Published:
September 11, 2023
Last updated:
May 2, 2026
Boise Home Prices Are Rising Again, and It Could Continue in 2026
In This Article

What will Boise, Idaho home prices do through the rest of this year? Will prices start rising again, or decline? What can Boise home buyers and homeowners expect to see over the coming months, in terms of house values and other market trends?

After three tumultuous years of market activity, many people with a vested interest in the Boise real estate market are currently asking these very questions. And it’s easy to understand why. The Boise real estate scene has experienced significant changes over the past few years.

Now, as we enter spring, the Boise-area housing market seems to be entering yet another transitional phase. Home prices in the Boise metro area have started rising again. And this trend could continue into this year, as well.

Here’s an update on Boise, Idaho home price trends over the past year, with a “best guess” outlook stretching into this year.

Forecast time-frame consistency

Because housing market conditions can change over time, it helps to keep the forecast time frame consistent when reviewing past trends and considering the outlook ahead. Looking at the same general period throughout the discussion can make it easier to compare market movement, buyer conditions, and possible price direction through the rest of this year.

Boise Home Price Trends Over the Past Few Years

Home prices within the Boise area were following an upward trajectory for many years, even before the health crisis caused a nationwide spike in prices.

For nearly a decade now, the Boise area has been a hotspot for people relocating from more expensive real estate markets. They were attracted to Boise due to the (previously) more affordable home prices, open space, outdoor recreational opportunities, and other factors.

The city of Nampa, in particular, has experienced significant population growth over the past 10 years. This influx of new residents has depleted housing market inventory in the area, while putting upward pressure on home prices.

Just a few short years ago, the median sale price for the Boise-Nampa metropolitan area had peaked at around $550,000. Ten years earlier,, the median price was closer to $150,000. So we’re talking about a significant level of price growth within a 10-year span of time.

But house values in Boise didn’t remain at that peak for very long. According to Multiple Listing Service data and other sources, the median home price in Boise dropped by more than $50,000 during the second half of 2025.

In fact, the Freddie Mac House Price Index singled out the Boise metro area as having the biggest year-over-year price decline among the nation’s 100 largest housing markets.

Prices Are Rising Again

Starting in the early spring, however, home prices in Boise began to rise again. Numerous sources have confirmed this trend, including Zillow and local Realtor associations.

The gains thus far have been modest, and more in keeping with long-term historical price growth trends. And that’s probably a good thing. From a broader economic and stability standpoint, skyrocketing home prices are rarely a good thing.

In Boise, housing market affordability has shrunk considerably over the past five or six years. So, going forward, a slower pace of price growth could be viewed as a positive trend.

Other Housing Market Trends Worth Noting

Boise’s rising home prices aren’t the only noteworthy housing market trend in recent years. The local real estate scene has changed in other important ways, as well. These changes could affect home buyers through the rest of this year.

One of those changes has to do with inventory levels.

Previously, supply levels had declined again after the start of that year. They had mostly trended downward for much of that period.

Granted, the Boise real estate market is not as “tight” as it was in the midst of the pandemic home-buying frenzy. But it’s still a fairly constrained market, and these conditions continue to challenge local home buyers.

According to the city’s official website: “Boise requires 2,770 units every year for the next 10 years to meet demand … over the last 3 years, housing construction in Boise produced 4,146 units less than the need.”

This also helps to explain why home prices in the Boise area started rising again in 2026. With all other things being equal, inventory declines tend to put upward pressure on house values. That’s because buyers have to compete for fewer and fewer properties, which in turn drives up the final sale price.

The Boise real estate market’s pace has also accelerated in recent months. The median number of “days on market” had fallen sharply earlier that year. This means that homes are selling faster, and that the market might be shifting to favor sellers once again.

Mortgage rate influence on buyer demand

Mortgage rates can play an important role in shaping buyer demand. When financing costs change, they can affect affordability, purchasing power, and the number of buyers actively shopping in the market. As a result, mortgage rate movement can influence how much competition exists for available homes and how quickly demand strengthens or softens.

Given all of these trends, Boise home buyers who are planning to make a purchase in the near future might want to do so sooner rather than later. Given the current supply and demand situation, it seems likely that prices would continue to climb at a moderate pace through that period and into the next. So a sense of urgency might be warranted.

Forecast uncertainty and downside scenarios

Any housing market outlook comes with uncertainty, especially during a transitional period. While current conditions can point toward one likely direction, changing demand, affordability pressures, or other market shifts could produce a softer outcome than expected. For that reason, buyers and homeowners should view any forecast as a general expectation rather than a certainty.

Need Financing?

If you’re looking to buy in Boise, ID, we can help. At Sammamish Mortgage, we offer various mortgage options for you to choose from. We serve clients across WashingtonIdahoColoradoOregon, and California. We offer many mortgage programs and products with flexible qualification criteria, including our Diamond Homebuyer ProgramCash Buyer Program, and Bridge Loans. Visit our website to get an instant rate quote or to use our online mortgage calculator. Please reach out to us if you are ready to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

FAQs

Will Boise home prices keep rising through the rest of 2026?

Boise home prices could continue rising at a moderate pace through the rest of 2026 if inventory remains limited and buyer demand stays steady.

Are Boise home prices expected to decline again in 2026?

A major decline appears less likely in the near term unless inventory increases significantly or buyer demand weakens.

Why did Boise home prices start rising again?

Prices started rising again because the local housing supply remained constrained while demand continued, creating more competition among buyers.

Is Boise still a seller's market in 2026?

Boise appears to be leaning back toward a seller’s market because homes are selling faster and inventory remains relatively tight.

How does housing inventory affect Boise home prices?

Lower inventory usually puts upward pressure on Boise home prices because buyers have fewer properties to choose from and may compete more aggressively.

Are homes selling faster in the Boise area?

Yes. The median number of days on market has declined, which indicates that homes are selling faster than they were during the market slowdown.

What does Boise's housing shortage mean for buyers?

Boise’s housing shortage can make it harder for buyers to find affordable homes and can contribute to continued price growth.

Is Boise still affordable for home buyers?

Affordability has become more challenging in Boise over the past several years due to higher home prices and limited supply.

Should Boise home buyers wait or buy sooner?

Buyers who are financially ready may benefit from acting sooner rather than later if prices continue to rise and inventory stays limited.

What areas in the Boise metro have seen strong demand?

The Boise-Nampa metro area has seen strong demand, with Nampa experiencing notable population growth that has added pressure to the housing market.