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Is now a good time to buy a home in Portland, Oregon? It’s a question that many homebuyer hopefuls ask themselves, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll help you determine if 2026 is your year to jump into the housing market in Portland.
With a growing population and a bustling real estate market, the question about whether or not to buy a home in Portland this year is currently a hot topic among residents. So let’s look at some of the factors that will influence your decision to buy a home in Portland in 2026.
In many ways, now is a good time to buy a home in Portland, Oregon. This is true whether you’re a first-time or repeat buyer. But there are some things you need to know about the local real estate market before moving forward.
The first thing home buyers need to realize is that house prices in Portland are expected to rise over the next few months, despite having dipped slightly over the past year.
According to the real estate information company Zillow, the median home price in Portland, Oregon decreased by 1.5% over the past 12 months. They now sit at $516,539. That said, the 2026 forecast suggests home prices in Portland will rise steadily, though not at the rapid paces seen in years past.
Related: The cost of buying in Portland
So, is it a good time to buy that house in Portland? From a market perspective, a case could be made for buying sooner rather than later. If Portland home prices do rise, as predicted, those who delay their purchases until later in 2026 could encounter higher housing costs.
Home buyers in Portland should also know that the local real estate market is very competitive right now. This is largely due to a lack of inventory. In fact, Oregon has some of the lowest housing inventory in the entire country. Housing inventory is particularly tight in the “starter home” price range.
Portland home buyers need to enter the market with a realistic expectation of what they can get for the money, and a willingness to move swiftly when the right property comes along.
Related: 5 tips for buying a home in Portland, OR
It’s also important to have your financing squared away before you enter the real estate market – as much as possible anyway. Cash buyers should have the money in the bank with statements to prove it. Portland home buyers who use mortgage loans (which is most buyers) would be wise to get pre-approved for a loan before house hunting. Expect the sellers to ask about your financing.
Here’s another signal that now may be a good time to buy a home in Portland: Mortgage rates are dipping.
As of the middle of February 2026, Freddie Mac reported that the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage loan sits at 6.11%. Rates have been dipping steadily over the past 12 months and are expected to continue this trend throughout the year. In fact, experts agree that the rate will dip to 6% or even lower by year-end.
So this might be a great time to buy a house in Portland, particularly for those buyers who need to use mortgage financing.
Are you actively searching for a home in Portland and need a mortgage? We can help you prepare for the competitive Portland, OR real estate market by pre-approving you for a home loan. Sammamish Mortgage has been offering many mortgage programs to borrowers across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and California since 1992, including our Diamond Homebuyer Program, Cash Buyer Program, and Bridge Loans, among others. Visit our website to get an instant rate quote or to use our online mortgage calculator. Please contact our staff with any mortgage-related questions you have, or to get pre-approved for a mortgage.
Many buyers put down 5% to 20%, though some loan programs allow lower down payments for qualified borrowers.
Yes, Oregon offers down payment assistance and special loan programs for eligible first-time buyers.
Most conventional loans require at least a 620 score, though higher scores typically secure better rates.
Property taxes in Multnomah County are moderate compared to many major West Coast cities but vary by assessed value.
This depends on your long-term plans, budget, and market timing, but buying can build equity over time.
Desirable neighborhoods can see strong competition, especially for well-priced homes.
Most transactions close within 30 to 45 days after an offer is accepted.
Yes, VA loans are available to eligible veterans and often require no down payment.
Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price, depending on the loan and fees involved.
Condos are often more affordable upfront but may include HOA dues that increase monthly costs.
Yes, pre-approval strengthens your offer and clarifies your price range.
Your credit score, debt levels, income stability, loan type, and down payment all influence the rate you’re offered.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.
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