Cleveland Housing Market Trends and Forecast for 2025

The Cleveland housing market continues to attract attention as it evolves—offering real opportunities for buyers, sellers, investors, and real estate agents alike.

If you’re exploring a real estate career in Ohio, understanding your local market is essential to guiding clients. This post breaks down recent trends, the Cleveland housing market forecast, and how to succeed in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Market Momentum Continues: Cleveland’s housing market shows steady growth with rising home prices and increased inventory in 2025.
• Affordable Yet Competitive: The average home price remains accessible at $113,522, with Lorain County experiencing the highest price surge.
• Opportunities for Agents: A balanced market allows real estate professionals to add value through expert guidance for both buyers and sellers.
• Neighborhoods to Watch: Areas like Ohio City, Tremont, Collinwood, and Shaker Heights offer promising potential for investment and living.

Overview of the Cleveland Housing Market

The Cleveland housing market has seen steady growth, appealing to a wide range of buyers due to its relative affordability. So where does it stand now?

Recent Performance

• Cleveland Average House Price: $113,522 (up 5% YoY, Zillow May 2025)
• Rising Prices: Cleveland is among the top three large metros for year-over-year growth. Lorain County leads with a 17.7% price increase to $263,300.
• Inventory Growth: Listings are up 37.3% in Cuyahoga, Portage, and Summit Counties.
• Rental Market: Cleveland’s strong rental demand is driven by job growth and cost of living advantages.

Staying informed helps agents thrive in different market types, whether working with buyers, sellers, or investors.

Challenges and Opportunities for Cleveland Real Estate Agents

Understanding 2025’s shifting dynamics is key. With more inventory and moderated prices, agents have a chance to create value—even when the market is challenging.

Opportunities for helping buyers

• Find Hidden Deals: Homes listed for 30+ days often allow for better negotiations.
• Craft Fair Offers: Use comps to support reasonable pricing, avoiding unnecessary overbidding.
• Target Growth Areas: Look at Medina County and parts of Cuyahoga, Portage, and Summit Counties for relatively affordable options.
• Promote Informed Decisions: Less urgency allows buyers to move thoughtfully through inspections and closing.

A more balanced market means buyers have time—and agents have a greater opportunity to educate and guide.

Opportunities for guiding sellers

• Price Smart: Avoid overpricing; set realistic, competitive list prices using current data.
• Stage for Success: Recommend curb appeal upgrades and staging to stand out in a crowded market.
• Leverage Hot Condo Markets: Lorain and key tri-county areas are showing strong condo appreciation.
• Navigate Negotiations: Set realistic expectations around inspection-related concessions.
• Offer Incentives: Suggest options like covering closing costs to attract buyers.

Sellers now need more than just a sign in the yard—they need strategy and preparation.

Challenges Agents Can Help Clients Overcome

Affordability Issues: Rising prices and interest rates demand creative budgeting and loan solutions.

Outdated Expectations: Guide clients through new norms around pricing, offers, and timelines.

Competition: Help buyers navigate tight negotiations and support sellers with marketing strategies.

Emerging Opportunities in a Balanced Market

With rising inventory and slower sales, today’s market favors well-informed, proactive clients. Agents can help clients thrive by focusing on high-opportunity areas and other Ohio neighborhoods.

Neighborhoods to Watch in Cleveland

Here are four standout Cleveland neighborhoods with unique appeal in 2025:

1. 1. Ohio City, OH

   Median Price: $166,700, up 7.0% YoY (Zillow, May 2025)
   Trendy, walkable, and close to downtown—Ohio City remains a top choice, especially for young buyers.
   Agent Tip: Promote its vibrant lifestyle and growing inventory to first-time buyers.

2. 2. Tremont, OH

   Median Price: $349,896, down 2% YoY (Zillow, May 2025)
   Known for its historic charm and artsy vibe, Tremont is ideal for buyers with renovation goals.
   Agent Tip: Leverage the rise in listings and market Tremont’s character and location.

3. 3. Collinwood, OH

   Median Price: $133,522, up 5% YoY (Zillow, May 2025)
   Affordable and artsy, Collinwood draws first-time buyers and investors alike.
   Agent Tip: Emphasize its creative energy and lakeside lifestyle.

4. 4. Shaker Heights, OH

   Median Price: $334,961, up 6.4% YoY (Zillow, May 2025)
   Classic and family-friendly, Shaker Heights remains desirable thanks to its schools and suburban feel.
   Agent Tip: Coach sellers on home prep while showing buyers how longer market times can mean more negotiating room.

Cleveland Real Estate Professionals Get Prepped for Success

Whether you’re guiding first-time buyers, working with investors, or helping families relocate, Cleveland’s market offers real opportunity—even when the market is challenging.

Ready to begin? Hondros College has helped thousands of professionals launch real estate careers. Our courses are tailored to the Ohio market and designed to help you take the right steps to getting your license.

Source:
Young, Ryan. “Greater Cleveland & Northeastern Ohio Housing Market Update – New for May 2025.” OhioRealEstateSource.com, May 15, 2025.
https://www.ohiorealestatesource.com/blog/cleveland-housing-market-update

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