Is Des Moines, IA 50309 a buyer’s or seller’s market?

The Des Moines housing market right now

In the three months ending August 31, 2026, 8% of homes in Des Moines, IA 50309 sold above their list price, the typical home went under contract in 150 days and there were 6.9 months of supply. More than six months of supply favors buyers, who usually have more time and more room to negotiate. That’s based on 27 home sales.

Compared with the same period a year earlier, the share selling over asking rose from 4%, homes sold faster (160 days then) and the median sale price fell 15% to $289,875. Overall, Des Moines is more competitive than a year ago, so tougher for buyers.

Within Polk County, homes here sell more slowly than in 97% of the county’s ZIP codes, and sell less often over asking than in 93%. On our competition score, Des Moines ranks #154 of 156 IA ZIP codes with enough sales (score 11 out of 100).

Nearby, buyers who want less competition could look at Sheldahl 50243 (0% sold over asking) or Alleman 50007 (0% sold over asking), while Elkhart 50073 (40% sold over asking) and Runnells 50237 (40% sold over asking) are even more competitive.