How did the Kansas City housing market perform through the first three quarters of 2025 — and what does that momentum mean for 2026?

In short: Q1 began cautiously, Q2 accelerated, and Q3 confirmed the trend — Kansas City is heading into 2026 with one of the strongest, most balanced, opportunity-rich markets in the Midwest.

Let’s break it down quarter by quarter, using real data from across the metro’s core counties to understand where demand is headed next.

Q1 2025: A Stable Start with Signs of Early Momentum

Q1 is traditionally Kansas City’s quietest quarter, but 2025 started differently. Even with interest rates still elevated, buyers didn’t retreat — they adjusted. Across the metro, Q1 showed:

• Rising median prices in many counties

• Inventory that was starting to increase modestly

• Consistent closed sales across both Missouri and Kansas sides

According to the Q1 MarketWatch reports, several counties posted healthy price growth:

• Johnson County, KS: Median $448,538 (+5.5%), strong demand despite higher borrowing costs

• Jackson County, MO: Median $256,000 (+6.7%), showing continued affordability-driven activity

• Cass County, MO: Median $325,000 (+2.8%), early signals of a strong year

The biggest takeaway from Q1?

The floor was solid.
No softening. No reversal. Just a market waiting for rates to ease.

Q2 2025: Inventory Expands, Buyers Return, Momentum Builds

By Q2, the market shifted notably. Mortgage rates softened slightly, and buyers who’d been sitting on the sidelines re-entered in force.

Across the metro:

• More homes hit the market

• Median prices climbed

• Days on market remained competitive

• Investor activity increased in affordable submarkets

Key county performance highlighted:

• Clay County, MO: Strong sales (1,138 closed), prices holding firm

• Wyandotte County, KS: Steady appreciation + major demand, median $238,500 (+5.2%)

• Cass County, MO: 552 closed sales (+12.7%), showing significant movement

Q2’s data confirmed that:

• Buyers adjusted to new rate norms

• Sellers returned with confidence

• Demand outpaced supply in most price points under $450K

This quarter was the turning point — the moment Kansas City shifted from “stable” to “building strength.”

Q3 2025: A Confident, Competitive Market Takes Shape

Q3 is the quarter that most clearly sets the stage for what’s coming, and Kansas City showed powerful indicators across the entire metro.

Standout numbers included:

• Cass County: Median $351,770 (+7.8%), avg $433,180 (+9.8%)

• Clay County: Median $347,000 (+5.2%), 1,127 closed sales (+8.3%)

• Johnson County: Median $475,000 (+4.4%), 2,641 closed sales (+13.4%)

• Wyandotte County: Median $230,000 (+2.2%), demand remains intense

Across Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass, Johnson, Leavenworth, and Wyandotte Counties, Q3’s theme was unified:

**Rising prices.

Strong buyer demand.
More inventory, but not enough to cool competition.
Balanced but firm seller leverage.**

This is exactly the market profile that carries strength into the next year.

How Q1–Q3 Set the Stage for a Strong 2026

By stacking the year’s first three quarters, the pattern becomes crystal clear:

1. Price Growth is Steady — Not Volatile

Across the metro, price increases remained moderate and sustainable.

KC avoided the national “boom and bust” pattern.
Instead, it showed controlled appreciation, which is the healthiest possible trajectory.

2. Inventory Improved, But Not Enough to Shift Power

Some counties gained meaningful inventory (Cass, Platte, Lafayette), but others stayed tight (Johnson, Clay, Jackson).

This created the perfect middle ground:

• Buyers can find homes.

• Sellers maintain strong equity positions.

• Prices rise without overheating.

3. Demand Stayed High Across All Price Ranges

Thanks to:

• A resilient job market

• Major logistics + healthcare expansion

• Corporate employers continuing to hire

• Strong inbound migration from higher-priced metros

HUD’s CHMA confirms ongoing economic strength and job growth that supports housing demand across both Missouri and Kansas sides.

4. Investors Quietly Re-Entered the Market

As rent demand remains elevated, investor appetite is returning — particularly in:

• Raytown

• Independence

• South KC

• Wyandotte County

• Belton / Raymore

This reinforces long-term confidence in KC fundamentals.

5. Q3’s Strength Becomes the Launchpad for 2026

Q3 always dictates how the next year begins.

And in 2025?

• Prices up

• Closings up

• Days on market still competitive

• Multiple-offer scenarios increasing (especially under $350K)

• Inventory holding steady but not ballooning

This is the exact market profile that predicts a strong, stable, opportunity-rich 2026.

Final Takeaway

From Q1 to Q3, the Kansas City housing market demonstrated consistency, resilience, and healthy demand. Momentum built each quarter, showing that buyers, sellers, and investors all remain active — even in a higher-rate environment.

Kansas City enters 2026 with an incredibly strong foundation:
balanced conditions, rising values, growing job markets, and one of the most affordable metros in the country with long-term stability.

KC isn’t just holding steady — it’s gaining strength.

Call or Text for Personalized Market Guidance

If you want help navigating the Kansas City market — buying, selling, or investing — call or text anytime:

816-327-6457

emanuel.blando@exprealty.com

Authors

Emanuel Blando & Elizabeth Blando
We Heart Homes KC
816-327-6457