Lately, I’ve been watching the housing market numbers closely for Columbus and Central Ohio, and the national picture tells a familiar story: home prices continue to tick up on paper, but the real value—what your dollar actually buys—has been quietly eroding. In Q2 2026, while one federal index showed prices stayed flat month-over-month (after seasonal adjustment), a national measure pointed to modest yearly appreciation of around 1.5% by late Q2. That’s a bit firmer than the 1% we saw mid-quarter, but still trailing inflation, which hovered near 3.5%. That means, once you factor in inflation, home values have actually slipped for the 13th month in a row, though the pace of this erosion has slowed as inflation cools and nominal prices hold up. It’s worth noting that since early 2012, at least one federal measure has shown steady annual gains, underscoring how resilient nominal prices have been—even as buyers feel the real pinch. For those considering a move, especially first-time buyers, the biggest hurdle remains affordability: typical monthly payments for existing single-family homes rose again this quarter, making the path to homeownership steeper. My approach has always been to bring clarity and market insight to these shifts, helping clients—whether buying their first place, building new, or investing—navigate each step with confidence. As the market evolves, I’m here to help you protect long-term value and understand what these trends mean for your next move.
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