What Will the 2026 Housing Market Really Look Like — and How Should You Prepare Now?

If you’ve been wondering whether the housing market will finally feel “normal” again by 2026, you’re not alone. Buyers are asking if rates will come down. Sellers are asking if demand will come back. And homeowners are asking whether they missed the best window — or if another opportunity is ahead.

According to leading housing economists, the answer isn’t dramatic… but it is encouraging.

Based on insights from the National Association of REALTORS® 2026 Real Estate Outlook, here’s what experts are watching — and what it means if you’re buying, selling, or planning ahead in Florida.

Mortgage Rates: Lower Than Today, But Not a Time Machine

One of the most common questions I hear is whether mortgage rates will ever return to the ultra-low levels of the early 2020s. Economists agree that while rates are expected to ease, a return to 3% territory is highly unlikely.

Most forecasts suggest 30-year fixed mortgage rates hovering in the low-6% range by 2026. Even modest rate improvements can:

• Improve monthly affordability
• Bring sidelined buyers back into the market
• Encourage homeowners to finally make a move

This shift represents stabilization, not collapse — a key ingredient for a healthier housing market. For more context, see Realtor.com’s national housing forecast.

Home Sales Are Expected to Rebound

After several years of suppressed activity, economists anticipate a meaningful rebound in home sales.

According to NAR projections:

• Existing-home sales could rise by approximately 14% nationwide
• New home sales are also expected to increase modestly

This rebound reflects pent-up demand from households that postponed moves due to higher borrowing costs, limited inventory, and economic uncertainty. As conditions improve, many of those delayed decisions are expected to resurface.

Additional insight can be found in NAR’s broader research library at nar.realtor.

Inventory Is Improving — Slowly, But Finally

Housing inventory has been one of the biggest challenges for buyers in recent years. Economists expect gradual improvement heading into 2026 due to two key factors:

• The easing of the “mortgage lock-in” effect as homeowners accept higher-for-longer rates
• Continued new construction adding supply to the market

While this doesn’t signal a sudden surplus of homes, it does suggest more options for buyers and less extreme competition in some markets. For a deeper dive, see NAR’s analysis on housing inventory trends.

Home Prices Are Still Rising — Just More Calmly

Despite ongoing affordability challenges, economists do not expect widespread price declines in 2026.

Instead, most forecasts point to:

• Continued price appreciation
• At a more moderate and sustainable pace

This signals a shift away from rapid, double-digit appreciation and toward a market where pricing strategy and property preparation matter more than ever.

For national pricing trends, reference the FHFA House Price Index.

First-Time Buyers May Find Better Math Ahead

First-time buyers have faced some of the steepest hurdles in recent years. Economists believe that by 2026, slightly improved affordability and increased inventory could make entry into homeownership more achievable.

That said, success will remain highly dependent on:

• Location
• Property type
• Local supply and demand

NAR has explored this topic further in its first-time buyer affordability analysis.

Real Estate Will Remain Hyper-Local

One consistent message from economists is that national trends only tell part of the story. Local market dynamics — inventory levels, migration patterns, insurance costs, and new construction — will ultimately shape outcomes.

This is especially true in Florida, where regional variations can be dramatic from one neighborhood to the next.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 housing market is expected to reward preparation over speculation. With more balance, improved inventory, and steadier rates, opportunities will exist — but they will be uneven and local.

If you want to understand how these national forecasts translate to Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, or your specific neighborhood, that’s where a localized strategy becomes essential.

Source via National Association of REALTORS® — “2026 Real Estate Outlook: What Leading Housing Economists Are Watching”