April Housing in Des Moines Metro Begins its Increase

May 13, 2025

 

The Des Moines housing market began to ramp up in April. Despite an increase in the number of days home spent on the market, sales, inventory, availability, and the median sales price all increased compared to the previous year, pointing to another potentially flourishing summer market.

"The Des Moines housing market is showing clear signs of renewed strength this spring, with rising inventory, increased sales activity, and a healthy bump in median prices—all pointing toward a dynamic summer season ahead,” said Eric Webster, Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS® president. “In a market like this, partnering with a trusted local REALTOR® is key to navigating opportunities and making confident, informed decisions."

The 3,813 homes on the market in April marked a  23% increase compared to the 3,100 homes listed during the same period last year. Compared to March, active listings increased from 3,487, creating an increase of 9%, pointing to confidence for those looking to sell.

Home sales witnessed a modest increase of 1.6%, adding an additional 18 sales compared to last year, bringing the total sales up to 1,161 homes sold in April. April had also seen a significant increase in home sales compared to the prior month, adding an additional 186 units sold, a 19% increase. 

Pending home sales in April were relatively unchanged, adding just 20 additional pending sales compared to last year, making for a grand total of 1,454 pending sales, a 1.4% increase. However, month-to-month pending sales jumped 7.6%, from 1,351 in March to 1,454 in April. 

Although days on market increased from 58 to 66 days compared to last year – a 13.7% increase – April’s days on market dropped 8% from the 72 days on market recorded in March. 

The median home sales price in Des Moines also increased by 4.9% from $282,500 in April 2024 to $296,500 last month. April also saw an increase in its median sales price compared toMarch, jumping 2.3% from $289,900.

Of the total units sold in April, conventional financing accounted for 72% of all sales, bringing the total to 832 total transactions. Also within total units financed, cash purchases made up 14% of the total purchases in April. First-time Homebuyer Assistance (FHA) financing accounting for nearly 9% of total homes financed in the Des Moines area.

Unique Des Moines Housing Data Points for April

• The bulk of homes for sale are still currently in their first 30 days on the market, totaling 625 units, making up nearly 54% of the total listings. However, as the data for April shows, homes do not stay on the market much longer after those first 30 days. From 31 to 60 days on market, homes dropped to just 143 units. Homes that have spent 61 days or more on the market account for 59%. This means that if one’s home does not sell within the first 60 days, they might be looking at an extended wait until the right buyer comes along.

• Of homes sold in Des Moines for April, a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sold for an average of $336,805, and spent 66 days on the market.