Metro Housing Market Gains Momentum in March with Rising Sales and Inventory

April 13, 2026

The Des Moines metro housing market gained momentum in March, with notable increases in inventory, sales, and pending activity signaling a strong start to the spring homebuying season, according to housing metrics provided by the Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS®.

“March numbers show the Des Moines housing market hitting its spring stride,” said Scott Steelman, president of the Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS®. “We’re seeing meaningful growth in inventory and sales, along with strong pending activity that points to continued momentum in the months ahead. Coupled with rising home prices, these trends reflect a competitive and active market for both buyers and sellers.”

Active listings continued to bloom in March to 3,892 properties listed, a 11.6% increase from the 3,487 active listings of one year prior. The measurement saw a slight increase month-over-month, jumping 1% from the 3,487 listed properties of February. 

Closed sales saw a wider gain both year-over-year and month-over-month. With 1,083 closed sales in March, the metric increased 11% from last March’s 975 closed sales, and 42% when compared to last month’s 763 closed sales. 

Pending sales continue to provide an optimistic view of the later spring and early summer market in the metro. The 1,514 pending sales of March represent a 12.1% increase over the 1,351 pending sales of one year ago. Month-over-month the increase was wider, jumping 30.6% from the 1,159 pending sales of February.  

Median sales price jumped to $315,000 in March, a 8.7% increase from the $289,900 median sales price of March 2025. The metric increased 7.9% from last month’s median sales price of $292,000. 

The 83 days on market in March represent a 15.3% increase from the 72 days on market one year ago, and a 10.7% increase from the 75 days on market of one month ago.

Conventional financing accounted for 759 transactions, or 70% of all sales in March. Consumers paid cash for 152 transactions, or 14% of sales, while FHA loans were used in 89 transactions, or 8.2% of sales.