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Emerging Hot Spots: Land Markets to Watch in 2026

1/19/2026

Ohio’s land market is off to an active start in 2026, and several regions are standing out as prime opportunities for buyers, investors, and developers. Whether you’re looking for farmland, residential development ground, or long-term investment property, understanding where growth is happening can give you a major advantage.

Here are three Ohio land markets gaining momentum this year.
1. Southwest Ohio: Dayton–Cincinnati Growth Corridor
The I-75 corridor between Dayton and Cincinnati continues to attract attention. Expanding logistics hubs, advanced manufacturing, and steady population growth are increasing demand for both industrial and residential land. As housing development pushes outward from city centers, rural and semi-rural tracts in Warren, Butler, and Miami counties are seeing stronger price appreciation and faster sales.
2. Central Ohio: The Columbus Tech and Data Center Boom
Central Ohio remains one of the hottest land markets in the Midwest. Ongoing investment in technology, data centers, and infrastructure around Columbus is driving demand for development-ready acreage. Farmland on the outskirts of Franklin, Delaware, and Licking counties is being repositioned for future residential and mixed-use projects, making this area especially attractive for long-term investors.
3. Northwest Ohio: Affordable Land with Rising Demand
Northwest Ohio is emerging as a value-driven market. With comparatively lower land prices and improving transportation access, counties around Toledo and Findlay are drawing interest from agricultural operators and developers alike. Industrial expansion tied to manufacturing and energy storage is also boosting demand for large tracts of land.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For buyers, 2026 presents opportunities to get ahead of future development by securing land in growth corridors before prices climb further. For sellers, well-located properties are commanding strong interest and competitive offers, especially those near major highways and expanding metro areas.
Ohio’s land market is becoming more regionally dynamic than ever. Watching these emerging hot spots closely can help you make smarter, more profitable real estate decisions this year and beyond.
If you’re considering buying or selling land in one of these areas, local market insight is more important than ever.

Why ohio farmland is a smart investment in 2026

1/16/2026

As investors continue to look for stable, long-term assets, Ohio farmland is standing out as one of the most attractive investment opportunities in 2026. With strong agricultural fundamentals, steady land appreciation, and increasing interest from both local and out-of-state buyers, farmland across the Buckeye State offers a unique mix of income potential and security.
Here’s why Ohio farmland deserves serious consideration this year.

1. Consistent Land Value Growth
Historically, Ohio farmland has shown steady appreciation, even during periods of broader economic uncertainty. Unlike more volatile asset classes, farmland values tend to move gradually upward, supported by limited supply and ongoing demand for food production.

In many regions of Ohio, especially western and northwestern counties, land values have remained resilient due to strong crop yields and established farming infrastructure.

2. Strong Agricultural Production
Ohio ranks among the top agricultural states in the nation, producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock at scale. This productivity makes farmland not just a speculative asset, but a working investment capable of generating rental income through cash rent or crop-share agreements.

For investors who prefer hands-off ownership, leasing land to experienced local farmers can provide reliable annual returns.

3. Diverse Investment Opportunities
One of Ohio’s biggest advantages is its regional diversity.
Northwest and West-Central Ohio are known for highly productive row-crop land. Central Ohio benefits from proximity to growing metro areas, increasing long-term development potential. Southern and Eastern Ohio offer more affordable acreage with opportunities for recreational, timber, or mixed-use properties. This diversity allows investors to align farmland purchases with their goals — income, appreciation, recreation, or future development.

4. Hedge Against Inflation
Farmland has long been viewed as a natural hedge against inflation. As input costs and commodity prices rise, land values and rental rates often follow. In an environment where investors remain cautious about inflation and interest rates, tangible assets like farmland provide added peace of mind.

5. Limited Supply, Growing Demand
Farmland is a finite resource. As population growth, infrastructure expansion, and development continue, the amount of available agricultural land gradually decreases. This scarcity supports long-term value growth, especially in areas near expanding cities and transportation corridors.

6. Favorable Long-Term Outlook
Looking ahead, farmland demand is expected to remain strong due to global food needs, renewable energy projects, and conservation programs. Ohio’s central location, transportation access, and strong farming communities position it well for sustained interest from investors and operators alike.

Final Thoughts
In 2026, Ohio farmland represents more than just land — it’s a stable, income-producing, and inflation-resistant investment with long-term upside. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or exploring land ownership for the first time, Ohio offers opportunities across a wide range of price points and property types.
If you’re considering buying or selling farmland in Ohio, working with a knowledgeable land specialist can help you identify the right opportunities and maximize value in this evolving market.

Key Things to Consider When Buying Land

1/13/2026

Buying land in Southwest Ohio can be a smart investment, whether you’re planning to build a home, start a farm, or purchase recreational or investment property. However, buying land is very different from buying a house. If you’re considering land for sale in the Dayton area or surrounding counties, here are the most important factors to consider before making an offer.

1. Intended Use of the Land: Before purchasing land in Ohio, clearly define how you plan to use it. Are you looking for residential land, farm ground, hunting property, or commercial acreage? Your intended use affects zoning, financing, and development options. Not all land for sale in Ohio can be used for every purpose.

2. Zoning and Local Regulations: Each county and township in Ohio has its own zoning regulations. Land in Warren County, Clinton County, Greene County, or Montgomery County may have different restrictions on building, farming, or subdivision. Always confirm zoning and permitted uses with the local zoning office before purchasing.

3. Access and Road Frontage: Access is one of the most important factors when buying land. Some Ohio land parcels may be land locked or rely on private easements. Make sure the property has legal, deeded access and adequate road frontage for future development, farming equipment, or residential use.

4. Utilities and Availability: Many rural properties in Southwest Ohio do not have utilities readily available. Buyers should investigate:

Electric service availability
Public water vs. well options
Septic system requirements
Internet and cell coverage

Bringing utilities to vacant land can significantly impact your budget.

5. Soil Quality and Drainage: Soil type plays a major role in building and farming success. If you’re planning to build or install a septic system, a soil or percolation test may be required. Farmland buyers should also consider soil productivity and drainage, especially in agricultural areas around Dayton.

6. Floodplains and Environmental Factors: Some Ohio properties are located in flood zones or near waterways. Review FEMA flood maps and check for wetlands or conservation restrictions. These factors can limit building options or require additional permits.

7. Survey and Property Boundaries: A current land survey confirms acreage, boundaries, easements, and access points. This is especially important when purchasing rural land in Ohio, where boundary markers may not be clearly visible.

8. Financing Land in Ohio: Land loans typically differ from traditional home mortgages. Many lenders require higher down payments and shorter loan terms. Property taxes can also vary based on agricultural use, CAUV status, or development potential.

9. Location and Long-Term Value: When buying land near Dayton or surrounding communities, consider long-term growth, road improvements, and nearby development. Location, zoning flexibility, and access all influence future resale value.

10. Work With a Local Ohio Land Specialist: Buying land involves more moving parts than buying a home. Working with an experienced Ohio land real estate agent can help you navigate zoning laws, surveys, access issues, and negotiations. Local expertise is invaluable when evaluating land for sale in Southwest Ohio.

Purchasing land in Southwest Ohio can be a rewarding investment when done correctly. By understanding zoning, access, utilities, and local regulations, buyers can avoid costly mistakes and find property that truly fits their goals.

If you’re considering land for sale near Dayton, Ohio, working with a knowledgeable land specialist makes all the difference.

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2025 Dayton Real Estate Market: Stability Amid Tight Supply and Slow Growth

12/29/2025

The Dayton, Ohio housing market in 2025 has shown a mix of price resilience and tempered sales activity, reflecting broader national trends while retaining unique local characteristics.

Overall, home values in the Dayton area have continued to climb modestly through 2025. According to recent home-value indexes, typical home values increased year-over-year, with Zillow reporting about a 2.6% rise in average home values in the Dayton metro area. Meanwhile, Redfin data shows the median sale price hovering around ~$130,000, nearly flat compared to the previous year but with price per square foot up over 5% — indicating underlying value growth in the market.

One of the most defining features of the Dayton market this year has been tight inventory. Active listings remain well below a balanced market level, translating into fewer options for buyers and sustained competition for well-priced homes. At the same time, the number of homes sold has shown minor declines or near-flat trends, suggesting buyers are cautious and selective amid higher mortgage rates and limited choices.

Despite slower transaction volumes, median sale prices have generally trended up, underscoring continued demand in affordable markets like Dayton. Some local reports through the first nine months of 2025 highlighted median prices rising by around 6–8% and total sales volume strengthening even with fewer sales.

For prospective buyers and sellers, the 2025 Dayton market remains competitive in many segments, particularly for well-maintained or attractively priced homes. Buyers may benefit from a slight increase in new listings compared to last year, while sellers still often hold the upper hand due to supply constraints.
As mortgage rates and broader economic conditions evolve into 2026, local experts suggest inventory and pricing trends will be key to shaping the market — potentially offering more balance between buyers and sellers if more homes come online.

Costar powerbroker 2025 q3 winner

11/4/2025

An update on warren county: From our county commissioners

5/28/2025

"We are pleased to bring you this year's State of the County address. It is no secret that Warren County continues to grow, and with that growth, we are working to ensure that the county is positioned for long-term success. We have seen Warren County outpace its neighbors, and stack up against counties across the nation. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the third quarter of 2024, Warren County ranked #5 in overall employment and wages, increasing weekly wages by 10% compared to 2023 third quarter reports. When taking a closer look at who beat our county, in the top four we find the counties that headquarter Way-Mart, Meta (formerly known as Facebook), Google, and many major oil companies."

Warren county fair

7/31/2024

The Warren County Fair and Livestock Sale is one of my favorite times each year. These kids work tirelessly year round to prepare, and they learn valuable life lessons that they carry with them forever. I’m honored to be a small part of it.

January 22nd, 2024

1/22/2024

USDa loan Program information

9/28/2023

USDA Loan Programs

the land surveying process

9/26/2023

Land surveying is a critical step in various industries and projects, from construction to real estate development and environmental planning. This process plays a pivotal role in determining land boundaries, understanding terrain characteristics, and ensuring the success of a wide range of undertakings.

1. Initial Research: Before boots hit the ground, a thorough desk-based analysis is conducted. Surveyors pore over historical maps, property deeds, and legal documents to gather vital information about the land in question. This research helps establish a baseline understanding of the area's history and any existing property boundaries.
2. Fieldwork Begins: With the groundwork laid, it's time to take to the field. Surveyors employ a variety of tools and technologies, including GPS equipment, total stations, and even drones, to collect precise measurements and data. They work meticulously to determine boundary lines, elevations, topography, and any other relevant features of the land.
3. Boundary Determination: Establishing property boundaries is often a primary objective of land surveying. Surveyors use a combination of physical markers, such as stakes or monuments, along with their collected data to precisely define these boundaries. This step helps prevent property disputes and ensures accurate land ownership records.
4. Topographic Mapping: For many projects, understanding the land's topography is crucial. Surveyors create detailed topographic maps that showcase elevation changes, natural features, and any man-made structures. These maps are invaluable for urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental assessment.
5. Data Analysis: Once the fieldwork is complete, surveyors analyze the data collected. They use specialized software to process measurements and create accurate representations of the land. This data forms the basis for property records, land-use planning, and various engineering applications.
6. Report and Documentation: The final step involves creating a comprehensive survey report. This document includes all the collected data, detailed maps, and a legal description of the property boundaries. It serves as an essential reference for landowners, developers, and government agencies involved in land management.
7. Post-Survey Services: Land surveyors often provide ongoing services, such as land use consultation, subdivision planning, and even expert testimony in legal disputes. Their expertise goes beyond the initial survey and extends to supporting clients throughout their projects.