Columbus Housing Market: Trends and Forecast 2025-2026

Are you curious about what's going on in the Columbus housing market right now? You're not alone! Things are always changing, and it can be tricky to keep up. The short answer is this: The Columbus housing market is currently experiencing a bit of a shift, with more homes available than last year, and sales up slightly. But let’s dive deeper than that quick answer so you can really get the lay of the land.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the local real estate scene, and I’m going to break down the latest data, give you my thoughts, and help you understand what all the numbers mean for you, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just stay informed. Let's get into it!

Current Columbus Housing Market Trends: What You Need to Know

Home Sales

Let's start by looking at how many homes are actually selling. In November 2024, there were 2,146 closed sales in the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS. That’s actually a 3.5% increase compared to the same time last year. Now, while that's a positive sign, it's worth noting that these sales were down a significant 18.3% from October. That's a bit of a drop!

We can see, though, that the year-to-date closed sales are up 3.5% compared to the same period last year. So, while there was a dip from October to November, overall 2024 is on track to outperform 2023 in terms of home sales.

Here’s a quick look:

• November 2024 Closed Sales: 2,146
• November 2023 Closed Sales: 2,074
• Year-to-Date 2024 Closed Sales: 26,563
• Year-to-Date 2023 Closed Sales: 25,660

This tells me that while November might have seen a seasonal slowdown, the underlying demand for homes in the Columbus area is still there. I wouldn't be surprised to see a pick-up again in the spring.

Home Prices

Now, let's talk about everyone's favorite topic: prices! The median sales price in Columbus held steady at $315,000 in November 2024, which is exactly the same as it was in October. That's interesting because it shows that prices aren't dramatically falling, but there are no big gains month to month either.

Comparing this to November 2023, there's been a 6.8% increase in median sale price. The average sales price increased from $341,884 in November of 2023 to $359,366 in November of 2024, a 5.1% jump. This shows that, while month to month things are stable, year to year prices are still appreciating.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Median Sales Price (November 2024): $315,000
• Median Sales Price (November 2023): $295,000
• Average Sales Price (November 2024): $359,366
• Average Sales Price (November 2023): $341,884

This price increase makes sense, as the median sales price has increased overall, from $303,500 at this point last year to $319,900 this year. For me, the fact the median price held steady from October to November is a good indicator of a stable market that is simply slowing down seasonally.

Housing Supply

This is where we see one of the biggest shifts. The total inventory of homes and condos in Central Ohio reached 4,600 in November 2024, which is a significant 21.2% jump compared to last year! That's nearly 1,000 more homes on the market. That's great news if you’re a buyer.

However, new listings did see a dip in November. There were 2,204 new listings, which is down 1.3% compared to last November. It's also a 27.6% drop from October, when there were 3,047 new listings. This is probably a seasonal trend, since people tend to list less during the holidays.

So, while there's more total inventory available, the pace of new listings has slowed, which might be something to keep an eye on in the coming months.

Here's a quick view:

• Total Inventory (November 2024): 4,600
• Total Inventory (November 2023): 3,794
• New Listings (November 2024): 2,204
• New Listings (November 2023): 2,233

Market Trends

Looking at the big picture, the Columbus housing market is showing some interesting trends. Here are some key takeaways:

• Increased Inventory: We have a lot more homes to choose from than we did last year, which is good for buyers.
• Sales are Up: Even though we saw a decrease from October to November, overall sales are up compared to last year.
• Prices are Holding Steady (For Now): Prices aren't dropping, but we're not seeing the same rapid increases we saw last year.
• Homes are Taking Longer to Sell: The average days on market increased 29.2% year over year to 31 days. That tells me that buyers have more time to shop around, another positive sign for them.
• Slightly Better Deals for Buyers: The percentage of the last list price received is at 98.8%, which is a bit lower than last year. Sellers are having to come down on price a little more.

It's also interesting to note that some areas are seeing more action than others. For instance, Gahanna remains a “hot” zip code, and Big Walnut saw a huge jump in closings. Keep in mind that hyper local market trends can differ from these big picture statistics, so it's always wise to do more research into specific neighborhoods before making a move.

Is Columbus a Buyer's or Seller's Housing Market?

This is the question on everyone's mind! Based on the current data, I would say the market is shifting more towards a buyer's market than it was last year, but it is not a buyer's market yet.

We’re seeing more homes available, and they're sitting on the market longer. Buyers have more power to negotiate and take their time. Sellers may not see the bidding wars and quick sales that were so common recently. There is still not enough supply of homes to classify as a buyer’s market, but the balance is becoming more even than last year.

The rise in inventory helps this trend. It's worth noting, though, that conditions can vary greatly depending on location and property type.

Are Home Prices Dropping?

This is a big question right now, and the short answer is no, not drastically. While the percentage of the last list price received dropped slightly, the median sales price in Columbus has remained steady at $315,000 from October to November. The overall year-to-date median sales price is up. So prices aren’t crashing, but they’re not soaring either. It's more of a stabilization period after the rapid price growth we saw in the past.

The fact that the median sales price remained flat from October to November means prices are at least not rapidly declining. For buyers, this is a good thing, as they are not in a market where prices are increasing so fast that a home sold a week ago is now cheaper.

Table Summary of Key Metrics

To make things easier to digest, here’s a table summarizing the key points:

Metric	November 2023	November 2024	% Change	Year-to-Date 2023	Year-to-Date 2024	% Change
Closed Sales	2,074	2,146	+3.5%	25,660	26,563	+3.5%
Median Sales Price	$295,000	$315,000	+6.8%	$303,500	$319,900	+5.4%
Average Sales Price	$341,884	$359,366	+5.1%	$347,691	$365,680	+5.2%
Inventory of Homes	3,794	4,600	+21.2%	—	—	—
New Listings	2,233	2,204	-1.3%	30,571	32,933	+7.7%
Days on Market	24	31	+29.2%	23	27	+17.4%
% of Last List Price Received	99.3%	98.8%	-0.5%	100.6%	99.7%	-0.9%

Overall, the Columbus housing market is undergoing a shift. We’re seeing more inventory and things are slowing down a bit after a period of rapid growth. For me, this is a welcome change. It means there are more opportunities for both buyers and sellers, but in slightly different ways than before.

If you're a buyer, the increase in inventory and slight slowdown in price growth gives you more options and bargaining power. You should do your research, shop around, and be patient. If you're a seller, you'll need to be a bit more strategic about pricing and understand that you might not get offers as quickly as you would have six months ago.

Columbus Ohio Housing Market Forecast 2025-2026

The short answer is: while the Columbus housing market isn’t predicted to see any major price drops, it is expected to continue to appreciate, albeit at a modest pace. So no, a housing crash is very unlikely in the near future here in Columbus.

What the Numbers Say About Columbus Housing

I've been keeping a close eye on the real estate market, and here’s what the latest forecast from Zillow suggests for our area. According to their data, here’s how Columbus home values are expected to change:

Time Period	Projected Change in Home Value
December 2024	0.2%
February 2025	0.8%
November 2025	3.1%

These numbers show that home values in Columbus are predicted to increase steadily over the next year. It’s not a wild surge, but a slow and steady climb. This is good news if you're a homeowner, as it suggests your investment is likely to grow. For buyers, it means that you may not have to rush in, but don't wait too long as prices are likely to trend up slowly.

How Does Columbus Compare?

Now, let’s see how Columbus stacks up against other big cities in Ohio. Here's a quick look at the projected home price changes across the state:

Region	Dec 2024	Feb 2025	Nov 2025
Columbus, OH	0.2%	0.8%	3.1%
Cincinnati, OH	0.3%	0.8%	2.9%
Cleveland, OH	0.4%	0.9%	2.8%
Akron, OH	0.3%	0.6%	2.4%
Toledo, OH	0.5%	1.1%	2.6%
Youngstown, OH	0.4%	0.9%	3.5%
Canton, OH	0.6%	0.7%	2.4%
Huntington, WV	0.6%	1.3%	1.3%

Looking at this, we can see that Columbus is performing pretty much in line with the other major Ohio markets. Youngstown is expected to be a little stronger by November 2025, while Huntington, WV shows the least growth. It's interesting to see how each city has its own pace. I think that Columbus’ steady growth is a testament to its stable economy and growing population.

Will Home Prices Drop in Columbus? A Deep Dive.

As someone who has followed the Columbus market, I can tell you that a drastic drop in home prices is unlikely in the coming months. Why do I say this? Several factors play a role. The biggest factor is supply and demand. There aren’t enough houses on the market to meet the needs of those who are looking to buy. This keeps prices relatively stable. Also, the Columbus economy is doing quite well with job growth and many new companies. These factors support home prices.

Of course, the real estate market is complex and can be affected by many things, such as interest rate fluctuations. However, based on the current trends and forecasts, I don’t foresee any significant drop in prices in Columbus. In my experience, a slow and steady appreciation is the most likely scenario.

Looking Towards 2026

While we don’t have a concrete forecast for 2026 yet, I would expect that the trends will continue in a similar pattern. I believe that Columbus will likely continue to see slow, consistent price growth, similar to the predicted trends in 2025. The market here has been resilient and this trend should continue. We can certainly monitor the forecasts that will be released for 2026 as they come out.

My Final Take

The Columbus housing market isn't about to crash and is expected to continue its gradual appreciation. If you’re thinking of selling, it’s a good time to list, as buyers are out there and prices are holding steady. If you're a buyer, don't be too worried as prices are not expected to skyrocket, but don't wait for too long as we are also not predicting a price crash either. As with any market, it's essential to do your research, speak with professionals, and always make informed decisions based on your personal situation.

Should You Invest in the Columbus Real Estate Market in 2025?

Columbus, Ohio, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, with a population of over 900,000. The city's real estate market has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, with home prices and rental rates rising steadily. This makes it an attractive destination for real estate investors looking for a stable and profitable investment.

Investing in Columbus real estate offers a wide range of opportunities, from single-family homes to multi-unit apartment complexes. The city's diverse economy, low unemployment rate, and growing population make it a promising market for rental properties. According to Zillow, the average home value in Columbus is up over the past year. This suggests that property values are on an upward trend, which can be advantageous for investors seeking long-term appreciation.

One key advantage of investing in Columbus real estate is the affordability of properties compared to other major cities. While coastal markets like New York and San Francisco may have higher appreciation rates, they also have significantly higher price tags, making it difficult for many investors to enter the market. In contrast, Columbus offers relatively affordable properties with solid returns on investment.

Another factor that makes Columbus an attractive real estate investment destination is the city's growing job market. The unemployment rate in Columbus is consistently below the national average, with a diverse economy that includes sectors like healthcare, education, and technology. This means there is a steady demand for rental properties from young professionals and families who are moving to the city to take advantage of job opportunities.

The Columbus real estate market is also attractive to investors due to the city's robust infrastructure and transportation network. The city has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and bike-sharing programs, making it easy for residents to get around without a car. Additionally, the city is home to Port Columbus International Airport, which provides direct flights to many major U.S. cities.

When considering investing in Columbus real estate, it's essential to note that the market can vary significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood. For example, the median home value in Italian Village is $397,113, while in Milo-Grogan, it is $114,460. Therefore, it's essential to research individual neighborhoods and consult with a local real estate agent who has a deep understanding of the market.

In summary, Columbus offers a promising real estate investment opportunity, with affordable properties, a strong job market, and a growing population. While the market can vary by neighborhood, investing in Columbus real estate offers the potential for solid returns on investment in both the short and long term.

Top Reasons to Invest in Columbus Real Estate Market for the Long Term

Investing in real estate can be a lucrative long-term strategy, but it's important to choose the right market. Columbus, Ohio, is a city that is increasingly becoming popular among real estate investors. Here are the top six reasons to consider investing in Columbus real estate market for the long term:

• Strong Job Market: Columbus has a diverse economy and a strong job market. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Nationwide Insurance, American Electric Power, and Huntington Bancshares. The city also boasts a thriving technology sector, with companies like IBM and JPMorgan Chase had a significant presence in the area. With a low unemployment rate and a growing economy, Columbus is an attractive location for those looking to invest in real estate.
• Growing Population: Columbus has experienced steady population growth over the past decade, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. This growth is expected to continue in the coming years, with estimates suggesting that the population will increase by 10% by 2030. A growing population means an increased demand for housing, which can translate to higher rental yields and property values.
• Affordable Housing Market: Despite its strong job market and growing population, Columbus remains an affordable housing market, especially when compared to other major cities. The median home price in Columbus is currently around $227,481, which is significantly lower than in other cities like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. This makes Columbus an attractive option for real estate investors looking to get in on the ground floor of an emerging market.
• Strong Rental Market: Columbus has a strong rental market, with rental demand consistently outpacing supply. This has resulted in a relatively low vacancy rate, which has been hovering around 5% for the past few years. The strong rental market is good news for real estate investors, as it means they are likely to find tenants quickly and keep their properties occupied for longer periods. As of March 2024, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Columbus, OH is $1,425. This is -27% lower than the national average. Rent prices for all bedroom counts and property types in Columbus, OH have remained the same in the last month and have decreased by 4% in the last year.
• Favorable Tax Climate: Ohio has a relatively low tax burden compared to other states, making it an attractive location for real estate investors. Property taxes in Columbus are also relatively low compared to other major cities, which can help investors keep their expenses down and their profits up.
• Thriving Arts and Culture Scene: Columbus has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with several museums, theaters, and galleries located in the city. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Columbus Arts Festival and the Ohio State Fair. This cultural richness attracts more people to the city and makes it an even more attractive place to live, work, and invest in real estate.

Therefore, Columbus, Ohio, offers a combination of strong economic fundamentals, affordable housing, and a thriving rental market, making it an attractive option for real estate investors looking to make long-term investments. As with any real estate purchase, act wisely. Evaluate the specifics of the Columbus housing market at the time you intend to purchase.