Central Ohio’s 2026 real estate market opened on a promising note for home buyers! 1,506 home sales were logged during January, essentially matching last year’s pace. New listings followed suit with 2,226 homes hitting the market, a slight uptick of 0.4% from January 2025.

Overall, January home inventory in Central Ohio is up 7.2% compared to the prior year. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell, with a median of 48 days on market. This is by no means a “slow” market, but buyers are not as rushed today as they were a year ago.

Housing demand in our area remains strong, and Central Ohio home prices are still ticking higher. New listings carried a median list price of $325,000 during January, while the median sale price rose 6.7% to $319,900.

January 2026 pending home sales are up 5.5% compared to last January.

As always, it should be noted that statistics provide a broad overview, but local communities have their own sales dynamics. For example, Hilliard City School District roared out of the gate in January with a 62% increase in home sales compared to the prior year. An increase in home inventory helped fuel the boom.

Going forward, Central Ohio home buyers have favorable conditions on two fronts: home inventory is improving, and mortgage interest rates have been inching lower. As of mid-February, 30-year fixed Conventional mortgages averaged a rate of 6.01%.

If you’re planning to buy a Central Ohio home, get expert insights with our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home Like a Pro!” We share tips and strategies you won’t find anywhere else, potentially saving you thousands of dollars!

As Exclusive Buyer’s Brokers, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest, at all times.

Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!

Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!

Andrew Show
Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, CEBA-M, MCNE, CSP, PSA,e-PRO, CREM, ABRM, AHWD
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services www.BuyersHome.com
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax