Mid-Year 2025 Check-In: What the Housing Market Update Is Really Saying

Lydia Cutrer
Jul 16
3 min read

Aerial view of Central City neighborhood in New Orleans with the Central Business District in the background

As of June 2025, buyers and sellers across Louisiana — and especially in the New Orleans metro — are adjusting to a housing market that is no longer in the tank, but on the way to recovery and creating opportunities.

Let’s break down what the numbers and the policy changes are telling us.

New Orleans Metro Housing Market Update Highlights (June YTD):

Median Sales Price: $280,000 (↑ 1.8%)
Pending Sales: ↑ 1.8% YOY
New Listings: ↓ 5.1% YOY
Closed Sales: ↓ 1.2%
Days on Market: 69 (↑ from 62)
Affordability Index: ↓ from 101 to 100

Our local market has been near the bottom but these stats signal a market on the rebound. The shifts reflect a market with more breathing room for buyers and potential negotiation power — especially as inventory tightens and interest rate fluctuations continue.

Affordability & Insurance: Still Tough — But Progress Is Coming

Rising insurance premiums and policy availability continue to challenge buyers across the state. But recent legislation is helping pave the way for more affordability in the long term:

NEW: SB28 (Act 404) – Fortified Roof Income Tax Credit

SB28 passed during the 2025 legislative session, creates a state income tax credit for homeowners who install a FORTIFIED™ roof. This credit can help offset the cost of upgrading your roof to meet strict resiliency standards and may lead to long-term savings through lower insurance premiums. While not a cash grant, this tax credit is a meaningful step toward making homes in Louisiana more secure and more affordable in the long run.

FORTIFIED™ roof upgrades:

Improve resilience during storms
Lower homeowners insurance premiums
Could increase property value or resale potential
Are already being recognized by insurers for discounts

NEW: HB 329 (Act 79) - Permanent Louisiana Fortify Homes Funding

HB 329 establishes a permanent funding source for the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program. Since the program began in 2023, over 2,430 FORTIFIED roof grants have been issued to homeowners across the state. This continued funding , effective July 1, 2026, will have tremendous impact in allowing homeowners to maintain affordability.

These initiative complements broader efforts to stabilize Louisiana’s reinsurance market and increase transparency from insurance providers via SB 136 (Act 428).

Why It’s Still a Good Time to Buy or Invest

Despite the cost concerns, there’s real opportunity for buyers and investors who are prepared:

Prices are not surging, but holding
Motivated sellers are more open to negotiation
Buyers may access state and local grants

For investors, it’s a strong time to pick up well-located rental properties that can cash flow and appreciate as reforms take hold.

What to Watch Next:

Implementation and funding updates for the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program
Additional insurance market changes
Interest rate adjustments this fall
City- and parish-level zoning and development activity

Final Takeaway

2025 isn’t an easy year — but it may be a smart one. For those who are prepared, this market shift creates opportunity: to buy smarter, build equity, and benefit from reforms designed to support homeowners.

If you want to review your options, run numbers, or connect with a lender, I’m here to help.

💬 Let’s talk strategy with this housing market update: DM me or schedule a consultation.

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