Should You Still Expect a Bidding War in Cincinnati?

If you're still worried about having to deal with a bidding war when buying a home in Cincinnati, you might be able to breathe a little easier.

While multiple-offer situations haven’t disappeared entirely, they’re not nearly as common as they were just a couple of years ago. A recent national survey shows only 1 in 5 homes (20%) across the U.S. received multiple offers in June 2025. That’s down from nearly 1 in 3 (31%) in June 2024 — and even further down from June 2023 (39%).

What This Means for Buyers in Cincinnati

This trend means you're likely to face less competition when buying a home in Cincinnati. You’ll have more breathing room to make thoughtful decisions, and more opportunity to negotiate on price, closing terms, or repairs — something that was much harder to do just a couple of years ago.

Local Market Conditions Matter

Of course, real estate is hyper-local, and national trends only tell part of the story. Here in Cincinnati, we're seeing a shift in buyer competition, but it varies depending on the neighborhood, school district, and price point.

While some “hot spots” in Cincinnati — like Hyde Park, Oakley, and parts of West Chester — may still attract multiple offers due to limited inventory, many other areas are showing signs of a cooling market. This gives buyers a better chance to find the right home without having to rush or compete aggressively.

Sellers Are Offering More Concessions in Cincinnati

Another big change we’re seeing in the Cincinnati housing market is that sellers are becoming more flexible.

According to a recent Redfin report, almost half of all sellers nationally are now offering concessions — things like covering closing costs or reducing their asking price to make the deal work. We're seeing this locally too, with sellers in areas like Milford, Amelia, and Batavia open to negotiating on price or including incentives to get their homes sold.

That’s a big shift from the days when buyers in Cincinnati were waiving inspections and appraisals just to compete. Now, buyers have more leverage and a better chance at a smoother, more affordable transaction.

Bottom Line

If fears of bidding wars have been holding you back from buying a home in Cincinnati, now is a great time to take another look. Competition is down, seller concessions are up, and local market conditions are creating more opportunities for buyers than we’ve seen in years.

Want to know what’s happening in your favorite Cincinnati neighborhood? Let’s connect. We’ll help you understand your options and find the home that fits your goals — without the stress of a bidding war.