Historic Homes Built Before 1940
3,500 pre-1940 homes closed across Central Ohio in 2026 through September 28, 2026, 15.6% of every residential sale, at a median of $235,000. Defined by the MLS record, year built 1940 or earlier, not by a listing description. Here is what they sold for, how fast, where, and what is on the market today.
What do pre-1940 homes sell for versus the rest of the market?
| Measure | Historic Homes Built Before 1940 | All Central Ohio closings |
|---|---|---|
| Closed sales, Jan 1 to Sep 28, 2026 | 3,500 | 15.6% of the market |
| Median sale price | $235,000 | $345,000 |
| Median price per square foot | $166 | $206 |
| Median days on market | 15 | 11 |
| Median year built | 1913 | |
| Closed under $300,000 | 66% | |
| Closed at $500,000 or more | 14% | |
| Active listings today | 2071 | median asking $244,900 |
These homes clear 32% under the market median, which says more about their size, age and location mix than about the feature. A feature never prices a house by itself. Send me the address and I will pull the comparables that actually apply.
Where did pre-1940 homes sell in 2026?
| City | Closings | Median sale | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | 1349 | $312,000 | |
| Newark | 167 | $200,000 | |
| Lancaster | 160 | $206,750 | |
| Marion | 152 | $150,000 | |
| Mount Vernon | 94 | $224,250 | |
| Washington Court House | 61 | $180,300 | |
| Springfield | 60 | $160,000 | |
| Delaware | 59 | $320,000 | |
| Zanesville | 49 | $179,000 | |
| Circleville | 45 | $215,000 | |
| Chillicothe | 44 | $184,500 | |
| Marysville | 36 | $255,200 |
By ZIP code: 43206 (215), 43055 (165), 43130 (160), 43302 (152), 43204 (146), 43214 (104), 43207 (97), 43050 (94).
Cities with at least five closings. Mailing city, not municipal boundary. Towns with 25 or more closings link to their own page for this feature.
Looking for pre-1940 homes in Central Ohio?
Tell me the towns and the budget and I will run the search on the MLS fields above, not on listing adjectives, and check the parcel record on anything you want to see. Call or text 937-239-2919, or tell me what you are looking for. Selling one? Ask what it would bring.
Browse the market another way: school districts, ZIP codes, counties, neighborhoods, homes by feature, new construction.
Questions people ask about pre-1940 homes
How much do pre-1940 homes cost in Central Ohio?
The median 2026 sale was $235,000 across 3,500 closings through September 28, 2026, against $345,000 for every residential closing in the region. 66% closed under $300,000 and 14% at $500,000 or more.
Where are pre-1940 homes selling?
By mailing city this year: Columbus (1349), Newark (167), Lancaster (160), Marion (152), Mount Vernon (94), Washington Court House (61).
How fast do pre-1940 homes sell?
A median of 15 days from list to contract, against 11 for the whole market. Right now 2071 are listed, at a median asking price of $244,900.
Data: MLS closings and active listings compiled by Adam Geuy, Blacktree Realty, through September 28, 2026. Aggregates only. See every category at homes with, or browse by ZIP, county or school district.