Des Moines Home Sales: Days on Market Hit 7-Year High – February 2026 Report

The Des Moines area housing market is showing signs of cooling, with homes taking longer to sell than they have in over seven years. In February, properties were on the market for an average of 75 days, according to a review of data from the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors. This marks the longest average time on market since March 2019, when homes averaged 77 days to sell.

The shift represents a notable change from recent years. In February 2025, homes were selling in an average of 73 days. The extended timeline suggests a slowdown in buyer activity and a potential recalibration of expectations in a market that has favored sellers for an extended period. This trend aligns with a broader national picture of increasing housing inventory and moderating price growth, as reported by CNBC, which details the growing unaffordability of today’s housing market.

Sales Volume and Pricing Trends

Despite the longer time on market, February saw an increase in the number of homes sold compared to January. A total of 763 homes were sold in February, up 11.5% from the 684 sold in January. This figure as well represents a 5.8% increase from the 521 homes sold in February 2025. However, the median sales price experienced a slight dip, falling to $292,000 from $295,000 in January.

The inventory of homes available for sale also saw a modest increase, with 3,855 homes listed in February, compared to 3,826 in January. This slight rise in inventory could be contributing to the longer days on market, giving buyers more options and reducing the sense of urgency that characterized the market in recent years.

Financing Landscape

Conventional financing remained the dominant method of securing a home purchase in February, accounting for 70% of all transactions, or 535 sales. Cash purchases represented a significant portion of the market as well, with 121 transactions, or 15.9% of sales, being completed with cash. The prevalence of cash buyers can often indicate a competitive market segment, where buyers are able to close deals quickly and potentially offer more attractive terms to sellers.

Broader Market Context and Implications

The Des Moines area’s housing market performance mirrors some of the national trends observed in February. According to Business Record, homes nationally averaged 75 days on the market in February, the longest stretch since 2019. This suggests a broader cooling trend across the country, driven by factors such as rising interest rates and increased housing supply.

The longer days on market could have several implications for both buyers and sellers. Sellers may need to adjust their pricing expectations and be more patient in finding a buyer. Buyers, may have more negotiating power and a wider selection of homes to choose from. The Des Moines Area Association of Realtors acknowledged the slower pace, noting in a news release that “Market speed historically accelerates in March, marking the transition into the high activity spring season.” This suggests that the association anticipates a potential rebound in activity as the weather improves and the spring home-buying season begins.

Impact on the Local Economy

The housing market is a significant driver of economic activity in the Des Moines area. A slowdown in sales can have ripple effects throughout the local economy, impacting related industries such as construction, real estate services, and home furnishings. However, the increase in sales volume compared to January suggests that the market is not experiencing a complete standstill. The continued demand for housing, albeit at a slower pace, indicates that the local economy remains relatively healthy.

Regulatory and Legal Developments

While not directly impacting the Des Moines market data, it’s worth noting a recent legal case in Iowa. KCRG reported the suspension of a doctor’s medical license due to admitted daily cocaine use. While seemingly unrelated, this highlights the importance of professional conduct and regulatory oversight within all sectors, including those connected to real estate transactions (e.g., home inspectors, appraisers).

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the Des Moines area housing market. The spring home-buying season typically sees an increase in activity, and it remains to be seen whether this year will follow that pattern. Factors such as interest rate movements, economic growth, and consumer confidence will all play a role in shaping the market’s performance. Monitoring inventory levels, sales volume, and pricing trends will be key to understanding the evolving dynamics of the local housing market. The Des Moines Area Association of Realtors will likely continue to provide updates on market conditions, offering valuable insights for both buyers and sellers.