Fort Wayne Real Estate Appreciation: How Much Have Home Values Grown in the Last 3 Years? (2023–2026 Market Analysis)

If you’ve been watching the Fort Wayne real estate market over the last few years, you’ve probably noticed something consistent: steady, reliable appreciation. While many U.S. cities experienced dramatic ups and downs, Fort Wayne continued to strengthen — making it one of the Midwest’s most stable and opportunity‑rich housing markets.

This three‑year review breaks down how much Fort Wayne home values have increased, what’s driving the growth, and what buyers, sellers, and investors should expect next.

⭐ Fort Wayne Home Value Appreciation at a Glance (2023–2026)

Based on the latest data from Redfin and Zillow:

• Median sale price (Jan 2026): $214,000 — up 7% year‑over‑year

• Zillow Home Value Index (2026): $234,437 — up 2.3% over the past year

• Three‑year trend: consistent appreciation driven by low inventory, strong demand, and affordability

• Homes go pending in ~31–33 days, showing ongoing buyer competition

• Sale‑to‑list ratio near 98–99%, meaning sellers are getting close to full asking price

This is the kind of slow‑and‑steady growth that builds real equity — not a boom‑and‑bust cycle.

🏡 Why Fort Wayne Real Estate Keeps Appreciating

1. Affordability Compared to National Markets

Fort Wayne remains nearly 50% more affordable than the U.S. average, attracting:

• First‑time buyers

• Out‑of‑state relocators

• Investors seeking cash‑flowing rentals

Lower entry prices create a wider buyer pool — which supports long‑term appreciation.

2. Strong Local Economy

Key industries continue to expand:

• Healthcare

• Manufacturing

• Logistics

• Defense

A stable job market keeps demand for housing strong.

3. Population Growth & Migration Trends

Nearly half of Fort Wayne buyers stay within the metro area, while new residents continue arriving from higher‑cost cities. This steady population flow fuels ongoing demand for both rentals and owner‑occupied homes.

📈 Neighborhoods Showing Strong Multi‑Year Appreciation

According to NeighborhoodScout, Fort Wayne ranks among the top appreciation markets in the nation over the past decade. Several neighborhoods have outperformed citywide averages, including:

• Village Woods

• Rolling Rose

• Lafayette Place

• Victoria Park

These areas benefit from revitalization, investor activity, and strong demand for affordable single‑family homes.

💼 What This Means for Homeowners and Investors

If you’ve owned property in Fort Wayne since 2023, you’ve likely seen meaningful equity gains — even during a period of national uncertainty.

For investors, Fort Wayne continues to offer:

• Strong rental demand

• Below‑national‑average purchase prices

• Consistent appreciation

• Favorable cash‑flow potential

This combination is rare in today’s housing market.

🔮 Fort Wayne Housing Market Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

All indicators point toward continued, sustainable growth:

• Inventory remains tight

• Buyer demand is steady

• Prices continue trending upward

• The local economy is stable

Fort Wayne isn’t a speculative market — it’s a durable, long‑term growth market, ideal for homeowners and investors who value stability and predictable returns.