Fort Wayne, Indiana (February 12, 2026)—The Upstate Alliance of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (UPSTAR MLS) has released its January 2026 housing market report, offering a year-over-year snapshot of residential real estate activity across northeastern Indiana.
January data shows a market that remains stable on the supply side while demand continues to adjust to affordability pressures and seasonal patterns.
Compared to January 2025:
- New Listings: 605 (flat year-over-year)
- Pending Sales: 530 (down 2%)
- Closed Sales: 397 (down 11%)
- Median Sales Price: $230,000 (down 4%)
While new listings held steady, fewer pending and closed sales point to a slower start to the year—typical for January but also influenced by mortgage rates and buyer caution following elevated borrowing costs in 2025. Mortgage rates entering 2026 remain in the mid-6% range, continuing to impact affordability and purchasing power for some buyers.
“January reflects a market that’s finding its footing after several years of adjustment,” said Sue Teasdale, President of UPSTAR MLS. “Inventory is holding steady, prices have moderated slightly, and buyers are being more deliberate. That balance can create opportunity for those who are prepared and working closely with a REALTOR®.”
Despite softer sales activity, the broader economic outlook for northeast Indiana remains positive. Fort Wayne continues to gain national attention as a desirable and affordable place to live, reinforcing long-term housing demand. The region’s growing reputation, combined with record-setting passenger activity at Fort Wayne International Airport, points to sustained economic vitality fueled by healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and tourism-related growth.
“These indicators matter for housing,” Teasdale added. “When a region attracts visitors, businesses, and new residents, it strengthens confidence in the local real estate market, even during periods of slower sales.”
As 2026 progresses, REALTORS® are watching closely to see how interest rates, consumer confidence, and spring inventory levels shape activity in the months ahead.
ABOUT UPSTAR MLS
The January 2026 Monthly Market Report provides year-over-year comparisons of eight key housing market indicators for the Greater Fort Wayne region, including Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Jay, Noble, Wells, and Whitley counties. Published by the Upstate Alliance of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service Inc. (UPSTAR MLS), a subsidiary of the Upstate Alliance of REALTORS®, the report is based on Residential Detached Single-Family homes, townhomes, and condominiums as reported to the Indiana Regional Multiple Listing Service (IRMLS) and collected by the IAR MLS Data Warehouse, and may not reflect all real estate activity in the marketplace. The full report and additional market data are available at https://upstarindiana.com/market-insights/.
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