Growing Inventory and Steady Sales Signal Strong Summer Market in Des Moines

June 12, 2026

The Des Moines metro housing market continued to gain momentum in May, with rising inventory and steady sales signaling a healthy transition into the busy summer homebuying season, according to statistics from the Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS®.

"May's housing data reflects a market that continues to provide opportunities for both buyers and sellers," said Scott Steelman, president of the Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS®. "Inventory is expanding, giving buyers more choices, while sales activity and home prices remain strong. As we move into the summer months, these trends point to a balanced and active market across the metro."

An increase in active listings illustrated the strength of the incoming summer market with 4,130 active listings in May, a 4.7% increase from the 3,944 active listings of one year ago. Compared to April, active listings increased 5.7% from the 3,909 recorded at that time. 

Closed sales remained steady in May with 1,435 transactions, a 2.3% increase from the 1,403 closed sales of one year ago. Month–over-month, closed sales jumped 16.3% from the 1,234 closed sales of April. 

Pending sales continued subtle movement toward a busy summer market. The 1,481 pending sales represent a 2.3% increase over the 1,447 sales of May 2025. Monthly, pending sales slipped ever-so-slightly by 5.7% from the 1,571 pending transactions of the previous month. 

Median sales price came to $306,000, a 2% increase from the $300,000 median sales price of one year ago. The metric saw a 3.7% increase from the $295,000 median sales price of April. 

The 66 days on market in May represent an 8.2% increase from the 61 days recorded in May 2025, and a 7% decrease in days on market from one month ago. 

Conventional financing accounted for 1,005 transactions, or 70% of all sales in May. Consumers paid cash for 204 transactions, or 14% of sales, while FHA loans were used in 117 transactions or 8.2% of sales.