Understanding today’s housing market is important for buyers, sellers, and homebuyers and doing so requires looking beyond basic headlines. We sat down with the President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty, Lynn Wheeler, to discuss what data is telling us about housing trends both state and nation-wide. In this Q&A, Lynn shares her personal insight and expertise to help break down the trends shaping today’s housing market.

Question: What is national and state-wide data telling us about inventory and affordability?

Answer: Both at the national and state level, inventory levels have been improving. This typically leads to good news for affordability. However, after years of limited inventory and rapid appreciation, the affordability rate nationally still leaves room for improvement. In 2025, The National Association of REALTORS® and Realtor.com® conducted a study focusing on the affordability options compared to varying income levels. The results show that despite active inventory being up nearly 20% since 2024, a fewer percentage of buyers can afford homes that are available. For example, households earning $75,000 a year can afford just 21.2% of listings as of March 2025. The data suggests that our country needs to add at least two affordable homes for middle-income buyers (up to $255,000) for every home listed above $680,000

The Indiana picture is slightly better. Roughly 36% of homes listed statewide in Indiana are affordable to a household making $75,000 per year. Indiana typically offers a steady real estate climate and shelter from large ‘bubbles’ in appreciation that can exist in other areas of the country. This steady market climate offers less volatility that could price buyers out of the market going forward.

Q: What should Hoosiers know about the market right now?

A: Although inventory has increased in Indiana and created more of a balanced real estate market, it is far from predictable. Sellers and buyers need to take steps to put their best foot forward as they enter the market to remain competitive and see the best possible pricing. Sellers should work with their REALTOR® in advance of listing their home to maximize the condition of their home to appeal to buyers. Pre-inspections or the willingness to address defects found during an inspection period will be necessary to move forward with most purchase agreements and offer values. A professional marketing package and promotional plan that includes full transparency and exposure to the MLS will typically offer the highest return. Even with more choices, buyers should be prepared to competitively offer the home that they want to purchase. Multiple offers, escalation clauses, and appraisal gaps are all still utilized on properties in Indiana. The real estate market can often be unpredictable, with properties on the market for several weeks then receiving multiple offers out of the blue. If a buyer loves a home, they need to move and move quickly to secure it.

Q: How would you describe the current state of the housing market internationally?

A: The housing market internationally is very different from the housing market that we are used to here in the United States. We are very blessed to have a cooperative system in the U.S. where REALTORS® share listing data across MLS platforms and agree to have buyers represented as they present offers on homes they would like to purchase. Many areas internationally only offer buyers the option to work with the sellers’ agent/listing agent and offer no single database for information. Many of the homes offered internationally are also only able to be purchased with cash. There is a lot of discussion around reform of the real estate system in the U.S. However, the truth is that our system is truly the envy of the world for the ability to obtain homeownership and the ease with which buyers can find properties and find personal representation in the process.

Q: What are the biggest factors shaping today’s housing market?

A: Interest rates. After several years of artificially low interest rates in the 2 to 4% range, buyers grew an unrealistic expectation of interest rate ranges. Current rates have been hovering in the mid 6% range and are not expected to move dramatically any time soon. While this may seem like news that would deter some from moving forward with a home purchase, the average interest rate over the past 30 years has historically been just below 6%. This current rate range is not too far off from a true historical ‘normal.’

Inventory. Slowly improving, more home options have offered buyers slightly more choice in the market and less pressure from competition and multiple offers. These conditions still exist in the housing market, so buyers should move quickly and competitively for homes that they want to win. However, compared to previous years inventory levels have become more healthy offering additional choice and adding a slight balance to affordability.

Knowledge. Today’s housing market is dramatically different from the market of the past several years. It continues to change day by day on a hyperlocal level. Buyers and sellers are best armed entering the housing market with clear knowledge and expectations for current conditions. Having professional representation from a REALTOR® is essential for both buyers and sellers. REALTORS® are knowledgeable of current market conditions, expectations, and the preparations that buyers and sellers need to take to win a competitive advantage to make the most of their investment during and after their transaction.

Q: How does Indiana’s housing market compare to what’s happening nationally?

A: Traditionally, Indiana tends to be a more stable market than the larger metro or national markets. This acts as a positive creating steady appreciation, available inventory, and growth. As of June 2026, Indiana’s housing market remains more affordable and balanced than many parts of the nation. The median sale price is $290,000, up 5% year‑over‑year but still well below the national median, which typically tops $400,000. Homes are selling in a median of 18 days, giving buyers more time than they had a year ago, while inventory is up 9%, creating a healthier balance between buyers and sellers.

Q: What makes Indiana an attractive place to buy or invest in real estate today?

A: Indiana stands out as an attractive place to buy or invest in real estate thanks to its balance of affordability, steady appreciation, and appealing community options. Home prices remain accessible compared to the majority of the country, while consistent appreciation provides solid long-term value. Additionally, major economic developments such as the LEAP district in the Northwest corridor of Indianapolis (a $13 billion investment), steady employers in the life science and manufacturing industries, and consistent rankings in Indiana with multiple cities named as ‘best places to live’ make Indiana an appealing choice for both homeowners and investors.

Q: What local and economic factors are influencing housing demand in Indiana?

A: Steady job growth and economic development have helped to influence housing demand. Indiana’s housing demand reflects an economy that is expanding while still affordable relative to income. Meanwhile, inventory up 9% statewide suggests builders and sellers are responding to that demand—particularly in the $350,000–$499,000 range, which grew 10%. These numbers imply job growth, and rising incomes are supporting steady homebuying across Indiana’s metro and mid‑sized markets.

Q: Are there particular counties or cities in Indiana experiencing stronger growth than others?

A: These are the 5 highest growing counties in Indiana for 2025/2026 by price point: