2026 Central Ohio housing market forecast: Bold trends ahead.
After several volatile years, balance is finally returning, and savvy buyers, sellers, and investors want to understand what 2026 will bring.
Columbus was recently named one of the top 10 housing hot spots for 2026, and that momentum isn’t accidental. Strong job growth, population gains, and relative affordability are reshaping how real estate decisions will be made this year.
We’re breaking down what to expect over the next year, and how to move strategically through it— whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or relocating to Central Ohio.
Mortgage rates in 2026: Relief, not a rewind.
Don’t expect a return to 3%, but the days of sustained 7% rates appear to be behind us.
What the data says:
Most forecasts point to 30-year fixed rates hovering in the mid 5% to low 6% range
Some projections show rates drifting toward the high 5s by late 2026
Inflation cooling and potential Fed easing could support gradual improvement
Why this matters:
Even a modest drop in rates significantly impacts monthly payments. Combined with wage growth now outpacing home price growth, buyers are regaining purchasing power they lost over the past two years.
This doesn’t mean homes are suddenly “cheap.” It does mean:
More buyers can qualify comfortably
Budgeting feels more predictable
Buyers who paused are re-entering with confidence
Smart buyer strategies we’re seeing
Seller-paid rate buydowns
Negotiated concessions
Adjustable-rate mortgages with long-term plans to refinance
Stronger leverage through timing and inspection contingencies
Bottom line:
2026 offers stability, not nostalgia. Rates are manageable, predictable, and finally allowing buyers to plan strategically instead of emotionally.
Inventory is rising… and that changes everything.
After years of tight supply, inventory across Central Ohio is expanding.
Late 2025 saw nearly a 20% year-over-year increase in available homes. That’s a little insane.
National inventory trends mirror this shift.
Buyers finally have options and time when finding the right home.
What’s driving the increase
The “lock-in effect” is slowly breaking as life changes force moves.
Population growth continues to fuel new construction.
Builders are cautiously increasing production.
Interestingly, new construction prices are becoming competitive. Builder incentives, smaller footprints, and emerging locations mean some new homes are priced below resale homes — a notable shift from recent years.
Where this shows up locally
New Albany, Sunbury, and Delaware County continue expanding.
Urban infill and tax-abated developments remain attractive.
Buyers open to new builds may find unexpected value.
The luxury inventory reality
Luxury homes remain relatively scarce, but inventory is inching upward. Price-per-square-foot in the luxury segment has continued to rise modestly, and that trend is expected to hold in 2026.
Many high-net-worth homeowners delayed listing.
New luxury condos and estate developments are entering the market.
Demand still outpaces supply for prime properties.
Bottom line:
This is not an oversupply market — it’s a healthier one. Buyers gain leverage. Sellers face competition. Strategy matters again.
Buyer demand remains strong, but selective
Despite higher rates, demand in Central Ohio remains resilient, fueled by jobs, lifestyle appeal, and national migration patterns.
1. Relocation buyers
Columbus continues attracting high-earning professionals from higher-cost markets. These buyers are decisive, data-driven, and often willing to pay for quality.
Tech, healthcare, and executive relocations remain strong.
Many buyers view Central Ohio luxury pricing as a value play.
Demand concentrates in top school districts and walkable urban areas.
2. Move-up and move-back buyers
Local homeowners who delayed upgrading are stepping off the sidelines. Seasonality also matters. Buyers moving outside peak summer months are finding pricing advantages and less competition.
Why now?
Rate stability
Slower price growth
Improved inventory in higher-end segments
Many are:
Trading suburban homes for urban living
Leveraging equity strategically
Targeting tax-abated or new construction options
3. First-time and returning buyers
2026 may finally reopen the door for first-time buyers who were priced out. Expect activity in more affordable pockets and older suburbs where value remains strong.
Competition has cooled
Inventory has improved
Negotiation power has returned
Bottom line:
Well-priced homes will still move quickly — but buyers are informed, cautious, and strategic.
Sellers in 2026: Confident, but not complacent
This is not a panic market, but it’s no longer a free-for-all. Homes are taking longer to sell, and that’s normal and nothing to worry about.
What sellers can expect
Modest price appreciation (roughly 2–4%)
Longer days on market compared to recent years
Buyers who scrutinize pricing and condition
How sellers win in 2026
Price it right from day one: Overpricing leads to stagnation. Buyers are watching days on market closely and discounting stale listings.
Condition matters more than ever: Move-in-ready homes still command strong pricing. Properties needing updates often sit or attract aggressive negotiations.
Focus on:
Presentation
Strategic updates
Professional staging and photography
Timing and patience: Expect 30–60 days on market depending on price point and condition. Sellers who stay flexible and responsive perform best.
Seller mindset for 2026: For sellers who are also buyers, balance can work in your favor. Less chaos on both sides of the transaction. Think strategic, prepared, and realistic. Not rushed.
Investors: Opportunity with discipline
Central Ohio remains a compelling investment market, but 2026 demands sharper underwriting.
Long-term rentals
Investors are increasingly targeting homes that sit longer on the market, allowing room for negotiation and value-add improvements.
Rental demand remains strong due to:
Population growth
Delayed homeownership
Job expansion
Opportunities exist in:
Revitalizing urban neighborhoods
Tax-abated new builds
Small multifamily properties in high-demand areas
Short-term rentals
Vacation rental markets — particularly Hocking Hills — remain active but are maturing. Well-designed, well-managed properties will continue to perform. Speculative, poorly planned investments may struggle.
Key considerations:
Regulatory scrutiny is increasing
Permit and safety requirements are tightening
Occupancy normalization is expected
Bottom line:
Returns are still there — but strategy, compliance, and flexibility matter more than ever.
This is a year to move intentionally, guided by data, not fear or hype.
Our team doesn’t chase headlines — we translate them into strategy. We help clients think two steps ahead, protect their position, and execute with confidence. Whether you’re buying, selling, relocating, or investing, 2026 rewards those who stay informed and act decisively.
If you’re ready to make a move, let’s talk strategy and build a plan that puts you ahead.
The Mancini Group
mandy@themancinigroupsells.com
614-796-5077
