Lincoln, NE Housing Market Report

The Lincoln, NE housing market is currently navigating a period of stabilization as it moves into the final month of 2025. With a median home value of $280,333, the market has seen a steady 4.01% year-over-year increase. While sellers still maintain a slight advantage due to a sale-to-list ratio of 0.99—indicating homes are selling nearly at their asking price—the significant 19.66% surge in active inventory suggests that the extreme competition of previous years is beginning to cool. Buyers now have 846 active listings to choose from, providing more leverage than they have had in recent cycles.

Price trends over the last six months demonstrate a consistent upward trajectory, with values climbing from $273,987 in July to over $280,000 by December. This incremental growth reflects Lincoln's resilient local economy and its status as a stable state capital and university hub. Unlike more volatile coastal markets, Lincoln is experiencing a controlled appreciation that protects equity for current homeowners while remaining relatively accessible for first-time buyers. However, the increase in days on market to 54 days—an 11-day jump from last year—indicates that buyers are becoming more selective and are no longer rushing into offers.

Looking ahead, the Lincoln market is expected to remain balanced but lean toward a more neutral environment. For sellers, the key to a successful transaction in 2026 will be realistic pricing and property condition, as the era of immediate bidding wars has largely subsided. For buyers, the combination of rising inventory and longer marketing times presents a strategic window to negotiate on repairs or closing costs. While the rental market also remains strong with a 3.14% annual increase, the steady appreciation of home values continues to make homeownership a compelling long-term investment in the Nebraska capital.