Columbus Real Estate Market Predictions for 2026
As 2025 winds down, it’s a question we hear all the time: “Should I buy now, or wait until spring?”
In Columbus, where the market tends to warm up along with the weather, it’s easy to assume that spring is always the best time to buy. But with shifting mortgage rates, rising inventory, and changing buyer behavior, the answer isn’t so simple this year.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in the Columbus housing market and what that means if you’re thinking about making a move in 2026.
What Usually Happens in the Spring Market
There’s a reason spring has a reputation as the busiest season in real estate. When the weather improves, lawns green up, and families start planning summer moves; both buyers and sellers get more active.
Historically, we see more listings, more buyers, and faster sales from March through June. That can mean more choices, but also more competition. In popular Central Ohio neighborhoods, multiple offers aren’t unusual once spring hits full stride.
So, while spring offers variety, it can also bring bidding wars and tighter timelines.
Where Things Stand Now in Columbus
The Columbus market looks a little different heading into 2026 than it did just a year or two ago—and that’s mostly good news for buyers.
Inventory is improving. There are about 30% more homes for sale than this time last year, giving buyers more options across the region.
Homes are taking a bit longer to sell. The average home now spends about 28 to 40 days on the market, compared to just a couple of weeks during the height of the pandemic market.
Prices remain steady. The median sale price sits near $300,000, reflecting healthy but sustainable growth of around 3–5% year over year.
In short, the frenzy has cooled. Columbus remains a strong, desirable market—but one that’s starting to feel a little more balanced.
What’s Going on with Mortgage Rates
Rates remain one of the biggest factors in today’s housing decisions. As of November 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is around 6.25%. That’s slightly lower than earlier this year, but still higher than the record lows of a few years ago.
Most forecasts suggest rates will stay in the 6% range through early 2026, moving only slightly either way. That means waiting for a major drop may not be realistic, but buying now could allow you to lock in today’s rate and refinance later if rates decline.
Mortgage Rates v Home Prices
When it comes to timing your next home purchase, the numbers tell an important story. Even with slightly higher mortgage rates today, waiting to buy could end up costing more in the long run. Home prices in Central Ohio are projected to continue rising through 2026, meaning buyers who act now may build equity faster — and at a lower overall cost.
Let’s look at how buying in 2025 versus waiting until 2026 could impact your monthly payment and equity growth:
