March 2026 Franklin County Real Estate Market Report
Setting the scene: Central Ohio’s spring market
The spring housing season kicked off with modest growth across the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS. Sales in March edged up 0.5 % from a year ago, with 2,118 closings recorded. Inventory rose 3.1 % year over year to 4,067 units, helping to balance rising mortgage rates. The median sale price for the entire MLS was $335,000, a 4.7 % increase, and homes spent an average 46 days on the market. Franklin County accounted for nearly half of all regional closings—1,045 of the 2,118 sales—yet sales dipped slightly compared to 2025. These broader trends provide context for Franklin County’s performance.
Franklin County market summary
Franklin County’s housing market in March 2026 mirrored the region’s general resilience: prices continued to rise while sales volume slowed and days on market lengthened. The table below draws on the Local Market Update for Franklin County published by Columbus REALTORS® and ShowingTime to highlight key metrics.
| Metric | March 2025 | March 2026 | YoY change | Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed sales | 1,078 | 1,045 | –3.1 % | Slight drop in transactions. |
| Average sale price | $355,837 | $368,375 | +3.5 % | Modest price appreciation. |
| Median sale price | $310,000 | $320,000 | +3.2 % | Median price hit a record high. |
| Days on market | 33 days | 40 days | +21.2 % | Homes took one week longer to sell. |
| New listings | 1,531 | 1,600 | +4.5 % | More sellers entered the market. |
| Inventory (homes for sale) | 1,783 | 1,758 | –1.4 % | Slight decline in supply. |
| Months supply of inventory | 1.5 mos | 1.4 mos | –6.7 % | Still deep into seller’s‑market territory. |
| Percent of original list price received | 98.3 % | 97.4 % | –0.9 pt | Sellers conceded slightly more. |
Interpretation of the numbers
- Sales and contracts: Closed sales decreased 3.1 % year over year, and in‑contract signings fell 2.7 %. Year‑to‑date sales also declined 3.1 %, indicating a modest slowdown in buyer activity.
- Price momentum: Prices remained on an upward trajectory. The average sale price climbed to $368,375 (up 3.5 %) and the median sale price reached $320,000 (up 3.2 %). Year‑to‑date numbers show even stronger growth: the median sale price through March was $314,850, a 5.0 % increase.
- Time on market: Homes spent 40 days on market, up from 33 days last year. This 21% increase suggests buyers have a bit more time to negotiate, but the market remains fast by historical standards.
- Inventory and supply: New listings rose 4.5 % to 1,600, yet the inventory of homes for sale slipped slightly (–1.4 %) to 1,758 units. The months supply of inventory declined to 1.4 months. A balanced market typically has six months of supply, so conditions still favor sellers.
- Seller concessions: The percent of original list price received eased to 97.4 %, down nearly one point. This indicates buyers are negotiating slightly more off asking prices, but sellers continue to command near‑list offers.
Local context and insights
According to Columbus REALTORS®, the overall central Ohio market continues to reward preparation. Inventory growth and rising mortgage rates mean buyers should be pre‑approved and ready to act quickly, while sellers should present their homes in the best possible condition. Franklin County’s data reflects that narrative: despite fewer sales, prices remain firm and days on market are creeping up, giving buyers a bit more breathing room without significantly eroding seller leverage.
Advice for buyers and sellers in Franklin County
Buyers: With prices still climbing and inventory tight, buyers should secure financing early and be prepared to move quickly when the right home appears. The slight increase in days on market may create opportunities, but desirable properties continue to attract strong offers.
Sellers: Sellers benefit from rising prices and limited supply. However, as buyers become more selective, accurately pricing your home and investing in curb appeal or minor improvements can make a significant difference. Working with a knowledgeable agent ensures your listing stands out in a competitive marketplace.
Get expert guidance
For personalized advice on buying or selling in Franklin County, contact Julie R. Wills, Team Lead of Julie & Company | Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Julie offers neighborhood‑specific expertise throughout central Ohio.
- Phone: 614‑558‑1579
- Email: admin@julieandcorealtors.com
Look out for our next market report, where we’ll examine conditions in Delaware County. If you have questions about Franklin County neighborhoods or need data for a specific area, feel free to reach out.