12/29/2025
If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s more working in your favor than there has been in quite some time.
After a prolonged period when many buyers and sellers felt stuck on the sidelines, 2026 is shaping up to offer more balance, more options, and greater clarity for those considering a move. Not because the housing market is suddenly “easy,” but because several important conditions are beginning to shift.
Here’s what leading housing economists say you can expect.
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:
“After a challenging period for buyers, sellers and renters, 2026 should offer a welcome, if modest, step toward a healthier housing market.”
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) echoes that sentiment:
“Top economists have one word to sum up the housing market for 2026: opportunity. Lower mortgage rates and a rising supply of homes are expected to open up the housing market . . . something the real estate industry and potential home buyers and sellers have been waiting for, following three years of stagnation.”
Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, adds important context:
“. . . for the first time in several years, the underlying forces are finally aligned toward gradual improvement. Mortgage rates may drift down only slowly, but income growth exceeding house price appreciation will provide a boost to house-buying power — even in a higher-rate world. Affordability won’t snap back overnight, but like a ship finally catching a steady tailwind, it’s now sailing in the right direction.”
From a market-balance perspective, Mischa Fisher, Chief Economist at Zillow, notes:
“Buyers are benefiting from more inventory and improved affordability, while sellers are seeing price stability and more consistent demand. Each group should have a bit more breathing room in 2026.”
Why Local Insight Matters More Than Ever
While the national outlook is improving, it’s important to remember that real estate is always local. Market conditions will continue to vary by region. Some areas will move more quickly, others will see stronger price growth, and some markets may remain relatively flat.
As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:
“Market performance will hinge on local economic conditions, making 2026 one of the most geographically divided markets we’ve seen in years.”
That’s why understanding what’s happening in your specific market is essential. National trends may set the stage, but local dynamics determine how those trends affect you personally — and that’s where having the right agent matters.
Bottom Line
If you’d like to better understand what these trends mean for your local market — and which opportunities you may want to take advantage of — reach out to a trusted real estate professional for guidance.
