Prices are rising in Montgomery and Prince George’s County. So is the pressure on buyers. Every time you pass a Purple Line construction site, you probably think the same thing: this area is going to get more expensive.
That thought is correct. The Purple Line is not only a transit project. It signals a shift in regional value. Buyers who move early tend to benefit the most.
If you want to buy your Purple Line home before the 2027 price increase becomes reality, timing and preparation matter.
What Is the Purple Line and Why Should Buyers Watch It?
The Purple Line is a 16-mile light rail project connecting Bethesda to New Carrollton. It includes 21 stations across Montgomery and Prince George’s County. This corridor links key employment centers and residential areas with Metro connections at four major hubs.
Why Transit Increases Property Value
Transit access often leads to rising prices near stations. A study from the American Public Transportation Association found that home values near high-frequency transit outperformed the region by 42 percent over ten years.
Who Should Pay Attention
- Buyers currently renting in the area
- People priced out of DC are looking for better value
- Investors who understand long-term planning
- Buyers using the FHA or Maryland SmartBuy programs who want stability
If you are looking for both growth potential and location, proximity to future transit is a clear advantage.
Where Is Value Already Increasing?
Some Purple Line neighborhoods are already seeing price changes. Developers are buying early. Long-time residents are choosing to hold. Demand is moving faster than supply.
Montgomery County
- Silver Spring: Gentrification is accelerating near stations.
- Long Branch: Smaller homes are still available below county averages.
- Chevy Chase Lake: Redevelopment and walkability are driving demand.
Prince George’s County
- Riverdale Park: New housing and retail projects are underway.
- College Park: Long-term rental potential remains strong.
- New Carrollton: A planned MARC and Metro hub adds value.
According to Redfin, home values in these areas grew between 4.2 and 9.6 percent in the last year alone.
Why Should You Buy Before 2027?
Most people wait until a project is finished. The market does not. Prices shift in anticipation, not in response.
Pre-Completion Increases Are Real
Transit corridors often see price growth before the first train arrives. The Purple Line is already driving speculation. Waiting for it to finish will cost more.
Developer Competition
Developers have been buying land and multi-family properties since 2022. Single-family buyers now compete with investors in many zip codes.
Delayed Action Adds Monthly Cost
If a $400,000 home increases 12 percent by 2027, that’s $48,000 more. With current rates, that means paying over $280 more per month.
Which Neighborhoods Still Offer Value?
Not every Purple Line station is priced the same. Some neighborhoods still offer lower entry points for buyers who act soon.
Still-Affordable Areas
- Lyttonsville: Quiet with a lower price per square foot.
- Glenridge: Undergoing zoning reviews, close to future stops.
- Adelphi: Affordable with schools and future connections.
Watch for:
- Homes within a 10-minute walk of future stations
- Lots zoned for ADUs or multi-unit development
- Properties near mixed-use or commercial revitalization zones
Planning departments in both counties are updating zoning. Track these updates to stay ahead.
How Can You Act Now Without Overpaying?
You do not need to rush. You need to plan with clear steps.
3 Actions to Take Today
- Get pre-approved through a local lender. This gives you clarity and speed in offers.
- Tour neighborhoods near priority stations. Walking a neighborhood tells you more than listing photos.
- Work with an agent who knows the Purple Line. Understanding local construction, zoning, and access is essential.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid?
Waiting too long is not the only error buyers make in infrastructure-heavy markets.
Common Missteps
- Ignoring lesser-known stations. Big-name neighborhoods carry higher premiums.
- Assuming all homes near stations will grow equally. School districts and walkability matter.
- Delaying until 2027. The market will move ahead of the ribbon-cutting.
Why You Should Work With a Local Agent Who Follows the Line
A local agent who follows the Purple Line’s progress can help you make informed choices. Jackie Garber tracks county meetings, redevelopment updates, and construction milestones that many buyers miss.
The right agent helps you identify value, avoid overpriced listings, and understand how infrastructure impacts equity.
Jackie also knows the impact of fair housing laws, grant eligibility, and community trends that shape long-term resale value.
What Should You Do If You’re Ready?
Purple Line homes will not stay in the same price range through 2027. Buying today means access to pricing most buyers will miss later.
Start by:
- Scheduling a neighborhood tour
- Connecting with a lender to assess programs like Maryland SmartBuy
- Tracking listings near top stations, such as Silver Spring, Riverdale Park, and Glenridge
FAQs
Will the Purple Line open on time?
MDOT has confirmed the current goal is 2027. Construction timelines have become more reliable since 2023.
Will homes near stations always increase in value?
Not always. Value depends on walkability, zoning, schools, and nearby development.
Are grants available?
Yes. Maryland offers programs such as SmartBuy 3.0, and local incentives exist for first-time buyers and those purchasing near transit zones.
Final Thoughts
The Purple Line is more than just a 16-mile light rail; it is a fundamental shift in the regional economy of Montgomery and Prince George’s County. While 2027 might seem far off, the real estate market moves on anticipation, not just arrival.
Buying today is about more than just beating a price hike—it’s about securing a foothold in a corridor that will define local connectivity for decades. By taking proactive steps now, you aren’t just finding a place to live; you are positioning yourself to benefit from one of the most significant infrastructure improvements in Maryland’s history. The window to buy before the “transit premium” is fully realized is closing—now is the time to act.