By Kyle Alfriend, Alfriend Group / ReMax
The market continues up… but with a change.
This isn’t the 2019 or 2020 real estate market, but in 2025, Central Ohio continues to exceed the economic projections.
The Numbers Don’t Lie!
Home Prices:
Up 5.6% year-over-year in Central Ohio. Median home price? Hovering around $330,000 and climbing.
Why? Supply is still short, demand is still hot, and frankly, people want to live here. The Columbus metrocontinues to be one of the top 10 inbound migration markets in the country. Our economic diversity, Intel, education, healthcare, and lifestyle—plus our stability as the home of the state capital and OSU, continues to be king of the Midwest.
My Projection: Expect another 3-4% increase by Q4. This is a bit slower than 2021, but still aggressive. There may be some slower areas that plateau, but little chance of a downturn.
Interest Rates:
Currently hanging around 6.75% for a 30-year fixed, which is down from the 7%+ highs but still twice what we saw in 2021.
The Fed is signaling one rate cut this year… maybe. But don’t expect sub-6% rates in the foreseeable future.
What does that mean?
If you’re waiting for “better rates,” you’re missing equity growth. The cost of waiting is now outweighing the cost of borrowing. Time is not your friend here.
Inventory:
Still low. Central Ohio has less than 1.4 months of inventory, well below the 6-month mark that defines a balanced market. Builders are trying to fill the gap, but zoning boards are making that a very slow process.
Bottom line? It’s still a seller’s market. But there are some signs of buyer fatigue. The days of 30 offers in 48 hours are gone. But good homes, priced right, are moving in days, not weeks.
Who’s Winning (and Who’s Losing)
Buyers:
Yes, rates are higher, and prices are up.
But here’s the play: marry the home, date the rate.
If you find a house that fits your needs and builds equity, buy it now and refinance later. Waiting is not a strategy—it’s just indecision.
Smart buyers are:
- Offering strong but strategic
- Avoiding bidding wars by targeting overlooked properties
- Locking in before more competition arrives in late summer
For more information for home buyers in central Ohio, go here.
Sellers:
Still in control—but buyers are getting more strategic.
Overpricing your home is a death sentence.
Stage it right. Price it right. Market it right. Negotiate right.
The days of “list it and they will come” are over. Today’s buyer is informed, cautious, and picky. Lazy selling leaves money on the table.
For more information for home sellers and listing your home in central Ohio, go here.To learn the value of your home, go here.
Investors:
This is where it gets a little spicy.
Cash is king again. Short-term rental returns are tightening in saturated pockets, but long-term appreciation in Central Ohio is a slam dunk.
Look for:
- Undervalued zip codes near growth corridors (think: Hilliard, Gahanna, parts of Delaware County)
- Duplexes and small multis—there’s still upside in rents
- STRs near hospitals, universities, and corporate hubs—not just vacation zones
For more information on investing in real estate in central Ohio, go here.For a free copy of my newest e-book on managing your short-term rental, request it here.
Conclusion:
The central Ohio real estate market isn’t cooling—it’s evolving.
It’s no longer a sugar rush. It’s a long-term growth market with strong fundamentals and increasing complexity.
If you’re in the game—buyer, seller, or investor—you need more than MLS alerts and Zillow dreams.
You need data, strategy, and a team that’s been through wars.
This isn’t a moment to sit back. It’s a moment to lean in. It’s time to play offense.
Summary
Key Stats for June 2025:
- Median Home Price: $330,000 — up 5.6% year-over-year
- Interest Rates: ~6.75% (30-year fixed)
- Inventory: Just 1.4 months — still a strong seller’s market
- Time on Market: Homes priced right are going under contract in days
What This Means for You
BUYERS
Waiting for rates to drop? That’s betting against the market—and it’s costing you equity.
Buy smart, refinance later.
The strongest buyers are getting creative, moving fast, and focusing on properties that offer long-term growth.
SELLERS
You still have leverage, but the days of “lazy listing” are over.
Want top dollar? You need:
- Strategic pricing
- Staging
- Expert marketing
We’re selling fast, but not foolishly. Presentation matters more than ever.
INVESTORS
Short-term returns are getting tighter, but Central Ohio’s long-term appreciation is a juggernaut.
Look for:
- Undervalued suburbs near growth zones (Hilliard, Gahanna, Delaware Co.)
- Rent-ready multis and undervalued STRs
- Opportunity zones with infrastructure investment
If you’re playing the long game, Central Ohio is still one of the best markets in the U.S.
Interest Rates Outlook:
- Fed may cut rates late this year.
- Don’t expect sub-6% until 2026.
- Affordability is tight, but the market is adjusting—not collapsing.
My Forecast for the Rest of 2025:
- Home Prices: +3–4% growth
- Inventory: Will remain below normal
- Buyers: Slight relief, but still need to be aggressive
- Sellers: Golden window remains open—for now
Investors: Strongest returns in long-hold strategies, not short flips
Final Thought:
Central Ohio is a high-stakes, high-opportunity environment—and it rewards the informed and prepared.
If you want to play offense in this market, let’s talk.
Kyle Alfriend
Alfriend Group
About the Author
Kyle Alfriend is a top-producing real estate expert in Central Ohio with over 40 years of experience, helping over 3,000 clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate. Nationally recognized for his prospecting and negotiation strategies, he has been featured on CNN, FOX News, Fortune, and Forbes. Beyond real estate, Kyle is deeply committed to making an impact in the community through charitable initiatives and fundraising efforts.
