The Iowa housing market maintained steady performance in December despite typical seasonal declines in activity, according to data released by Iowa REALTORS.
Single-family home inventory remained at pre-2020 levels while prices continued moderate growth, the organization reported.
“November and December reflected very typical seasonal movement, but the bigger picture remains encouraging,” said Travis Bushaw, 2025 Iowa REALTORS president. “Inventory levels are holding at pre-2020 ranges, prices continue to grow at a sustainable pace, and year-over-year gains in closed sales signal that the market is stabilizing. That combination positions Iowa for a stronger start to 2026 than what we experienced at the beginning of 2025.”
Single-family homes
New listings rose 4.6% to 2,064 in December compared with 1,973 in December 2024, but declined 31.9% from November’s 3,032 listings.
Active inventory increased 12.7% year-over-year to 8,490 single-family homes, up from 7,533 properties one year earlier. Month-over-month, active inventory fell 11.2% from November’s 9,560 listings.
Closed sales totaled 2,842 in December, an 8.1% increase from 2,629 homes sold in December 2024 and 8.1% above November’s 2,630 sales.
Pending sales reached 1,890 transactions, down 1.7% from 1,861 in December 2024 and down 28.1% from November’s 2,546 pending sales.
Median sales price rose 4.3% year-over-year to $240,000, up from $230,000 in December 2024. The median price dipped 0.9% from November’s $242,200.
Days on market increased 14.7% to 39 days compared with 34 days one year earlier and rose 44.4% from November’s 27 days.
Condos and townhomes
The condo and townhome segment showed more pronounced seasonal effects.
New listings declined 19.3% to 263 properties from 326 in December 2024, and fell 35.5% from November’s 408 listings.
Active inventory increased 1% year-over-year to 1,644 properties but decreased 12.6% from November’s 1,882 active listings.
Closed sales dropped 5.2% to 309 transactions from 326 in December 2024, but rose 10% from November’s 281 sales.
Pending sales totaled 214, down 6.1% from 228 one year earlier and down 27% from November’s 293 pending sales.
Median days on market increased 30.5% to 54 days from 41 days in December 2024, and rose 44.6% from November’s 37 days.
Median sales price fell 5.6% year-over-year to $222,990 and declined 5.6% from November’s $230,000.
“Seasonal shifts in pending sales and days on market are expected this time of year, especially in the condo and townhome segment,” said Les Sulgrove, Iowa REALTORS statewide housing analyst. “What’s important is that long-term trends remain steady, with inventory availability improving and pricing adjustments creating a healthier balance between buyers and sellers as we head into the new year.”
