2026 Housing Market Forecast and Columbus Ohio Update

The national outlook for the 2026 housing market is finally pointing toward calm and stability rather than extremes. Major institutions expect modest price growth, mortgage rates to hold in the low 6% range, and a slow increase in home sales. Here in Central Ohio, the most recent Columbus REALTORS® report shows our market already moving in that direction with more inventory, more balance, and steady buyer activity.

National Housing Forecast for 2026

Home Prices, Slow, Steady Growth

Across all major institutions, NAR, Fannie Mae, Realtor.com, Redfin, Moody’s Analytics, the message for 2026 is clear and consistent.

• Most forecasts expect national home prices to rise **1%–4%** in 2026.
• NAR predicts about **4%** appreciation, noting that “home prices nationwide are in no danger of declining.”
  Source: NAR Forecast Summit
• Fannie Mae is more conservative at around **1.3%** price growth.
  Source: Fannie Mae Economic and Housing Outlook
• Moody’s Analytics projects virtually flat real appreciation, calling the next decade a “marathon, not a sprint,” where incomes slowly catch up.
  Source: Moody’s Analytics Forecast

Mortgage Rates, Low Sixes

• Rates are expected to hover between **6.0%–6.4%** through most of the year.
• Realtor.com notes rates will likely “remain roughly in the same 6% range.”
  Realtor.com National Housing Forecast
• Fannie Mae expects a gentle drift toward **6.0%** by year-end.
  Fannie Mae Outlook

While we will not see pandemic-level rates again anytime soon, even a small drop from **7%** can bring buyers back into the market.

Home Sales and Inventory

• NAR forecasts a **14%** jump in existing home sales in 2026.
  NAR 2026 Outlook
• Realtor.com expects sales to rise **1.7%**, describing 2026 as “a welcome, if modest, step toward a healthier market.”
  Realtor.com Forecast
• Redfin calls it “the beginning of a long, slow recovery,” with sales rising gradually as incomes finally grow faster than prices.
  Redfin 2026 Predictions

National takeaway: 2026 should feel more normal, moderate price growth, slightly better affordability, and more movement for both buyers and sellers.

Columbus Housing Market Update
(November 2025, Columbus REALTORS®)

The newest data from Columbus REALTORS® shows that Central Ohio is already moving toward the balanced, active market economists expect in 2026.

Closed Sales Are Up

2,193 homes closed in November, a **2.2%** increase year-over-year, clear evidence that buyers remain active.

Prices Continue To Rise Modestly

The median sales price reached **$325,000**, up **3.2%** year-over-year and identical to October, showing stable, predictable pricing.

Homes Taking Longer To Sell

Days on market increased to **40 days**, a **29%** rise from last year, giving buyers more breathing room.

Inventory Growing Significantly

Inventory rose to **5,497** homes for sale, a **19.5%** increase from 2024.

New Listings Holding Steady

There were **2,218** new listings, up **0.6%** year-over-year.

Expert Insight from Columbus REALTORS®

“More inventory and longer days on market are helping bring some balance back to Central Ohio’s housing market.” — Buffie Patterson, 2025 President, Columbus REALTORS®

She also shared a helpful perspective for winter buyers:

“The median sales price in June was $350,000, and it’s currently $325,000. That’s almost an 8% discount if you’re willing to bundle up during your move.”

Local Hot Spots

• Hilliard City Schools: 105 closed sales, up **31.3%**
• Olentangy Local Schools: 106 closed sales, up **14%**

Both districts remain strong magnets for families, community activity, and local pride, especially with Olentangy Orange securing a Division I football state championship.

What This Means for Columbus Buyers and Sellers in 2026

For Sellers

• Prices are stable and trending gently upward.
• Buyers remain active when homes are priced correctly.
• More inventory means slightly more competition, presentation and pricing matter.

For Buyers

• Rising inventory plus slower days on market equals opportunity.
• Winter and early spring may offer some of the best pricing we’ve seen in years.
• With national affordability expected to improve in 2026, move-up buyers may feel more confident.

For Anyone Making a Move in 2026

A calmer, more predictable market is good news. You can make decisions based on strategy, not urgency.

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