Housing Market Forecast 2026: Prices, Rates, and What Buyers Need to Know
The 2026 housing market could finally start to normalize, but don't expect a massive buyer's market.
Deborah Kearns is a freelance editor and writer with more than 15 years of experience covering real estate, mortgages and personal finance topics. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Forbes Advisor, The Associated Press, MarketWatch, USA Today, MSN and HuffPost, among others. Deborah previously held editorial leadership and writing roles at NerdWallet, Bankrate, LendingTree and RE/MAX World Headquarters.
The 2026 housing market could finally start to normalize, but don't expect a massive buyer's market.
The Trump administration grabbed headlines recently when it floated the idea of declaring a national housing emergency. The move could be the most significant federal intervention in the housing market since the Great Recession in 2008.
While renting comes with lower upfront costs than owing a mortgage, buying a home offers wealth-building opportunities and stability. The right choice depends on your timeline, finances and lifestyle.
Buying your first home can feel like an impossible dream in today’s tough market, but you might be surprised that you qualify for first-time homebuyer programs — even if you’ve previously owned a home.
Avoiding common first-time homebuyer mistakes can help you save money, reduce stress, and start your homeownership journey on the right foot. A little planning now can prevent big regrets later.
Paying title insurance usually falls on the homebuyer, but this can vary by location. Title insurance fees are a third-party closing cost you can shop around for — and negotiate with the seller on who foots the bill.
Closing cost assistance from the seller and other parties can be a big help when closing a home purchase. How much can you receive?
A real estate agent in your corner can help you score a better deal on new construction, but perhaps at a cost.