The mechanical compression properties of C250 maraging steel fabricated by directed energy deposition (DED), in the as-deposited and post-fabrication heat-treated conditions, are investigated under quasi-static loading conditions. The microstructure of the material is studied using analytical transmission electron microscopy and a comparison is made between the DED fabricated and conventionally produced wrought materials. The results reveal that the DED fabricated material, in the as-deposited condition, exhibits lower yield and ultimate compressive strengths compared to the commercially heat-treated wrought alloy, due to the absence of strengthening precipitates and the presence of a retained austenite phase. However, post-fabrication thermal treatment significantly improves the compressive strengths of the as-processed material to levels comparable to those of the conventionally produced wrought material. This is attributed to the formation of nano-sized Ni3Mo strengthening precipitates, a reduction in the amount of austenite phase, and the refinement of prior-austenite grains during the thermal treatment. Moreover, the DED fabricated material, in the heat-treated condition, with the presence of an austenite phase shows higher ductility than the commercially heat-treated wrought material.