Cincinnati, OH Housing Market Report

The Cincinnati housing market as of December 2025 is transitioning into a more balanced state, though it still retains a slight edge for sellers due to a high sale-to-list ratio of 0.99. With a median home value of $240,034, the region remains one of the more affordable metropolitan areas in the Midwest. However, the most notable shift is the significant 10.63% year-over-year increase in active inventory, which now stands at 4,923 units. This influx of supply, combined with an average of 46 days on market—a six-day increase from last year—suggests that the frantic pace of previous years is cooling, giving buyers more breathing room and leverage during negotiations.

Price trends over the last six months indicate a period of stabilization followed by a modest late-year rally. After hovering around the $238,000 mark throughout the third quarter, values began a steady climb in October, culminating in a 1.96% year-over-year gain by December. This incremental growth reflects a market that is avoiding the volatility seen in coastal regions, driven instead by steady local demand and a rental market that has remained relatively flat with only a 0.52% annual increase. The consistency in pricing suggests that while the rapid appreciation of the early 2020s has subsided, equity remains secure for current homeowners.

Looking ahead, the Cincinnati market presents a strategic window for both parties. For buyers, the increase in inventory and longer days on market mean less competition and a reduced likelihood of bidding wars, as evidenced by homes selling almost exactly at their list price. For sellers, while the market is no longer moving at lightning speed, the consistent upward trajectory of home values since July indicates that demand remains healthy. Participants should expect a stable environment in early 2026, where success will depend more on realistic pricing and property condition than on market momentum alone.