Central Ohio Housing Market Update - February 2026

The Central Ohio housing market continued to show resilience and gradual shifts toward balance in February 2026. According to the latest data from Columbus REALTORS® and the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS, home values remain strong while inventory continues to grow slightly, creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

Sales Activity Holds Steady

In February, 1,747 homes closed across Central Ohio, essentially unchanged from February 2025. While sales volume remained stable, it reflects a market that is transitioning from the fast-paced conditions seen in recent years to a more measured environment.

Year-to-date, closed sales remain nearly identical to last year, reinforcing that buyer demand is still present in the market.

Buyer Activity Slows Slightly

Homes going under contract dipped modestly, with 2,189 properties entering contract, a 4.8% decrease compared to February 2025. This type of slowdown is typical during the winter months, when fewer buyers are actively shopping and many sellers wait until spring to list.

However, year-to-date contract activity is actually up slightly compared to last year, suggesting that buyer demand remains healthy overall.

Home Values Continue to Rise

One of the strongest indicators of market stability is continued price appreciation. The average sales price in February reached $367,150, a 4.1% increase year-over-year, while the median sales price climbed to $315,000.

These increases demonstrate that despite changes in market pace, Central Ohio continues to experience long-term growth in home values.

Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell

Another sign of a shifting market is the increase in time on market. In February, homes took an average of 49 days to sell, up from 43 days last year.

For buyers, this creates more breathing room and less urgency when evaluating homes. For sellers, it highlights the importance of pricing correctly and ensuring their home stands out through strong marketing and presentation.

Inventory Continues to Grow

Inventory growth remains one of the most significant developments in the Central Ohio housing market.

In February, there were 3,999 homes available for sale, representing a 7.6% increase compared to last year. At the same time, 2,197 new listings entered the market, slightly fewer than last year but still contributing to a gradual increase in available homes.

More inventory helps move the market toward a healthier balance between buyers and sellers.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, today’s market offers more choices, less competition in some price ranges, and slightly more time to evaluate homes.

For sellers, the market remains strong — but success increasingly depends on competitive pricing, thoughtful preparation, and strategic marketing to stand out.

Final Thoughts

As the spring market approaches, many experts expect activity to increase as more listings come to market and more buyers resume their home searches.

Central Ohio continues to show strong fundamentals, making it a stable and attractive housing market for both buyers and sellers.