Is Columbus really a buyer’s market now?
If you’re looking to buy a home in the greater Columbus, Ohio area, you’re probably asking: “Is now a good time to buy?” As a real-estate agent who lives and works in Columbus, I hear that question a lot. The short answer: yes, with caveats. The data shows more opportunities for buyers than we’ve seen in several years—but it’s not a full-blown buyer’s market across all price ranges and neighborhoods.
Let’s dig in.
What the numbers are saying
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Inventory is rising significantly. In January 2025, active listings in Central Ohio were up about 34% year-over-year, giving buyers more choice.
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In April 2025 the number of homes for sale soared ~45% over the previous year.
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Median sales price is still increasing—June 2025 shows a median of roughly $350,000, up ≈4.5% over the previous year.
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Homes are staying on the market a little longer: median days on market rose from 22 to 25 in one year.
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Despite more homes for sale, the months-supply is still low (about 1.8 months vs. 4-6 months needed for a truly balanced market).
So what does that mean for buyers?
Because inventory has expanded and buyers now have more alternatives, the leverage is shifting a little toward buyers—especially in certain neighborhoods, price brackets, or when homes are priced aggressively. Here’s where a buyer may have more room to negotiate:
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Price negotiations: With more homes available, sellers may be more willing to entertain offers below asking or offer incentives.
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More selection: More listings means less “will-it-be-gone-by-the-weekend” urgency. Buyers can afford to walk away if something isn’t right.
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Less bidding-war pressure: In many mid-price segments, the frenzy of multiple offers has eased, meaning you have a better chance at clean transactions without crazy escalation clauses.
But it’s not a full buyer’s market yet
A true buyer’s market would mean months of supply over 4-6, falling prices, and significant negotiating power. That’s not entirely the case here. Some caution points:
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Prices are still rising, albeit modestly. The increase may be small, but upward pressure remains.
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Hot neighborhoods still favor sellers: Prime school districts, newly developed suburbs, and homes in near-downtown or transit-friendly areas remain competitive. One report noted that while inventory is up 8% year-over-year in Q1, demand is still strong in desirable pockets.
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Interest rates remain a wild card: While inventory helps, higher rates dampen buyer affordability and can delay the market shift.
My take: strategies for buyers now
If I were advising a buyer in Columbus this week, here’s what I’d suggest:
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Be ready to move quickly when you find the right home. More inventory gives you options—but the best homes still go fast.
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Keep your budget disciplined. Rising prices and rates still pinch affordability—don’t stretch too far.
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Leverage the inventory surge: Use it as a negotiation tool—ask for inspection concessions, price reductions, or closing help where the seller needs to move.
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Work with a local expert (that’s me!) who knows which sub-markets have softened vs. which are still seller-strong.
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Ensure your financing is solid. With fewer bidding wars, you can benefit from smoother conditions—so having pre-approval and being ready is key.
Final word
Is Columbus really a buyer’s market? Not fully—but it’s moving in that direction. The market is becoming more balanced, which means buyers have better opportunities and more negotiating power than they did during the peak seller-market era. If you want advantages, act now—when inventory is elevated before it tightens up again.
If you’d like to chat about specific neighborhoods, price ranges, or get a custom alert set up for when listings hit the market, drop us a line anytime. We’d love to help you navigate this changed landscape.