The median sales price of a home sold in the Des Moines area in January was $295,000, up 4.2% from December’s median sales price and 3.5% higher than a year ago, Des Moines Area Association of Realtors data shows.

“Inventory remains higher than a year ago, prices are trending up, all encouraging signals of buyer activity building despite typical winter conditions,” Scott Steelman, the association’s president, said in a news release. “These early indicators suggest steady demand as we move further into 2026.”

In January, 684 homes were sold, up slightly from a year ago when there were 675 home sales. In December, 1,066 home sales were recorded.

Also in January, houses were on the market an average of 68 days, up slightly from a year ago when they spent an average of 66 days on the market.