Northern Kentucky: A Market Finding Its Balance

The Northern Kentucky market showed steady movement this fall. In October, closed sales ticked upward compared to last year, and median home prices rose 5.1% to $310,000. Active listings grew nearly 10%, giving buyers a bit more breathing room than we’ve seen in recent years. Homes spent an average of 30 days on the market, a pace that allows both sides time to make thoughtful decisions.¹

For buyers, a slightly more balanced market means:

• A better chance of finding a home without rushing

• More opportunities to compare neighborhoods, schools, and features

• Less pressure to go far over asking price

For sellers, rising prices and steady sales activity mean:

• Your home is still in demand

• Well-priced listings are attracting qualified buyers

• You may have more leverage than you expect

It’s a reassuring sign for anyone looking to make a move in 2026.

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Greater Cincinnati: Strong Prices and Steady Demand

The Cincinnati side of the river continued to show strength as well. October 2025 data reveals a median sold price of about $310,000, mirroring NKY’s 5.1% year-over-year rise. Inventory across the region was roughly 30% higher than last fall, which helped increase both sales volume and the total number of homes sold.²

Homes here spent a median of only 10 days on the market — a gentle reminder to buyers to stay pre-approved and ready, but not panicked.

For buyers, this market rewards preparation — but also patience.

For sellers, the combination of higher prices and quick turnarounds underscores that Cincinnati continues to be a highly desirable place to live.

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Across Kentucky: A Steady Statewide Picture

Zooming out, the broader Kentucky housing market saw a typical seasonal dip in sales volume in October, but median prices remained close to $270,000, and the number of listings showed healthy stability.³

What this means:
Even with fluctuations, Kentucky's market overall remains solid, approachable, and relatively affordable — especially compared to national averages.

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National Trends: More Homes, More Balance, and More Opportunity

On the national stage, one trend stands out most clearly: housing inventory has now grown for 24 straight months.⁴ This has long been one of the biggest obstacles for buyers, and the continued rise is a sign that the ultra-tight markets of 2021–2023 are loosening.

The U.S. also saw its fastest home-sales pace since February 2025, thanks in part to brief dips in mortgage rates.⁵ Even small rate changes can make a big difference in monthly payments, and many buyers took advantage.

That said, affordability pressures are still real. National data shows a sharp increase in delistings — about 45% higher than last year — as some sellers hold out rather than drop prices.⁶

This creates a mixed market nationwide, but also one where prepared, informed buyers and sellers can still succeed.

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What This Means for 2026

Every sign points to 2026 shaping up to be a year of opportunity — especially for people who are supported by a trusted advisor and who take time to understand the numbers behind the headlines.

For buyers:
Inventory is expanding, prices are leveling out, and mortgage rates are expected to stabilize. It’s a great year to start planning, asking questions, and exploring neighborhoods.

For sellers:
Home values remain strong in both Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Thoughtful pricing, good preparation, and a well-presented listing continue to deliver excellent results.

No matter where you are in your journey, you don’t have to navigate it alone. A knowledgeable, patient guide — someone who sees real estate as a teaching relationship — can help you feel confident in every decision you make.

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References

1. Northern Kentucky Association of REALTORS®. “November 2025 Market Trends (October 2025 v. 2024).” NKAR Press Release, 5 Dec. 2025.

2. REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati. “Greater Cincinnati Housing Market Maintains Strength with Increase in Prices, Sales, and Inventory in October.” Oct. 2025.

3. Kentucky REALTORS®. “Kentucky REALTORS® Releases Housing Market Data for October 2025.” Link NKY, 20 Nov. 2025.

4. Krimmel, Jake. “October 2025 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report.” Realtor.com, 30 Oct. 2025.

5. “Existing Home Sales Rise Despite Government Shutdown.” Investopedia, Nov. 2025.

6. “Delistings Jump 45% as Sellers Pull Homes Rather Than Cut Prices.” Investopedia, Dec. 2025.

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