Why Everyone Is Rushing to Buy Homes in St. Louis This Spring?
Apr 13, 2025
Written by David Dodge
If you’ve been watching the real estate scene in St. Louis, you’ve probably noticed things are moving quickly this spring. The St. Louis housing market is gaining serious momentum as we head deeper into 2025—and the latest numbers from March prove it.
With a mix of rising inventory and a surge in buyer activity, this spring is shaping up to be one of the busiest seasons we've seen in recent years. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or invest, here’s what you need to know.
More Homes Are Hitting the Market
The number of new home listings in St. Louis rose by 11% compared to March 2024. In total, 3,301 homes were listed last month, compared to 2,987 during the same time last year. This increase in inventory is good news for buyers who have been struggling with low housing supply since the post-pandemic surge.
But here’s the kicker: more inventory hasn’t slowed down the demand—it’s actually helped fuel it.
Buyer Demand is Outpacing Supply
Even though more homes were listed, buyers moved even faster. New contracts jumped by 26%, going from 3,503 in March 2024 to a whopping 4,424 this March. Homes are going under contract quickly, and bidding wars are still happening—especially in hot neighborhoods like Tower Grove, Maplewood, and parts of St. Charles County.
Right now, there are 7,547 active listings, which translates to just a 1.5-month supply—a clear signal that St. Louis remains a strong seller’s market. In general, anything under 5–6 months of inventory favors sellers.
Market Insight from St. Louis Real Estate News
According to Dennis Norman from St. Louis Real Estate News, the increase in both listings and demand is leading to rising prices. The median home price in the metro area rose 6.55% over the past year, reaching $270,000. That’s a big jump and continues the upward price trend we’ve seen since early 2023.
At the same time, homes are selling quickly. The median number of days on market is just 22, which means homes are selling in just over three weeks on average—and often faster in popular zip codes.
Why Is the St. Louis Housing Market So Hot?
Several factors are pushing this market forward:
1. Stable Mortgage Rates
Mortgage interest rates, though still higher than the sub-4% levels of 2021, have stabilized around 6.5%–7%. For many buyers, this creates a sense of urgency to lock in a rate before any future increases.
2. Seasonal Momentum
Spring is traditionally the busiest season for real estate. Warmer weather, the end of the school year, and tax refund season all combine to boost both listings and buyer interest.
3. St. Louis Affordability
Despite rising prices, St. Louis is still more affordable than many major metros. With a cost of living lower than the national average, the area remains attractive to first-time homebuyers, growing families, and out-of-state investors.
4. Job Growth and Development
From tech hubs to healthcare expansion, the St. Louis job market is growing steadily, bringing more residents into the area—and with them, more housing demand.
What This Means for Sellers
If you're considering listing your home, now is a great time to sell in St. Louis. With low inventory, strong demand, and prices on the rise, sellers have the upper hand. Homes that are well-priced and show well are often receiving multiple offers—and in some cases, going for over asking price.
Tips for Buyers in a Competitive Market
For buyers, it's not impossible—but you do need to be prepared. Here's how to stay competitive:
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Get pre-approved before you start looking.
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Work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who knows your target area.
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Act quickly when a property hits the market.
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Consider writing a strong offer with minimal contingencies (if your situation allows).
Buying in a hot market takes strategy, but with the right approach, it can absolutely be done.
Key Stats at a Glance – March 2025 (St. Louis Metro)
| Metric | Value | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| New Listings | 3,301 | +11% |
| Homes Under Contract | 4,424 | +26% |
| Median Sold Price | $270,000 | +6.55% |
| Median Days on Market | 22 days | Unchanged |
| Active Listings | 7,547 | Moderate ↑ |
| Inventory Supply | 1.5 months | Seller’s Market |
What’s Next for the St. Louis Real Estate Market?
Looking ahead to late spring and early summer, the key question is: will inventory continue to rise? If buyer demand keeps outpacing new listings, we may see further price increases and more competitive bidding.
For now, all signs point to continued strength in the St. Louis real estate market, especially in areas with good schools, walkable neighborhoods, or easy access to highways and employers.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're buying, selling, or just watching the market, spring 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting—and fast-moving—season for St. Louis real estate. Staying informed and acting quickly will be key.
If you’d like help navigating the local market, I can connect you with the right resources and people. Let’s talk about your next move.
