Is 2026 the Year To Finally Make Your Move? Here’s What Experts Say

Why 2026 Could Be the Year the Housing Market Rebounds

After a couple of years where the housing market felt stuck in neutral, 2026 may finally be the year things shift back into gear. Expert forecasts show more people are expected to move — and that could open the door for you to do the same.

More Homes Will Sell

With affordability challenges keeping many buyers and sellers on pause, housing activity has been quieter than usual. But that pause button isn’t going to stay pressed forever.

People always need to move — for work, family, lifestyle, or financial reasons — and experts expect more of those movers to take action in 2026.

What’s driving that change? Two key factors: mortgage rates and home prices.

Mortgage Rates Could Continue To Ease

If you’ve been waiting for mortgage rates to come down, there’s some good news ahead. After peaking near 7% earlier this year, rates have started to ease — and forecasts show that trend could continue throughout 2026.

But it won’t be a straight drop. As the saying goes: when rates go up, they take the escalator — but when they come down, they take the stairs.

That means we’ll likely see gradual improvement with some bumps along the way as new economic data rolls in. Still, the overall direction looks promising. Experts project rates could land in the low 6s, or even high 5s, by next year.

And remember — there doesn’t have to be a major drop for you to feel the difference. Even a small decline can translate into hundreds of dollars saved on your monthly payment.

For many buyers, that could finally make homeownership feel possible again.

Home Price Growth Will Be Moderate

What about prices? The latest national forecasts say they’ll still rise in 2026 — just at a slower, more sustainable pace.

As rates ease and more buyers re-enter the market, demand will tick up. That’ll keep some upward pressure on prices, but not enough to spark another surge like we saw in 2021 and 2022.

In short: prices aren’t expected to crash — they’re expected to normalize.

Even in markets where prices have dipped slightly, values remain significantly higher than they were just a few years ago. Nationally, most experts project modest price gains across 2026, keeping the market stable and giving buyers predictability.

That steadiness is good news for affordability — and for confidence. It means buyers can plan their budgets without worrying about prices skyrocketing overnight.

Bottom Line

After a quieter stretch, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of movement and opportunity.

With home sales projected to rise, mortgage rates trending lower, and price growth leveling off, the stage is set for a more balanced, active housing market.

So, the question is: will you be one of the movers making 2026 your year?

If you’re ready to start preparing, connect with a trusted local agent now so you’re in the best position to act when the market picks up.

Amber Johnson, Founder
Pillar Real Estate
805.835.3425
[email protected]
1345 Park St. Paso Robles, CA 93446
DRE# 01925434