Columbus Real Estate Market Update — October 2025

As fall settles in, here’s a look at what the real estate market in Columbus, Ohio is doing — and what that means if you’re buying, selling, or investing.

🏙️ Overall State of the Market

Inventory has been rising. As of August, there were about 4,243 active listings in the Columbus metro area. FRED
Homes are taking a bit longer to sell than they were this time last year. Redfin+1
Prices are still climbing, though the rate of growth has moderated. For example, the median sale price in Columbus was $298,000 in August — up about 2.8% year-over-year. Redfin
On the Zillow side, typical home values are rising, but very gradually. One recent Zillow metric had Columbus homes averaging about $248,850, up ~0.7% over the past year. Zillow

💡 What’s Driving the Trends

More inventory gives buyers more options. With more homes on the market, buyers are less pressured to make hasty decisions, which can lead to more negotiation room. Columbus Team+2FRED+2
Sellers still hold an advantage in many segments — especially for homes that are move-in ready and in desirable neighborhoods. Homes that need updating or have other drawbacks are the ones staying listed longer. themancinigroupsells.com+2Columbus Team+2
Mortgage rates remain a wild card. Even small changes in rate expectations or lending conditions can shift what buyers are willing / able to pay. douglasandassociatesrealty.com

🔍 Neighborhoods & Luxury Segment Insights

The luxury market (homes in the $600K-$1.5M+ range) is still showing strength. Price per square foot in higher end homes is increasing year over year, particularly in areas like Upper Arlington, Bexley, German Village, Short North, etc. themancinigroupsells.com
New construction remains expensive relative to existing homes — in some cases dramatically so. If you’re in the luxury/new-build bracket, expect to pay premium prices, especially for homes with high-end finishes or in prime locations. Axios+1

✅ What Buyers Should Know

If you’re looking to buy this fall:

You’ll find more options, which gives you more time to compare and negotiate.
Homes that are priced and presented well are still selling briskly; older or under-maintained homes are lingering.
Be ready with pre-approval and understand your mortgage options — rates are still a factor.
Consider timing: sellers may be more motivated as we move toward winter / year-end, which may open up better deals.

📉 What Sellers Should Think About

For those considering selling:

Make staging, good photography, and home condition priorities. It still makes a major difference in how quickly a home sells and for how close to list price. themancinigroupsells.com+1
Price strategically. With more inventory, buyers can afford to be pickier; homes priced too high tend to sit.
Consider listing sooner rather than later to get ahead of the slower winter months.
Those in the luxury market or in areas of strong demand should still be able to get good offers — especially if the property is in top shape.

🔮 Looking Ahead

Expect inventory to continue rising, especially as some homeowners who have been hesitant list their homes.
Price growth likely to persist, but more modestly. Big jumps are less probable unless there’s a shift in interest rates or macroeconomic conditions.
Buyer leverage will improve over what we experienced in the hottest months of 2024 and early 2025.
Investors will continue eyeing opportunities in neighborhoods with strong long-term upside, especially where homes are well-situated (walkability, amenities, transit) and/or tax incentives apply.

Bottom line: Columbus is seeing a more balanced market now than in the peak of the seller’s frenzy. This means good opportunities for both buyers (more choices, room for negotiation) and sellers who are strategic and realistic.

If you want a deep dive for your neighborhood, or to see what your home might sell for in today’s market, drop me a message — happy to help!