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Des Moines Real Estate Market Report 2026 | Prices, Trends & Data
Updated February 2026

Des Moines Market Trends

Free monthly market data, interactive charts, and neighborhood insights for the Des Moines metro. Make smarter real estate decisions with data — plus insurance risk insights most reports miss.

Explore Neighborhoods Monthly Updates

January 2026 Market Snapshot New

Updated February 4, 2026
Approaching Balance
Still favoring sellers, but inventory is growing
Months of Inventory2.8 months
List-to-Sale Ratio97.4%
Avg Days on Market35 days
Sold Over Asking~20%
💰
$240K
Median Sale Price
↑ 4.3% YoY
📊
$148
Price Per Sq Ft
↑ 5% YoY
🏠
4,350
Active Listings
↑ 15% YoY
📈
13,870
Homes Sold (2025)
↑ 4.9% YoY

📰 January Headline: The "Normal" Market Is Back

After years of pandemic-driven volatility, the Des Moines metro has stabilized. Inventory has returned to 2019 levels, prices are growing at a sustainable 4.3% pace, and buyers can take a breath before writing an offer. Below $350K remains a seller's market, $350K–$800K is balanced, and above $800K favors buyers.

📄 Download Full Report (PDF) 🕐 Market Timing Calculator 💰 Net Proceeds Calculator

📈 Iowa Median Price Trends (5-Year)

Iowa home prices have shown steady appreciation since 2021, with the statewide median reaching $240,000 in December 2025 — up 4.3% year-over-year. Growth has moderated from the rapid pace of 2021–2022 into a sustainable pattern. Calculate your potential net proceeds in today's market.

⚖️ Understanding Market Conditions

Real estate markets are classified by months of inventory — how long it would take to sell all current listings at the current sales pace. With 2.8 months, Des Moines is still technically a seller's market but trending toward balance. Use our market timing calculator to see how conditions affect your situation.

🔥

Seller's Market

Less than 3 months of inventory. Homes sell quickly.

Current: Under $350K
⚖️

Balanced Market

3-6 months of inventory. Neither side has a clear advantage.

Current: $350K–$800K
❄️

Buyer's Market

More than 6 months of inventory. Buyers have leverage.

Current: $800K+

🏘️ Neighborhood Market Data

Median prices and trends for the most popular communities in the Des Moines metro. Compare neighborhoods or explore all communities.

Waukee
$365K
↑ 6.1% YoY
Clive
$345K
↑ 3.5% YoY
West Des Moines
$340K
↑ 3.8% YoY
Johnston
$335K
↑ 3.2% YoY
Grimes
$320K
↑ 4.8% YoY
Ankeny
$315K
↑ 5.2% YoY
Urbandale
$290K
↑ 3.5% YoY
Des Moines
$215K
↑ 3.9% YoY

📈 Highest Appreciation (YoY)

  • 1Waukee+6.1%
  • 2Ankeny+5.2%
  • 3Grimes+4.8%
  • 4Des Moines+3.9%
  • 5West Des Moines+3.8%

⚡ Fastest Selling (Avg DOM)

  • 1Waukee18 days
  • 2Ankeny21 days
  • 3Grimes24 days
  • 4Johnston26 days
  • 5West Des Moines28 days

📊 2025–2026 Price Trend

🛡️

Insurance Risk Indicator

Exclusive insight from 10+ years in property insurance

↑

Hail Damage Claims

Central Iowa saw 23% more hail claims in 2024 — affecting rates

→

Foundation Issues

Clay soil remains a concern in older Des Moines neighborhoods

↑

Roof Replacement

Homes built 2000–2010 entering replacement cycle

↑

Water Damage

Basement flooding claims rising 15% YoY in Des Moines metro

🗓️ Seasonal Market Patterns

The Des Moines real estate market follows predictable seasonal patterns. Understanding these can help you time your strategy.

🌸

Spring (Mar–May)

Peak listing season. Most inventory, most competition.

Highest Activity
☀️

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Families moving before school. Strong demand continues.

Fast Sales
🍂

Fall (Sep–Nov)

Activity slows but serious buyers remain. Less competition.

Motivated Buyers
❄️

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Slowest season but least competition. Serious buyers only.

You Are Here

⚠️ Timing Isn't Everything

Personal circumstances often matter more than market timing. The "best" time to buy or sell is when it's right for your situation. Seniors planning a downsizing move or families relocating for work should prioritize their own timelines.

2026 Des Moines Market Outlook

What do current trends mean for the year ahead? Subscribe to stay updated as the forecast evolves.

💰

Home Prices

Moderate appreciation expected. Rising inventory may temper growth. Estimate proceeds.

+2–4% Expected
📊

Inventory

Projected to grow 5–10%, trending toward balance. More options for buyers.

Growing Toward Balance
🏦

Mortgage Rates

Stabilized around 6.75%. Expected to hold unless inflation shifts. Calculate payment.

6.5–7% Range

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

As of January 2026, the statewide median sale price is $240,000, up 4.3% year-over-year. Prices vary significantly by neighborhood — from $215K in Des Moines proper to $365K in Waukee.

The market is approaching balance with 2.8 months of inventory. Below $350K remains a seller's market, $350K–$800K is balanced, and above $800K favors buyers. Inventory has increased 15% year-over-year.

Average days on market is 35 days metro-wide, up from 30 days a year ago. Fast-moving suburbs like Waukee and Ankeny average 18–21 days for well-priced homes.

Key risks include hail damage (claims up 23%), foundation issues from clay soil in older neighborhoods, roof replacement needs for 2000–2010 builds, and basement flooding (claims up 15% YoY). My insurance background helps identify these before you make an offer.

Spring offers the most inventory but the most competition. Winter has fewer listings but more motivated buyers and sellers. The best time depends on your circumstances — a good agent can help you navigate any market condition.

📁 Monthly Report Archive

December
2025
$240K
Median Price
39 days
Avg DOM
Download PDF
November
2025
$242K
Median Price
27 days
Avg DOM
Download PDF
October
2025
$238K
Median Price
25 days
Avg DOM
Download PDF

Want a Custom Market Analysis?

These reports show metro-wide trends. For a detailed analysis of your specific neighborhood or a valuation of your home, I'm happy to prepare a custom report.

About Sarah

📋 Data Sources & Disclaimer

Market data compiled from Iowa REALTORS® statewide statistics, DMAAR MLS data, Redfin, Realtor.com, and public records. Data available 7–10 days after month end. Neighborhood figures are estimates and may vary from final MLS reports. Forecasts are opinions based on current trends, not guarantees. For current information on a specific property, contact me directly.

Smart Move Des Moines

Sarah Ingles, REALTOR® SRES® · (563) 513-8771 · [email protected]

Brokered by CHASE. Collective Real Estate · Equal Housing Opportunity · Member DMAAR · MLS Participant

© 2026 Smart Move Des Moines. All rights reserved. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.