaller. That sounds easy.

It is not.

The downsizing trap

Here is the problem David explained on the show.

Say you own a 3,500 square foot home. You want to move into something around 2,000 square feet.

You would think a smaller home costs less. But prices went up 20% to 30% since you bought.

So the smaller home costs almost as much as your big one.

Then add today's mortgage rate. It is close to 7%. Your old rate was under 3%.

The result: You buy a smaller house and your monthly payment stays the same. Sometimes it goes up.

Most people look at that and say no thanks. So they stay put.

And their house never hits the market.

Why this hurts younger buyers too

When older owners can't move, everyone below them gets stuck.

That big house on a nice street? It would be perfect for a young family. But it never comes up for sale.

David calls the market an ecosystem. When one part freezes, the whole thing slows down.

Cash buyers and investors make it harder. They compete for the lower-priced homes. They pay cash and close fast. A first-time buyer with a loan often loses.

So what actually fixes this?

New homes.

Not just any new homes. Homes built for the people who are stuck.

David made this point clearly on Great Day Connecticut. Connecticut has an aging population living in older, larger homes. Many of them want to move. They just need somewhere good to go.

Give them that place, and two things happen at once:

1. They get the simple, low-maintenance life they want

2. Their old home goes on the market for a younger family

One new home can free up one older home. That is how you grow supply without tearing anything down.

A real example: The Enclave

David and Nick DeLuca are building this idea right now.

It is called The Enclave, through Heritage Point Development.

Here is what it is:

• A 55+ community in Haddam, Connecticut

• Just eight homes on over ten acres

• Two plans to pick from: a Ranch or a Cape

• Prices start at $699,900

• The HOA handles lawn care and snow removal

• It sits next to protected conservation land

It is about a half hour from Southington. Close enough to stay near family. Far enough to feel like a real change of pace.

The point is not just the houses. The point is what they unlock.

Every Southington or Cheshire or Plainville empty-nester who moves to a place like this puts their old home back on the market. That is one more home for a young family in town.

See the homes and site plan here: The Enclave by Heritage Point Development

What this means for you

If you own a home in Southington

Your home is likely worth more than you think.

Most people are working off a number that is a year or two old. A lot has changed.

Homes here sell fast and often go over asking. If you have been waiting for a good time, this is one.

The number one thing you can do? Curb appeal.

David said it on air. Buyers decide how they feel about a home the second they pull into the driveway. Our brains work on first impressions.

Clean up the yard. Trim the bushes. Paint the front door. Power wash the walkway.

It is cheap. It works. It is still the best money you can spend before you list.

If you are trying to buy

You are not imagining it. It is hard out there.

Homes go fast. Multiple offers are normal. Some buyers waive things to win.

Two things help:

One: get fully underwritten. Not just pre-qualified. Underwritten means a lender already checked your paperwork. Your offer looks stronger. You close faster.

Two: ask about down payment help. Connecticut has a program called Time To Own through CHFA. It offers up to $25,000 in some cases, and more in certain areas. It is 0% interest. Part of it gets forgiven each year you stay.

Not everyone qualifies. But a lot of people who do qualify never even ask.

If you own land or want to develop

This is the opening.

Towns across Connecticut are starting to loosen rules on smaller lots, multifamily, and accessory units.

The demand is already here. Buyers over 55 want smaller, newer, low-maintenance homes. There are not many being built.

If you own land in or around Southington and have wondered what it is worth, now is a good time to find out.

David and Nick have done this. They know the permitting, the site work, and the numbers. That conversation is free.

Frequently asked questions

Is Southington a good place to buy a home in 2026? Yes, if you can compete. Southington is a strong seller's market. Homes sell in about a week and often go over asking. Values are up 5.1% year over year. Come prepared with full underwriting.

Why are Connecticut home prices going up faster than the rest of the country? Two main reasons. Connecticut has not built enough homes for about twenty years. And hybrid work made towns like Southington attractive to people leaving pricier areas near New York and Boston.

What is the biggest problem in the Southington housing market? Low inventory. Not enough homes for sale. Most of it comes from owners who cannot afford to move even though they want to.

How much are homes in Southington selling for? The typical Southington home value is around $450,911. Prices vary a lot by neighborhood, condition, and lot.

What is The Enclave? The Enclave is a 55+ community of eight custom homes in Haddam, CT, built by Heritage Point Development. Homes start at $699,900 and come as a Ranch or a Cape. The HOA covers landscaping and snow removal.

Can I get help with a down payment in Connecticut? Yes. CHFA's Time To Own program offers forgivable down payment help to eligible buyers. You must use a CHFA-approved lender. Ask about it early.

What should I fix before selling my home? Start outside. Curb appeal gives you the best return. Clean the yard, paint the door, and make the entry look sharp before a single buyer walks in.

Talk to someone who actually knows this market

Brooke Team at eXp Realty works Southington, Plantsville, Milldale, Cheshire, Plainville, Bristol, Wolcott, Berlin, Meriden, and the towns around them.

Want to know what your home is really worth? Send us your address. We will pull the real number for your street.

Thinking about a smaller home, or curious about The Enclave? We can walk you through both sides of the move.

Own land and wondering what could go on it? Let's talk.

No pressure. Just a straight answer.

David Brooke appeared on Great Day Connecticut on September 24, 2026. Home value data per Zillow, updated 2026. Your home's value depends on town, condition, and timing. A real valuation beats any online estimate.