Saline County's housing market demonstrated modest growth in sales activity last month, accompanied by rising prices and a significant expansion in inventory, according to the latest report from the South Central Kansas Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
Prepared by the Wichita State University Center for Real Estate and released on September 8, the August data reflects the local market gaining some momentum while aligning with national trends of increasing supply and tempered price appreciation.
Closed home sales in Saline County increased 6.8% to 78 units in August 2025 from 73 a year earlier, bucking a year-to-date decline of 5.1% to 498 units. Total sales volume, however, slipped 4.1% to $16.7 million, with year-to-date volume down 2.5% at $113.2 million. The median sale price rose 5.2% to $199,900, outpacing national figures, while the year-to-date median climbed 8.1% to $200,000. Average prices fell 10.2% to $214,402, potentially reflecting a mix of more affordable homes entering the market.
Homes sold swiftly, with median days on market dropping 86% to 6 days from 43 in August 2024. Sellers achieved 98.9% of list price (up from 97.4%) and 97.7% of original price. Active listings surged 111.1% to 114 units, pushing months' supply to 1.8 (up 100% from 0.9), though still tighter than national levels. The median list price for active homes dipped 2.2% to $221,950. New listings fell 34.5% to 78, with a median price of $199,900 (down 9.1%). Contracts written decreased 15.6% to 54, and pending contracts dropped 23.8% to 61 at month's end.
Locally, these shifts suggest a market where buyers have more options but face competitive conditions for desirable properties.
Nationally, the U.S. housing market continued its cooling pattern in 2025, with active inventory rising 20.9% year-over-year in August to over 1 million listings, marking the 22nd consecutive month of growth. This follows a 24.8% increase in July, pushing months' supply to around 4.6-4.7, the highest since 2016.
Existing-home sales hovered at an annualized 4.01 million in July (latest available), with the national median price at $422,400—up modestly but with year-over-year growth slowing to 0.3-1.7% amid inflation pressures.
Experts attribute the broader moderation to lingering high mortgage rates and economic uncertainty, though potential rate cuts could stimulate activity later in the year.
