Kent Mortgage Guide

What buyers need to know about Kent mortgages

Kent is one of the largest cities in Washington state, with a population over 130,000, a diverse economy anchored by manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, and home prices that remain among the most accessible in King County. With a median sale price around $634K over the 12 months ending August 2026 and a median of 17 days on market, Kent is an accessible market where prepared buyers do well.

FHA and VA loans are particularly well-suited to Kent’s price range and buyer demographics. With median prices below $640K, 3.5% down FHA financing is a genuine path to homeownership for qualified first-time buyers, and Kent’s diverse housing stock offers options from classic 1970s ramblers to newer townhomes and multi-family properties. VA buyers also find strong value here.

Kent moves at a pace similar to the rest of the region: as of August 2026, homes sell in a median of 17 days, compared with 20 days in Bellevue. Buyers still have time to do their due diligence and structure offers thoughtfully, but well-priced homes go quickly, so a strong pre-approval matters. For first-time buyers, Kent’s accessible prices remain its main advantage.

Kent home prices, taxes, and transit in 2026

Here is the Kent picture by type of home over the three months ending August 2026, from Redfin’s Kent housing market data, alongside the NWMLS year-to-date median from the NWMLS King County report for August 2026. Across all home types, Kent homes sold in a median of 17 days for about 99.3% of list price, while about 43% of listings took a price cut before selling.

What this means for you: Kent is one of the most attainable larger cities in King County. On an illustrative $695,000 house, 3.5% down on an FHA loan is about $24,300, and eligible veterans may put nothing down with a VA loan. Condos and townhomes come in lower still. My King County housing market report compares Kent with the rest of the county.

Property taxes. Kent’s 2026 levy rate is about $10.07 per $1,000 of assessed value, and the median Kent tax bill is about $6,092 a year (up 6.5% from 2025), according to the King County Assessor. My King County property taxes guide compares cities. This is not tax advice.

Excise tax when you sell. Washington’s graduated real estate excise tax, plus the local rate (0.5% in most King County cities), comes to roughly $10,600 on a $650,000 Kent sale as an illustrative example, and by local custom the seller pays it. My guide to closing costs in King County breaks it down.

Light rail and nearby guides. Since December 6, 2025, the 1 Line has stopped at Kent Des Moines station on Pacific Highway South, with a straight ride to Sea-Tac Airport and downtown Seattle. Homes and condos on Kent’s West Hill near the station gained a new commute option. My Federal Way guide covers the next stops south, and my FHA loan guide explains the 3.5% down option. For the whole county, start with my King County home loans page.