Understanding 2025 Home Prices: Why Ohio Is Still Holding Strong
Introduction: Pricing Confusion in 2025
There’s no shortage of headlines about affordability challenges and a possible housing slowdown, and for many buyers, the mood in 2025 reflects that uncertainty. Between persistent inflation concerns, high mortgage rates, and general anxiety about the broader economy, buyer sentiment has taken a hit. People are spending more cautiously—and that’s bleeding into real estate, too.
But when it comes to home prices, the national data tells a more stable story—and here in Ohio, the market is showing continued strength. While it feels like the market should be slowing, prices are actually holding up well, particularly in the Midwest.
According to a new HousingWire analysis, prices are up in most parts of the country so far in 2025, and Ohio’s weekly pending sales prices are up 6% year over year—outpacing many higher-cost markets.
National Picture: A Market That Refuses to Cool Off
Nationally, home prices are still increasing, even without a major drop in interest rates. In most markets, demand continues to exceed supply, and that’s keeping price levels high.
The HousingWire piece points out that the most commonly misunderstood factor is time: home prices tend to move slowly unless there’s a major economic shock. In fact, Outside of the Great Financial Crisis, home prices, as measured by the Case-Shiller Index, annually have fallen only once (1990).
So far in 2025, the narrative that prices are poised to fall just doesn’t hold up in the data.
Ohio’s Market: Quiet but Resilient
Zooming in, Ohio remains one of the strongest-performing states for price growth. According to the weekly pending sales price chart in the HousingWire article, prices here are up 6% year over year, while many other states are flat or declining.
This is especially true in cities like Columbus, where:
Relative affordability continues to attract out-of-state buyers.
Job growth remains steady.
Inventory is increasing, but not nearly enough to shift power away from sellers.
In other words, demand remains solid—and in many neighborhoods, competition is still intense.
What’s Driving Home Prices in 2025
With mortgage rates still elevated and buyer enthusiasm cooling, many wonder: Why are prices still going up?
The answer is simple: low supply.
Sellers have been hesitant to list, especially those locked into sub-4% mortgage rates. At the same time, life goes on—people still need to move for jobs, schools, or lifestyle changes. That combination of low supply and steady baseline demand is keeping prices stable or rising in most areas.
In Ohio, we’re also seeing strong interest from investors and out-of-state buyers looking for value, which continues to put upward pressure on pricing.
What Buyers Should Know
If you’re hoping to time the market for a drop in prices, it’s important to know that waiting may not deliver the outcome you expect—especially here in Central Ohio.
While you might see more room to negotiate or longer days on market in some price points, prices overall are holding steady or climbing. In areas with good schools and solid amenities, many homes are still receiving multiple offers.
Buying now—before demand picks up again later this year—could mean building equity faster than expected.
What Sellers Should Know
Sellers are remaining confident in 2025, and with good reason. Though it's as important as ever to list at the appropriate price and remain patient.
We’re no longer in the bidding war frenzy of 2021–2022, but homes in desirable neighborhoods are still commanding strong prices—especially if marketed well.
Conclusion: Local Trends Matter Most
The biggest takeaway from the HousingWire report—and what I’m seeing every day in the Columbus market—is that national headlines don’t always tell the full story.
Yes, buyers are nervous. Yes, the economy feels shaky. But that doesn’t mean home prices are on the verge of collapse. In fact, Ohio remains one of the most stable and appreciating markets in the country.
If you’re thinking of making a move, let’s talk about what’s happening in your specific neighborhood—not just what the national news is saying.
📨 Ready to take the next step? I’d love to help you navigate the market with confidence.