May 2026 New Albany Real Estate Market Report

Julie & Company | Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

The affluent suburb of New Albany continued to dazzle in May 2026. Situated on the northeast fringe of Columbus and straddling Franklin and Licking counties, this planned community is known for its Georgian‑style architecture, walkable village core and top‑ranked schools. Its housing market reflects that prestige: million‑dollar homes and estate lots dominate the landscape, and buyers are willing to pay a premium to live here. The latest figures from the Columbus REALTORS® local market update show that while sales slipped slightly from last year, prices surged to record highs and homes sold at lightning speed.

Compared with the broader Central Ohio market—where the May median sale price stood around $350,000 and days on market averaged 21 days—New Albany commands an order‑of‑magnitude premium. The typical sale now tops the million‑dollar mark, and listings spend barely two weeks on the market. Below is a breakdown of the numbers and what they mean for buyers and sellers.

Key metrics for May 2026

Metric	May 2025	May 2026	Year‑over‑year change
Closed sales	20 homes	19 homes	▼ 5.0%
Homes under contract	14 homes	16 homes	▲ 14.3%
Average sale price	$1,129,100	$1,312,153	▲ 16.2%
Median sale price	$787,500	$1,075,000	▲ 36.5%
Average price per sq ft	$301.68	$324.57	▲ 7.6%
Percent of original list price received	97.8%	98.0%	▲ 0.2%
Percent of last list price received	98.7%	99.2%	▲ 0.5%
Median days on market	41 days	13 days	▼ 68.3%
New listings	22	22	no change
Median list price of new listings	$837,450	$1,395,000	▲ 66.6%
Median list price at sale	$799,500	$1,075,000	▲ 34.5%
Inventory of homes for sale	24	27	▲ 12.5%
Months’ supply of inventory	1.7 mo.	2.0 mo.	▲ 17.6%

What the numbers mean

• Luxury market momentum – Even though closed sales slipped to 19 transactions, both average and median sale prices climbed sharply. The median sale price rocketed to $1.075 million, up more than 36% from a year ago. This jump reflects a surge of high‑end estate sales and new‑construction custom homes. The average price per square foot also rose to $324.57, underscoring the market’s strength.
• Faster pace – Homes are selling much more quickly. The median days on market fell from 41 days to just 13 days, meaning well‑prepared properties often go under contract in less than two weeks. This short time frame indicates there are plenty of qualified buyers ready to act when an attractive listing hits the market.
• Tight but growing supply – New listings held steady at 22, but total inventory ticked up to 27 homes and the months’ supply edged up to 2.0 months. While this is still far below the four‑to‑six‑month level considered a balanced market, it does provide a few more options than last year. Buyers will find more variety, but the low supply continues to favor sellers.
• Price expectations – Sellers received roughly 98% of their original list price and nearly 99% of the last list price, suggesting little room for negotiation. The median list price of new listings jumped to $1.395 million, indicating that many properties coming to market are large, upscale homes.

Advice for buyers

New Albany is a prestige market, and competition remains intense despite higher prices. To succeed:

• Secure financing early. Jumbo loans are common here; start working with a lender well in advance to get pre‑approved and understand your purchasing power.
• Be decisive. With the median days on market at 13, attractive homes move quickly. Have your must‑have list ready and be prepared to tour properties as soon as they become available.
• Consider older sections of town. While many buyers gravitate to new builds in the golf‑course communities, the original village and neighborhoods like Market Street may offer slightly lower price points and plenty of charm.
• Hire a local expert. Real estate agents who specialize in New Albany understand micro‑markets, homeowners’ association rules and upcoming developments. Their insights can help you identify value and avoid overpaying.

Advice for sellers

Sellers continue to hold the advantage, but achieving top dollar requires careful planning:

• Emphasize quality and condition. Buyers at this price point expect high‑end finishes and well‑maintained homes. Invest in professional staging and minor upgrades to highlight your property’s best features.
• Price strategically. While prices are rising, overpricing can still deter potential buyers. Work with an agent to analyze recent comparables and price your home just below the market peak to attract multiple offers.
• Prepare for a swift transaction. With homes selling in two weeks, make sure your next housing plan is ready before you list. An experienced agent can help coordinate timing so you’re not left scrambling.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median sale price in New Albany for May 2026? The median sale price reached around $1.075 million, reflecting a 36% year‑over‑year increase. This jump underscores the area’s status as one of Central Ohio’s most expensive markets.

How many homes sold in New Albany in May 2026? A total of 19 homes closed in May, compared with 20 in May 2025. Although the number of transactions dipped slightly, the value of those sales rose sharply.

How fast are homes selling in New Albany? Properties sold very quickly, with the median time on market dropping to 13 days from 41 days a year ago. Competitive offers and a limited supply contributed to the faster pace.

Is New Albany still a seller’s market? Yes. Even with a slight increase in inventory, the months’ supply sits at 2.0, well below the level needed for a balanced market. High demand and limited availability continue to favor sellers.

Looking ahead

New Albany’s housing market shows no signs of cooling. The community’s strong schools, corporate campuses and planned amenities attract executives and professionals from around the region. Expect continued price appreciation through the summer as high‑end inventory remains scarce. Buyers should monitor new construction releases, which may add a bit more supply later in the year. Sellers who list now can take advantage of peak demand and premium sale prices.

Let’s connect

If you’re considering buying, selling or investing in New Albany or any part of Central Ohio, Julie R. Wills and the Julie & Company team are ready to help. With decades of local experience and a track record of success in luxury markets, we can guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to discuss your real‑estate goals:

• Julie R. Wills, Team Lead
• Phone: 614‑558‑1579
• Email: admin@julieandcorealtors.com

Stay tuned for our next market update as we continue to tour Central Ohio’s most sought‑after neighborhoods.