If you have been following housing trends or trying to decide whether to enter the Dayton market, you are not alone. In the Miami Valley, homes have been experiencing steady price increases over the last year, with shifting inventory and a combination of opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers. This season feels like a market in transition—not wildly crazy, but certainly not boring either.
In this update we will break down the latest trends in pricing, inventory and sales activity—and what that means for you, as a buyer or seller, right now.
Current Market Status in Dayton Real Estate
Across Montgomery, Greene, Warren, Darke and Preble counties, home prices kept climbing through the end of 2025 and into early 2026. According to local Realtor MLS data, the median sales price in 2025 increased about 6% year over year, landing near $255,000. The average sales price also rose by just over 5%.
Another set of metrics shows that Dayton’s median home value is moving higher, compared to a few years ago—a trend that signals continued price strength, rather than a decline.
That tells buyers two things:
- Dayton remains affordable, relative to many markets; but values are firming.
- Price growth suggests sustained demand.
Sales Activity and Inventory Trends in Dayton Real Estate
Sales Volume: Consistent, but Not Surging
Dayton’s sales figures aren’t grabbing attention, but they remain consistent. Each year they climb slightly—nothing remarkable, just gradual, steady improvement. In 2025, there was a slight increase in the number of homes sold in the Dayton area, compared to 2024. This indicates that the market is not slowing down drastically, but it is leveling off.
With that said, seasonal volume may also fluctuate (spring usually is the busiest time). According to local agents, it is observed that during early 2025, transactions were slightly lower than those of the previous year (probably due to the effect of interest rates and weather conditions), yet prices were still on the increase.
Low Inventory Is Still Driving Pressure
Stock is still one of the characteristics of the Dayton market. As of late 2025, there were active listings that translated to less than three months of supply—far less than the five to six months regarded as a comfortable amount between buyers and sellers.
What that means in real terms:
- When homes are highly priced, sellers still retain leverage.
- Buyers have competition in the popular municipalities, particularly for move-in-ready homes.
Inventory is only slightly greater than last year. While there is still an opportunity to make a choice, it is tight, according to historical standards.
Days on Market and Buyer Leverage
Despite price increases and low inventory, homes in Dayton are staying on the market longer than they did a year ago, indicating a slight variation toward a more balanced dynamic.
An increased number of “days on market” may also sometimes translate into higher bargaining power, when buyers are not too tactical and the houses are not overpriced.
What Buyers Should Know
1. Affordability Is Relative
Dayton still offers more affordable pricing than many other metro areas, and median home prices are significantly below national averages; but affordability does not mean easy, especially with mortgage rates still higher than pre-pandemic levels.
2. Expect Competition for Good Listings
Low inventory often means:
- You will want to act quickly on well priced homes.
- Pre-approval and a solid financing plan can make your offer stronger.
- In desirable neighborhoods, multiple offers are common.
3. Negotiation Matters More
Longer market time and cautious sellers mean that buyers who:
- Are flexible on closing timing
- Know comparable sales
- Or offer smart contingencies
…might find more negotiating room than in last year’s lowest inventory months.
What Sellers Should Know
1. Pricing Right Is Still Critical
Homes that are aggressively priced (not overpriced) tend to attract attention quickly. Because inventory is thin, well prepared sellers can benefit from strong pricing momentum.
2. Slight Increase in Listings Helps Buyers
There are slight increases in listings over last year, which is good news to buyers; but supply is still very low, in comparison to demand.
Sellers should still be able to expect:
- Increased sales to list share prices
- Multiple showings
- Sound value on well managed houses
3. Timing Near Spring Can Boost Visibility
This is typical of most markets; and spring is usually a good period to get more buyers emerging from hibernation. An early spring listing, accompanied by good photos and staging, can be effective to maximize exposure and price.
Market Outlook—Looking Ahead
Indicators of interest include:
- Mortgage rates: Any reduction would increase the participation of buyers.
- Seasonal inventory changes: Once spring arrives, the number of listings typically increases, which can relieve buyers.
- Local economic dynamics: Housing demand is facilitated by employment growth and regional investment.
Conclusion
The real estate market in Dayton is exhibiting a stable progression in prices, a low holding level and a balanced, yet active demand. Buyers should be ready with financing and a plan, and sellers need to price and present homes intelligently. Both parties should be knowledgeable of local trends, in relation to national headlines.
If you want to buy your first house, sell it at a high price or simply keep your finger on the pulse of the market, there is no better advantage than being informed.
Ready to make a move? Contact Jill Team to help you to navigate through the entire process of buying or selling in the Dayton real estate market with confidence.

