The Iowa housing market entered the new year with increased inventory and steady buyer activity, according to January 2026 data released by Iowa REALTORS.
New listings climbed to 3,072 properties in January, a 2.7% increase from the 2,991 new listings recorded in January 2025. Active listings reached 8,308, up 12.1% year-over-year.
“January’s increase in new listings is an encouraging sign for both buyers and sellers,” said Erik Melloy, Iowa REALTORS president. “More inventory creates opportunity and competition, and while we’re seeing the typical winter slowdown in closed sales, buyer interest remains steady. That positions the market well as we move toward spring.”
Closed sales totaled 1,827 in January, a 7.4% decline from 2,001 closed sales in January 2025. Pending sales dipped 1% year-over-year to 2,366 transactions.
The median sales price rose 7.7% to $231,500 in January, compared to $215,000 a year ago. Days on market increased 5.4% to 39 days.
“The market is showing a healthy balance to start the year,” said Les Sulgrove, Iowa REALTORS statewide housing analyst. “Prices continue to appreciate year-over-year, pending sales are holding firm, and inventory is improving. That combination tells us consumers are still confident, they’re just navigating the seasonality we expect this time of year.”
Condos and townhomes
The condo and townhome segment saw similar trends in January. New listings increased 10.6% year-over-year to 660 properties, while active listings rose 6.4% to 1,828.
Closed sales in the segment reached 239, up 7.2% from 223 sales in January 2025. Pending sales increased 3.6% year-over-year to 349 transactions.
The median sales price for condos and townhomes reached $232,500 in January, a 1.5% increase from $229,000 a year ago. Median days on market came in at 51 days, compared to 35 days in January 2025.
Iowa REALTORS is the state’s largest real estate professional organization, representing more than 8,000 members and affiliates.
