Expect Moderate Home Price Growth in 2026
What Buyers and Sellers Should Know
As we move into 2026, many buyers and sellers are asking the same question: Where are home prices headed next?
According to a broad collection of industry forecasts, the answer is clear—moderate price growth is expected, not a major surge or decline.
A recent compilation of projections from leading housing economists shows national home prices are forecast to rise by about 1.6% on average in 2026. While individual forecasts vary, the overall trend points to steady, sustainable growth.
What the 2026 Forecasts Are Saying
Housing market forecasts rarely align perfectly, but this year’s outlook shows a surprisingly tight range among major institutions:
- National Association of Realtors (NAR): 4.0%
- Wells Fargo: 3.5%
- Cotality: 2.4%
- Realtor.com: 2.2%
- HPES: 2.0%
- Capital Economics: 2.0%
- Fannie Mae: 1.3%
- Reuters Housing Analyst Poll: 1.3%
- Zillow: 1.2%
- Redfin: 1.0%
- Bright MLS: 0.9%
- Moody’s Analytics: 0.5%
- Bank of America: 0.0%
- Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA): -0.3%
Despite a few conservative outlooks, most projections remain positive, reinforcing the idea that the housing market is stabilizing rather than correcting sharply.
Why Growth Is Expected to Be Moderate
Several key factors are shaping the 2026 housing market:
1. Higher-For-Longer Mortgage Rates
While rates may ease slightly, they’re expected to remain above pre-pandemic lows, limiting rapid price acceleration.
2. Limited Housing Inventory
Many homeowners are holding onto low-rate mortgages, keeping resale inventory tight and supporting home values.
3. Slower, Healthier Market Activity
Buyers are more price-conscious, and sellers are pricing more realistically—leading to fewer bidding wars but steadier demand.
What This Means for Buyers
- Less competition than past boom years
- More negotiating power
- Better planning opportunities without the fear of runaway prices
Buying in a market with modest appreciation can still be a smart long-term move, especially when inventory is limited.
What This Means for Sellers
- Homes are still expected to appreciate
- Pricing correctly is more important than ever
- Well-prepared, move-in-ready homes will continue to stand out
The days of “name-your-price” listings may be behind us, but serious buyers are still active.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 housing market is shaping up to be balanced and predictable, which is good news for both buyers and sellers. Instead of volatility, experts are forecasting steady growth that supports long-term homeownership and equity building.
If you’re considering a move in 2026, understanding national trends—and how they apply locally—is key.
Sources (as shown in image)
- Keeping Current Matters
- National Association of Realtors (NAR)
- Wells Fargo
- Cotality
- Realtor.com
- HPES
- Capital Economics
- Fannie Mae
- Reuters Housing Analyst Poll
- Zillow
- Redfin
- Bright MLS
- Moody’s Analytics
- Bank of America
- Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)