Cincinnati Market Notes
Cincinnati Real Estate Market News
The market, in plain English. Notes on prices, mortgage rates, and inventory — every figure summarized from a neutral, named source, so you can see where things stand at a glance.
August 20, 2026
Mortgage rates ease to 6.65% — second weekly decline in a row
Freddie Mac's weekly survey puts the average 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.65% as of August 20 — down from 6.67% the week before and the second straight weekly decline. The 15-year fixed averages 5.95%.
via Freddie Mac
Builders pulled 5% more permits in July — future supply in the pipeline
U.S. Census Bureau data show building permits rose 5.0% in July to a 1.44 million annual pace, 3.1% above a year earlier, even as housing starts slowed 12.4% to a 1.24 million pace. Permits point to building ahead; starts show a quieter summer on the ground.
via U.S. Census Bureau
Fewer brand-new homes reached the market in July
Housing completions ran at a 1.21 million annual rate in July per the U.S. Census Bureau — 9.1% below June and 16.8% below a year earlier. For sellers, that means less brand-new competition entering the market this fall.
via U.S. Census Bureau
July 18, 2026
Mortgage rates tick up to 6.55% — still below last summer
Freddie Mac's weekly survey puts the average 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.55% as of July 16 — up from 6.49% the week before, but below the 6.75% of a year ago. The 15-year fixed averages 5.93%.
via Freddie Mac
Home building snapped back 19% in June
U.S. Census Bureau data show housing starts rebounded to a 1.43 million annual pace in June, 3.5% above a year earlier. Most of the jump came from apartment construction — single-family starts held essentially flat — but more building gradually eases supply pressure for buyers.
via U.S. Census Bureau
More finished homes reached the market in June
Housing completions ran at a 1.39 million annual rate in June per the U.S. Census Bureau — 3.3% above May and 1.5% above a year earlier. Every newly finished home adds real choices for buyers shopping this summer.
via U.S. Census Bureau
June 16, 2026
Home prices keep rising modestly — up 1.3% from a year ago
The National Association of REALTORS® reports the national median existing-home price reached $429,300 in May, up 1.3% from a year earlier — a sign of slow, steady appreciation rather than rapid price spikes.
via National Association of REALTORS®
Builders pulled more permits — a sign of supply ahead
U.S. Census Bureau data show building permits rose 5.8% in April to a 1.44 million annual pace, and housing starts ran 4.6% above a year earlier. More new construction can gradually ease supply pressure for buyers over time.
via U.S. Census Bureau
June 13, 2026
Mortgage rates hold near 6.5% — still below last year
Freddie Mac's weekly survey puts the average 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.52% as of June 11 — modestly higher than last week's 6.48%, but well below the 6.84% of a year ago. The 15-year fixed averages 5.84%.
via Freddie Mac
Home sales jump 3.2% in May — Midwest leads the climb
The National Association of REALTORS® reports existing-home sales rose 3.2% in May to their highest pace since December, with Midwest sales up both month-over-month and year-over-year.
via National Association of REALTORS®
Buyers are seeing the widest selection in years
National housing inventory reached 4.5 months of supply in May, per NAR research — a more balanced market that gives prepared buyers real choices while well-priced homes keep selling quickly.
via NAR Research
Notes are summarized from the cited sources (local news, government data, and REALTOR® association research); all figures belong to those sources. New notes are added as fresh data is released.
What does this mean for your move?
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Ela Mildner-Shapiro · Sibcy Cline Realtors · (513) 703-4202