The housing market rollercoaster continues, and if you're trying to figure out where things are headed, you're not alone. It feels like just yesterday everyone was talking about prices skyrocketing everywhere, and now? Not so much, at least on a national level.

But here's the thing: real estate is local. Always has been, always will be. While the big picture forecast might show a dip, some specific spots are expected to keep climbing. According to the latest analysis from Zillow Research, released in April 2025, there are indeed 22 housing markets where home prices will rise the most over the next 12 months, defying the broader trend they predict for the rest of the country.

So, what's the big picture, according to Zillow? Their updated forecast is predicting a national drop in home values of 1.9% through 2025. That's a pretty significant shift from their earlier expectation of a small increase. They point to more homes hitting the market and mortgage rates staying elevated as the main reasons sellers are having to cut prices to attract buyers.

On the flip side, they do expect existing home sales to tick up slightly, forecasting about 4.2 million sales in 2025, a modest 3.3% bump from the year before. Essentially, they see buyers getting a bit more power and time to shop around, while sellers are adjusting expectations. Rental markets?

They see rents still rising, but at a slower pace, especially for apartments, with demand for single-family rentals holding steady as some folks wait on the sidelines for the buying market to cool off or rates to drop.

But let's get back to those specific places expected to see prices go up. This is where it gets interesting because it highlights the power of local market dynamics even when national headwinds are blowing. As someone who's spent years watching real estate trends, I know that national averages can sometimes hide fascinating stories happening in individual towns and cities.

Understanding the Forecast in Context

Before we dive into the list, let's be super clear: these are forecasts. They're based on complex models that take into account a ton of data – things like current prices, sales trends, inventory levels, rental data, economic indicators, and even search activity on Zillow's own platform. Zillow themselves mention that mortgage rates are in an “especially unpredictable period,” and unforeseen events could always change things. So, treat this list not as a crystal ball, but as a snapshot of where Zillow's models predict the strongest price growth based on the data available in April 2025.

What makes a market potentially buck the national trend of price depreciation? Based on my experience, it often comes down to a few key factors:

1. Relative Affordability: Even if national prices are high, some smaller or less-discovered markets might still offer value, attracting buyers looking for more bang for their buck.
2. Limited Supply: If a market simply isn't building many new homes, or has geographical constraints (like being surrounded by mountains or water), limited inventory can keep upward pressure on prices even if demand cools slightly.
3. Specific Demand Drivers: Is there a major employer expanding? A new amenity like a park or transportation hub? Is it a desirable retirement spot, a recreational haven, or an area seeing an influx of remote workers? Local job growth and population shifts are huge drivers.
4. Unique Market Characteristics: Some markets just have their own rhythm. Maybe it's a popular vacation spot, a college town with stable demand, or an area benefiting from specific state-level initiatives.

Looking at Zillow's national forecast of a price drop, finding markets predicted to gain value is like finding little islands of appreciation in a sea of slight decline. It tells me these specific areas likely have some combination of the factors above working strongly in their favor, strong enough to counteract the pressure from higher rates and increased national inventory levels.

22 Housing Markets Where Prices Are Predicted to Rise the Most by 2026

Now, let's get to the list everyone wants to see. The data provided ranks markets by their projected price change from March 31, 2025, to March 31, 2026. As requested, I'm grouping markets that have the same forecast percentage and including all markets from Steamboat Springs, CO down to Price, UT in the provided data. This gives us the top ranks, which includes 22 specific markets in total.

Here's the breakdown based on Zillow's April 2025 forecast:

Rank 1

• Projected Price Increase (March 2025 – March 2026): 3.8%
• Market: Steamboat Springs, CO

My take: No huge surprise to see a high-end recreational market like Steamboat Springs at the top. Places like this often have limited supply due to geography and strong demand from both second-home buyers and those able to work remotely. Even if the broader market softens, desirability for unique lifestyle locations remains high for a segment of the population.

Rank 2

• Projected Price Increase (March 2025 – March 2026): 3.0%
• Market: Maysville, KY

My take: Maysville is an interesting contrast to Steamboat Springs. Often, we see more affordable or smaller regional centers show up on lists like this when larger, more expensive markets cool off. Could this be related to value relative to nearby larger metros, or perhaps specific local economic factors? It highlights that appreciation isn't just confined to famous hotspots.

Rank 3

• Projected Price Increase (March 2025 – March 2026): 2.7%
• Market: Edwards, CO

My take: Another Colorado mountain town ranking high. Edwards is near Vail and Beaver Creek. This reinforces the idea that desirable recreational areas with limited buildable land can often maintain or increase value even in tougher markets, driven by affluent buyers or those prioritizing lifestyle.

Rank 4

• Projected Price Increase (March 2025 – March 2026): 2.5%
• Market: Augusta, ME

My take: As the capital of Maine, Augusta has a stable base of government employment. Maine's popularity as a destination, both for tourists and those seeking a different pace of life (especially after the remote work shift), might be playing a role here. It's another example of a smaller regional center showing predicted resilience.

Rank 5

• Projected Price Increase (March 2025 – March 2026): 2.4%
• Markets:
  • Atlantic City, NJ
  • Alamogordo, NM
  • Berlin, NH

My take: This group is fascinating because they are so different. Atlantic City has the draw of gambling and the shore, but has faced economic challenges. Alamogordo has a military base nearby (Holloman Air Force Base), which provides economic stability. Berlin, NH is a smaller town in northern New Hampshire, an area known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation. This diversity at the same predicted growth rate tells me different factors are likely driving the forecasts in each location – tourism/recreation in AC and Berlin, and stable employment in Alamogordo.

Rank 6

• Projected Price Increase (March 2025 – March 2026): 2.3%
• Markets:
  • West Plains, MO
  • Jackson, WY

My take: Another pairing of very different markets. Jackson, WY is a world-famous high-end destination similar to Steamboat Springs and Edwards, driven by its proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and its status as a playground for the wealthy. West Plains, MO, on the other hand, is a regional hub in the Ozarks, likely appealing due to affordability and a slower pace of life. This stark contrast highlights that predicted growth isn't limited to one type of market; it's about specific local supply/demand balances and economic drivers.

Rank 7

• Projected Price Increase (March 2025 – March 2026): 2.2%
• Markets:
  • Mayfield, KY
  • Thomaston, GA

My take: Two more smaller regional markets. Mayfield was notably impacted by a devastating tornado in late 2021; perhaps this forecast reflects ongoing rebuilding or shifting local dynamics post-disaster. Thomaston is south of the Atlanta metro area, potentially benefiting from folks looking further out for affordability or space, though the forecast shows a slight dip in the immediate few months.

Rank 8

• Projected Price Increase (March 2025 – March 2026): 2.0%
• Market: Dodge City, KS

My take: Famous for its Old West history, Dodge City is a regional center in southwest Kansas. Its economy is tied to agriculture and manufacturing. A forecast of 2.0% appreciation here suggests local economic stability is likely underpinning the housing market's resilience compared to national trends.

Rank 9

• Projected Price Increase (March 2025 – March 2026): 1.9%
• Markets:
  • Kingston, NY
  • Statesboro, GA
  • Keene, NH
  • Cedartown, GA
  • Clewiston, FL
  • Butte, MT

My take: This is the largest group by far, showing a cluster of markets all predicted to see modest appreciation around 1.9%. We see a mix here: Kingston, NY (Hudson Valley, potentially benefiting from proximity to NYC); Statesboro and Cedartown, GA (smaller Georgia cities); Keene, NH (southwest NH); Clewiston, FL (inland Florida, near Lake Okeechobee); and Butte, MT (historic mining town, now a regional center). The common thread here might be relative affordability compared to nearby larger areas or specific local economic anchors keeping demand steady.

Rank 10

• Projected Price Increase (March 2025 – March 2026): 1.8%
• Markets:
  • Rochester, NY
  • Laconia, NH
  • Brevard, NC
  • Price, UT

My take: This final group also shows diversity. Rochester, NY is a larger metro area than most on this list. Laconia, NH is in the Lakes Region. Brevard, NC is in the mountains near Asheville, another area popular for recreation and lifestyle. Price, UT is in a more rural part of central Utah. The presence of Rochester suggests that even some larger, more established metros might find stability and slight growth, perhaps driven by specific neighborhoods, educational institutions, or industries within the city. The others again lean towards smaller, potentially more affordable, or recreation-adjacent areas.

Here's a table summarizing these markets by their predicted appreciation rate:

Rank	Predicted Price Increase (Mar 2025 – Mar 2026)	Market(s)
1	3.8%	Steamboat Springs, CO
2	3.0%	Maysville, KY
3	2.7%	Edwards, CO
4	2.5%	Augusta, ME
5	2.4%	Atlantic City, NJ; Alamogordo, NM; Berlin, NH
6	2.3%	West Plains, MO; Jackson, WY
7	2.2%	Mayfield, KY; Thomaston, GA
8	2.0%	Dodge City, KS
9	1.9%	Kingston, NY; Statesboro, GA; Keene, NH; Cedartown, GA; Clewiston, FL; Butte, MT
10	1.8%	Rochester, NY; Laconia, NH; Brevard, NC; Price, UT

Data Source: Zillow Home Value and Home Sales Forecast, April 2025

What Can We Learn from This List?

Looking at this list, a few things jump out at me:

• It's Not Just One Type of Market: We see a mix of high-end recreational areas (Steamboat, Edwards, Jackson), smaller regional centers (Maysville, Augusta, West Plains, Dodge City, Statesboro, Cedartown, Keene, Berlin, Butte, Price), and some unique cases like Atlantic City or markets potentially benefiting from spillover affordability (Thomaston, Kingston).
• Affordability Matters: Many of these markets, outside of the high-end Colorado and Wyoming examples, are relatively more affordable than major coastal metros or Sunbelt boomtowns that saw massive price increases earlier in the cycle. Could this predicted growth be a function of delayed affordability corrections or continued demand for value? I think that's definitely a factor.
• Local Anchors are Key: Stable employment sources (military bases, government jobs), recreational appeal, or simply being a necessary regional hub seem to be providing enough underlying demand to support price increases even when national conditions are softer.
• Modest Growth is Still Growth: While 3.8% or even 1.8% might seem small compared to the double-digit appreciation we saw in 2020-2022, in a period where the national forecast is negative, any positive growth is notable. It suggests these markets have strong fundamentals relative to the current economic and interest rate environment.

My Thoughts on Navigating the Market

Based on this data and my understanding of market cycles, here's my perspective:

First, remember that a forecast is just a forecast. It's a model's best guess based on current information. Things can change. Mortgage rates could drop faster (or slower) than expected. The economy could surprise us. Local factors in any of these markets could shift.

Second, if you're looking to buy or invest, particularly in one of these markets, this data is a piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture. You still need to do your homework on the ground. What are inventory levels really like right now in that specific town or neighborhood? What are the local job prospects? What's the condition of the homes? How do the prices compare to historical averages for that specific market, not just the national trend?

Third, this reinforces the power of diversification if you're thinking about real estate investment. While national trends matter, having exposure to different types of markets – some larger, some smaller, some driven by different economic factors – can help buffer against downturns in any single area.

Finally, for most people, buying a home is about more than just appreciation potential. It's about finding a place to live, raise a family, or build a life. While potential price growth is a nice bonus, focusing too much on short-term forecasts (even ones looking out a year like this) might distract from finding the right home for your needs and budget in a community you actually want to live in. The predicted growth rates here, while positive, are relatively modest. This isn't a signal of a new boom, but rather resilience.

In conclusion, while Zillow's April 2025 forecast paints a picture of slight price declines nationally, these 22 markets (grouped into 10 ranks) from Steamboat Springs, CO, down to Price, UT, are predicted by their models to see home prices continue to climb, albeit modestly, by early 2026.

They represent a fascinating mix of recreational hotspots and smaller regional centers, each likely driven by unique local factors strong enough to counteract the national headwinds of higher rates and increased supply. It's a strong reminder that even in a complex and uncertain housing market, opportunities for appreciation exist, but they're highly localized and require careful, specific research.

Have you ever felt like finding the right home was like searching for a needle in a haystack? Well, if you've been keeping an eye on the housing market, you might have noticed a significant shift. Finally, after what feels like ages, the number of homes up for grabs has surged dramatically. In fact, May 2025 marked a notable milestone, with the housing supply skyrocketing to a 6-year high. This increase in inventory offers a glimmer of hope for potential homebuyers who have been patiently waiting on the sidelines.

Housing Supply Booms as Listings Surge to Highest Level Since 2019

According to the latest weekly data from Realtor.com, the total number of homes listed for sale across the U.S. jumped by a substantial 31.1% compared to this time last year. This pushed the total inventory above the one-million mark for the first time since late 2019 – a truly significant jump. This marks the 78th consecutive week of year-over-year increases in active listings, signaling a clear trend of more homes becoming available.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “More houses, great! Does that mean it's finally easier to buy one?” While the increase in housing supply is definitely a positive development, the full picture is a bit more nuanced. While sellers seem eager to put their properties on the market, many potential buyers are still hesitant to jump in.

A Welcome Increase, But Demand Remains Soft

The surge in housing supply is undoubtedly good news for those who have been frustrated by the limited options available in recent years. After a long period of tight inventory, especially in regions like the Midwest and Northeast, this influx of new listings provides more choices and could potentially ease some of the competitive pressure we've been seeing.

We're seeing a rebound in new listings, reaching their highest point since mid-2022, with a 9.3% year-over-year increase. This suggests that homeowners who might have been holding back are now feeling more confident about putting their properties on the market. As one expert pointed out, this momentum from earlier in the year points towards a more active market as we move into the warmer months.

However, despite this encouraging increase in available homes, buyer demand hasn't kept pace. Many would-be homeowners are still grappling with affordability challenges. Factors like economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence are making people think twice before making such a significant financial commitment.

Affordability Concerns Loom Large

The reality is that even with more homes on the market, the dream of homeownership remains out of reach for many due to persistent affordability issues. Interest rates, while they haven't seen further increases recently, are still at levels that make monthly mortgage payments quite substantial. Combine this with the general cost of living and economic anxieties, and it's understandable why some buyers are proceeding with caution.

Interestingly, despite the cooling demand, the national median list price has seen a slight increase of 0.9% compared to last year. While modest, this is the highest annual price growth in over a year. This indicates that while there are more homes available, prices haven't yet significantly softened in many areas, largely due to the fact that overall inventory is still below pre-pandemic levels in many parts of the country.

Sellers Are Starting to Adjust

Recognizing the hesitancy among buyers, some sellers are starting to take a more pragmatic approach. We're seeing an uptick in the share of homes with price reductions, up 0.6 percentage points from last year. This suggests that sellers are becoming more willing to lower their expectations to attract buyers in this evolving market. For buyers who are in a position to make a move, this could present some opportunities to find a home at a more negotiable price.

The Pace of the Market is Slowing Down

Another key indicator of the shifting market dynamics is the amount of time homes are staying on the market. The typical for-sale home spent four days longer waiting for a buyer compared to the same week last year. This is a continuation of a trend we've been observing, indicating that the frenzied pace of the pandemic-era housing market is definitely behind us.

From a buyer's perspective, this slowdown can actually be a positive thing. It provides more time to consider different options, conduct thorough inspections, and make more informed decisions without feeling rushed by intense competition. While the market is still moving slightly faster than before the pandemic, it's a significant step back from the breakneck speed we saw just a couple of years ago.

Looking Ahead: A Balancing Act

The current state of the housing market feels like a balancing act. We have a growing housing supply, which is a welcome change, but buyer demand remains somewhat subdued due to affordability concerns. Sellers are starting to adjust their strategies, and the pace of the market is moderating.

What does this mean for the future? Well, I believe we're entering a phase where the market is becoming more balanced. Buyers might find more options and potentially more negotiating power, while sellers will need to be realistic about pricing and be prepared for homes to take a little longer to sell.

The Federal Reserve's recent decision to keep interest rates steady, while expected, underscores the ongoing economic uncertainties. The warning about potential risks of higher unemployment and inflation adds another layer of complexity to the housing market outlook. We'll need to keep a close eye on upcoming economic data to see how these factors influence buyer confidence and market activity.

For anyone looking to buy a home, now might be a good time to start actively exploring the market. With more inventory available, you have a better chance of finding a property that meets your needs. Just be sure to carefully consider your financial situation and be prepared to negotiate.

For sellers, it's crucial to price your home competitively and work with a real estate professional who understands the current market dynamics. Being open to negotiation and ensuring your property is well-presented will be key to attracting serious buyers.

Ultimately, the increase in housing supply is a significant development that could pave the way for a more accessible housing market. While challenges remain, this shift offers a sense of optimism for those who have been waiting for the right opportunity to buy their dream home.

Ever get the feeling that owning a home is becoming a dream further and further out of reach? For years, it felt like house prices were just going up, up, up, especially after the pandemic hit. But hold on a second, the winds might be shifting. Right now, a noticeable number of cities across the US are seeing a dip in their housing prices. Specifically, if you're on the hunt for a potential bargain, keep an eye on the Sun Belt.

This analysis of recent data pinpoints 10 cities where house prices are declining the most, offering a potential silver lining for buyers in a challenging market.

For a long time, the story was about bidding wars and houses flying off the market in days. But the latest numbers paint a different picture. It seems the combination of more homes becoming available, higher mortgage rates making borrowing more expensive, and a general cooling off in buyer demand is finally starting to have an impact. This is leading sellers in certain areas to lower their asking prices to attract buyers, creating an interesting turn of events in what has been a fiercely competitive housing scene.

The Cooling Trend: 10 US Cities Where House Prices Are Declining the Most

Why This Shift Matters

Honestly, this change in the housing market is a big deal for a lot of people. For those who've been patiently waiting on the sidelines, especially younger folks trying to buy their first home, this could be the break they've been hoping for. A drop in prices might finally make homeownership a real possibility.

However, it's a different story for sellers and developers. This cooling trend could mean things are going to get tougher for them. It might take longer to sell a house, and they might not get the prices they were expecting just a year or two ago. Some experts are even suggesting that this could be the start of a longer period of slower activity in the housing market.

Where Are Prices Dropping the Fastest?

Looking at the data, it's pretty clear that the Sun Belt is where a lot of the action is happening when it comes to price reductions. In fact, nine out of the ten cities on the list are located in this sunny region, with Florida having more than half of them.

Realtor.com's data from April shows that nearly a third of the homes listed in North Port and Tampa, Florida, had their prices cut. Following closely behind were Cape Coral and Jacksonville, also in Florida, with over 28% and 27.5% of listings seeing price reductions, respectively. Interestingly, Denver, Colorado, is the only city outside of the Sun Belt to make it into the top ten.

What's driving this trend in these cities? Well, it's largely due to a significant increase in the number of homes available for sale compared to last year. The jump in inventory ranges from almost 28% in Palm Bay, Florida, all the way up to a whopping 65% in Denver.

Let's take a closer look at each of these ten cities:

1. Phoenix, Arizona: Leading the pack, a significant 31% of home listings in Phoenix have seen price reductions. There are currently around 19,981 properties on the market, which is a 33% increase compared to last year. The median list price here is around $525,000, and homes typically stay on the market for about 52 days.

2. North Port, Florida: Coming in second, 30% of listings in North Port have had their prices reduced. With 11,234 homes available (a 32% year-over-year increase), the median asking price is about $490,500, and homes are staying on the market for an average of 70 days.

3. Tampa, Florida: In Tampa, 29% of the listed homes have seen price cuts. There are currently 19,310 homes for sale, marking a 32% rise in inventory. The median price is around $410,000, and homes spend an average of 58 days on the market.

4. Cape Coral, Florida: Cape Coral shows a similar trend, with about 28% of homes having their prices lowered. The number of listings has jumped by 41% to 14,580, and the median price is approximately $435,000. Homes in this area are taking longer to sell, averaging around 81 days on the market.

5. Jacksonville, Florida: In Jacksonville, 28% of homes have seen price reductions. The city's inventory has increased by 35%, reaching 9,676 listings, with a median list price of about $399,995 and an average of 57 days on the market.

6. Denver, Colorado: Bucking the Sun Belt trend, Denver reports that 27% of its listings have price reductions, amidst a sharp 65% surge in inventory, now totaling 10,345 listings. The median home price is around $599,450, and properties are selling relatively quickly, spending an average of just 36 days on the market – the fastest among the top 10.

7. Palm Bay, Florida: In Palm Bay, 27% of listings have price cuts. Inventory has risen by 28% to 4,562 properties, with a median list price of around $389,825. Homes here average 61 days on the market.

8. Deltona, Florida: Deltona has also seen about 27% of its homes marked down in price. Listings have climbed to 6,892, up by 31%, with a median asking price of around $394,450 and an average market time of 70 days.

9. Austin, Texas: Twenty-six percent of Austin's 11,073 listings have been reduced in price. Inventory is up by 25%, and the median list price is around $525,000. Homes here sell slightly faster than most on the list, averaging 44 days on the market.

10. Charleston, South Carolina: Rounding out the top 10, Charleston reports that 26% of its listings have price drops. Inventory has surged by 42% to 3,542 homes; the median price is around $525,000. Homes typically sell in about 41 days.

What Experts Are Saying

It's not just the numbers that tell the story; the experts are also weighing in. Hannah Jones, a senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com, points out that as more homes become available and take longer to sell, sellers are more likely to reduce their prices to grab buyers' attention. She believes this puts buyers in a strong negotiating position, with sellers likely to be flexible on both price and terms.

As reported by Newsweek, Nick Gerli, CEO of the app Reventure, has been quite vocal on social media about the housing market in Florida. He suggests that the state is already in a housing downturn, with prices dropping across the board. He believes this trend will likely continue for years due to an oversupply of homes coupled with a significant lack of affordability.

Gerli has also highlighted that while some areas like New York are still seeing price increases, Florida has already experienced a 2.4% drop in house prices over the past year. Reventure estimates further price declines of around 5% in Florida in the coming year.

Looking at Arizona, Gerli notes that home prices are down by 6.9% from their peak in June 2022. He predicts that the market correction in Arizona is “going to accelerate over the next 12 months” due to a large amount of inventory causing sellers to feel pressured.

What Could Happen Next?

Based on these trends and expert opinions, it seems likely that we'll continue to see price adjustments in these and potentially other markets. For buyers in these areas, this could present some real opportunities to find a home at a more reasonable price. However, it's crucial to remember that the housing market is complex, and local conditions can vary significantly.

For sellers, it might be a time to adjust expectations and be prepared for longer selling times and potential negotiations. The rapid price increases we saw in recent years might not return anytime soon in these specific markets.

As someone who's been watching the housing market closely, I think this shift is a much-needed breather after a period of intense competition. While it might present challenges for some, it could open doors for many who have been waiting for a chance to become homeowners. It's a reminder that the housing market is cyclical, and what goes up can indeed come down. Keeping a close eye on these trends will be crucial for both buyers and sellers navigating the market in the months ahead.

Are you dreaming of owning a home? You're probably wondering what the future holds. So, let's cut to the chase: The housing market in 2026 is expected to be more balanced than it has been in recent years, with moderate price growth, stabilizing interest rates, and increased sales activity. While it won't be a complete walk in the park, there's a good chance it'll be a bit easier for buyers than it has been. Let’s dive deeper into what you can expect.

Housing Market Predictions 2026: Will it Crash or Boom?

Home Prices: Are We Finally Seeing Some Relief?

Remember those crazy bidding wars and prices going through the roof? Well, experts think things will cool down a bit.

• The National Association of Realtors (NAR) thinks the median home price will hit $420,000 in 2026, which is about a 2% jump from 2025.
• Fannie Mae surveyed over 100 housing experts, and they're predicting home price growth will slow to 3.6% in 2026, which is less than the 5.2% we saw in 2024.
• Zillow economists are projecting that U.S. home prices, as measured by the Zillow Home Value Index, will fall -1.7% between March 2025 and March 2026.
• The U.S. News Housing Market Index thinks prices will go up a total of 17% from 2024 to 2029, which means prices will go up slowly each year starting in 2026.

This means that the big price jumps we saw a few years ago are probably over. Prices will still go up, but not as fast. That's good news for buyers, but remember that in some areas with lots of demand, houses will still be expensive.

Mortgage Rates: Will They Ever Go Down?

Mortgage rates are a big deal. They decide how much it costs to borrow money to buy a house. In 2025, rates have been pretty high, around 6-7%. Let's see what the experts think will happen in 2026:

• NAR says mortgage rates will stay around 6% through 2026.
• Fannie Mae thinks rates will be around 6% by the end of 2026.
• J.P. Morgan is a bit more cautious, predicting rates will only drop to 6.7% by the end of 2025.

The important thing to remember is that mortgage rates depend on things like inflation and what the Federal Reserve does. If inflation goes down, rates could go down too. But, as Bankrate points out, anything can happen with the economy and government policies, so rates could change quickly.

Home Sales: Will More People Be Buying and Selling?

High mortgage rates have made it harder for people to buy houses, so sales have been down. But, experts think things will pick up in 2026:

• NAR‘s chief economist, Lawrence Yun, thinks sales of existing homes will go up 13% in 2026.
• Sales of new homes are predicted to go up 8% in 2026.
• Bankrate says sales of existing homes could go up 10-15% in 2026.

This increase in sales will happen because mortgage rates will become more stable, there will be more houses available, and the economy will hopefully be doing well. All of these things will encourage people to buy homes.

Are There Enough Houses to Buy? The Supply and Demand Puzzle

For a while now, there haven't been enough houses for sale. This has made prices go up and made it hard for buyers. Let's see if this will change in 2026:

• The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says builders will start building more single-family homes, about 1.05 million in 2026.
• But, fewer apartment buildings will be built. This could make it harder to find a place to rent and could push rent prices up.
• The U.S. News Housing Market Index estimates that there are still not enough houses, about 4.5 million short. They think this problem will slowly get better between 2025 and 2030.

So, more houses are being built, but it will take time to catch up with the demand. More houses for sale will help balance the market and make it easier to find a home.

What Else Could Affect the Housing Market?

Lots of things outside of just prices and rates can have a big impact:

• The Economy: If the economy is doing well and people have jobs, more people will be able to buy houses.
• Government Policies: New laws about housing and taxes can change the market.
• Climate Change: The cost of insurance and building materials is going up because of climate change. This will make it more expensive to own a home, especially in areas that are prone to floods or fires.
• Where People Want to Live: More people are moving to cities, which will make it harder to find housing in those areas. Also, as older people downsize, more homes could become available in some markets.

Where You Live Matters: Regional Differences

The housing market is different depending on where you are. Some areas will do better than others:

• Areas with lots of jobs, growing populations, and not enough houses, like parts of the Midwest, might see prices go up more.
• Expensive cities on the coasts might not grow as fast because they are already so expensive.
• Bankrate says some areas in the South, like Texas and Florida, might not do as well because there are too many houses for sale and climate change is making it more expensive to live there.

If you're thinking of buying or selling, it's important to look at what's happening in your local market.

Opportunities for Investors

For investors, 2026 could bring some interesting chances. Some people who have adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) might see their rates go up, which could create opportunities for investors to buy properties. Also, managing properties efficiently is becoming more important as costs go up, so investors who use technology and smart management strategies could do well.

My Final Thoughts

Overall, the housing market in 2026 looks like it will be more stable than it has been in the past few years. Prices will probably go up slowly, mortgage rates will hopefully stay around 6%, and there will be more houses for sale.

If you're a buyer, 2026 could be a good year to start looking, as there will be more choices and less competition. If you're a seller, you might not get as much money as you would have a few years ago, but there will still be buyers out there.

Remember, things can change, and it's always a good idea to talk to a real estate professional in your area before making any big decisions. Good luck with your home-buying or selling journey!

Ever feel like the dream of owning your own place is slipping further away, like trying to grab smoke? You're not alone. Right now, a big cloud of doubt hangs over the housing market, and it's making a lot of folks think twice about taking the plunge into homeownership. In fact, the prevailing housing market perceptions – the way people see what's happening with house prices, interest rates, and the overall economy – are significantly dampening homebuying intentions. Fewer people than in recent years believe they'll be able to buy a home anytime soon, and a big reason for this is that they simply feel priced out.

Housing Market Crisis: Why Homeownership Dreams Are Fading

It's like this: imagine you're saving up for your favorite toy, but every time you get a little closer to your goal, the price suddenly jumps even higher. That's how many people feel about buying a house these days. My own take is that this isn't just about the numbers; it's about a fundamental shift in how people view the possibility of building their future in a home they own.

According to a recent Gallup poll, less than a third of people who don't currently own a home expect to buy one in the next five years. Think about that for a second. That's a pretty significant drop from past surveys. Back between 2013 and 2018, a much larger percentage of renters – over 40% – thought they'd be homeowners within that timeframe. Now, that number has shrunk considerably.

The Affordability Squeeze: A Tightening Grip

What's the main culprit behind this shift? It boils down to one big, unavoidable factor: affordability. The cost of buying a home, plain and simple, has become a major hurdle for a huge chunk of the population. The Gallup survey highlights that a whopping 68% of renters say they can't afford to buy a home or don't have enough for a down payment. When the same question was asked back in 2013, only 45% cited this as the main reason for renting. That's a massive jump, showing how significantly the affordability challenge has intensified over the past decade.

It's not just the price of the house itself. It's the whole package: saving for a down payment, dealing with higher interest rates on mortgages, and even the general uncertainty about the economy. It feels like the goalposts keep moving further away. For many, renting isn't a lifestyle choice; it's the only viable option when homeownership feels like a distant dream. Only a small fraction of renters – around 11% – say they rent because it's more convenient. The vast majority are renting out of necessity, tied to economic realities like the high cost of owning, bad credit, high property taxes, or even job situations.

A Market Under a Cloud: Persistent Pessimism

Adding to the affordability woes is the generally negative view people have of the current housing market perceptions. For a while now, most Americans have felt that it's a bad time to buy a house. While the level of pessimism has eased slightly compared to the really low points of 2023 and 2024, it's still significantly worse than the generally positive sentiment we saw before 2022.

Think back to the early 2000s; a large majority of people thought it was a good time to buy. Even after the housing crash in 2008, the optimism, while shaken, remained above 50% until fairly recently. The sharp drop in positive sentiment coincided with rising inflation and record-high home values. It's like the air has gone out of the balloon for many prospective buyers.

Interestingly, political leanings seem to play a role in how people view the market. Republicans have become more optimistic about buying a home, likely linked to broader positive feelings about the economy when their party is in power. However, Democrats and independents remain largely cautious. This difference in perspective highlights how intertwined our views on the economy and the housing market can be with our broader beliefs.

Slowing Price Growth: A Silver Lining or a False Dawn?

One might think that if fewer people want to buy, house prices would be dropping significantly. While we have seen some cooling off from the peak prices of 2022, a majority of people still expect home prices in their local areas to increase over the next year. Although this expectation of rising prices has come down from last year, it still suggests that many don't see a significant drop in prices that would suddenly make homes more affordable.

This expectation of continued price growth, even if slower, can further discourage potential buyers. It creates a sense that waiting might not actually lead to better deals down the road. This is a crucial element of the current housing market perceptions that contributes to the dampened homebuying intentions.

Regionally, there are some interesting differences. People living in the East are more likely to expect home prices to rise compared to those in the South and West, where expectations of price increases have seen the biggest declines. This regional variation likely reflects the different market dynamics playing out across the country.

The Unintended Consequence: A Widening Gap

The implications of these housing market perceptions and the resulting decline in homebuying intentions are significant. While home values might have come down a bit from their peak, they are still considerably higher than they were just a decade ago. Coupled with higher mortgage rates, this creates a situation where homeownership feels increasingly out of reach for many.

It's a bit of a Catch-22. People see the market as unfavorable, they anticipate prices will mostly stay high or even rise, and as a result, fewer people are planning to buy. This could potentially lead to a more stagnant market in the long run.

Despite this pessimism, it's interesting to note that Americans still view real estate as one of the best long-term investments. This suggests that the desire for homeownership is still there, but the perceived barriers to entry are simply too high for many. The challenge, as I see it, lies in bridging this gap – in making the dream of owning a home a realistic possibility for a larger portion of the population. This will require addressing the core issues of affordability, potentially through a combination of policy changes, economic adjustments, and innovative housing solutions.

In Conclusion: Navigating Uncertain Waters

The current housing market perceptions are undeniably casting a shadow over homebuying intentions. The feeling of being priced out, coupled with a general skepticism about market conditions and an expectation of continued (albeit slower) price growth, is creating a significant barrier for many aspiring homeowners. While the long-term appeal of real estate as an investment remains strong, the immediate reality is that the path to homeownership feels increasingly difficult to navigate. It's a situation that demands attention and thoughtful solutions to ensure that the dream of owning a home doesn't become an unattainable luxury for a significant portion of our society.