Dayton, OH (February 2026) – The Dayton housing market is showing early signs of acceleration, as we head into 2026. A growing number of homes is being listed for sale, and buyer interest remains robust, creating a dynamic and active market environment. Data from the Dayton REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) highlights a notable uptick in seller activity toward the end of 2025, with more homeowners choosing to put their properties on the market. This surge has expanded options for buyers, providing a wider selection as the new year gets underway.

In 2025, the Dayton MLS recorded more than 17,800 homes listed for sale, a 4% increase compared to the previous year. This rise in inventory reflects growing confidence among sellers and a willingness to test the market. Sales figures also showed a modest, but positive trend, with transactions increasing by about 1%. At the same time, the total dollar volume of homes sold climbed approximately 6%. These numbers signal sustained buyer engagement and a resilient market, in which property values are continuing to edge upward.

Home prices in Dayton continue to reach new heights. The median sale price reached around $255,000, marking an increase of about 6% year over year. Average sale prices also climbed, rising nearly 5.7%. This ongoing appreciation suggests that, even as more homes become available, demand remains strong, and buyers are still eager to make purchases. The willingness of buyers to pay these higher prices demonstrates confidence in the local market and expectations of continued growth.

By the close of 2025, the sale-to-list-price ratio hovered at almost 99.7%. This impressive figure indicates that, when homes are priced appropriately, they continue to attract substantial interest and often sell very close to their asking price. The sustained demand at these high sale-to-list ratios points to a competitive market, in which buyers are still motivated, even as choices expand. As 2026 gets underway, market analysts interpret the combination of increased listings and steady buyer demand as a positive development, suggesting that Dayton’s housing market may be transitioning toward greater stability and health, after several years of tight inventory and fast-paced sales.

Looking ahead to the spring season, local real estate professionals are optimistic that buyer activity will remain strong, especially as the inventory of available homes continues to grow. The larger pool of listings is expected to create a more balanced environment for house hunters, making the process smoother and less stressful, particularly for families seeking stability and long-term investment in Dayton’s neighborhoods. With more options to choose from and continued market momentum, Dayton’s housing market seems poised for a vibrant and active year ahead, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers, as the region continues to evolve.