New Columbus housing report provides resources for first-time homebuyers

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A new annual report by a team of over 80 housing organizations in the city called “Convergence Columbus” is set to provide ample resources for upcoming homeowners.

Anna Teye-Kasongo, who serves as the assistant executive director of the Affordable Housing alliance of Central Ohio, noted this report is about making sure potential first-time homebuyers have access to resources that can help them achieve their goals. But it also identifies problems that are facing the housing market.   

“Over the past decade, home prices in Columbus have risen by $173,000,” Teye–Kasongo said. “But in the same timeframe, incomes have only increased by $18,000.”  

It highlights the challenges in the homebuying process, and one major factor is corporate investors, which acquired more than 6,000 central Ohio homes in 2025.

“Especially in predominantly black and minority communities, that more starter homes are being bought up by those investors and converted into rentals, which means that those affordable starter homes are no longer options for homeownership,” Teye–Kasongo said.  

Read more at: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/new-columbus-housing-report-provides-resources-for-first-time-homebuyers/