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Are you thinking about buying a home in Kent, Washington in 2026? If so, you might want to consider making your move sooner rather than later. The question is, where is the real estate market in Kent, WA expected to be over the coming months?
Recent predictions and forecasts for the Kent, Washington housing market suggest that home values could increase modestly through the end of 2026. This means that those buyers who take a “wait-and-see” approach could end up paying more for a home, though not much more.
Over the previous 12 months, home values in Kent, Washington dipped by 1.9%, according to Zillow, so the market is a cool one in Kent. Redfin also showed similar decreases in Kent’s real estate market.
Listings go pending in 43, up 7 days from the same time last year. This means homes are sitting on the market longer before being sold.
Homes are selling for an average of 1% below listing price. Hot homes sell at around their list price and go pending in about 8 days, as per RedFin.
According to the latest estimates, the median home value in Kent is now around $635,423 as of January 2026. But it might not stay at that level for long. If these forecasts and predictions are accurate, house prices in the area could inch up by around 1% over the coming months.
So home buyers who postpone their purchases until 2026, or shelve them until the following year, could very well encounter higher housing costs, though not by much.
Related: How to Purchase A Luxury Home in Seattle Without Up-Sizing Your Costs
Real estate markets across the Seattle metro area, including Kent, have been relatively cool over the recent past. Home prices in the area have leveled off or dipped modestly, indicating softening prices rather than strong growth.
Housing inventory and activity data (in broader King County) suggest some inventory growth and more balanced conditions versus the tight seller’s market of prior years. Buyer demand is still present but not as frenzied as earlier in the decade.
Thinking of applying for a mortgage in Kent in 2026? If so, be sure to check out our Conforming Loan Limits and FHA Loan Limits resources to help you avoid borrowing more than you can realistically afford while ensuring the loan amount meets your needs without putting unnecessary strain on your finances.
Population growth is a factor here as well. According to data collected by the United States Census Bureau, the population of Kent, Washington is roughly 131,118 and has grown through the years.
The Seattle metro area remains a popular attraction for those who are relocating from elsewhere in the state and across the country. These immigration patterns bring more home buyers into the local real estate market, increasing demand at a time when supply is limited. Home prices tend to rise under such conditions.
Given this phenomenon, broader forecasts suggest home values in markets like Kent may rise modestly (~1–2% nationally) in 2026 if mortgage rates stabilize and inventory continues increasing.
The forecast for rising house values may be a driving factor for home buyers, but the fact that mortgage rates are dipping is another reason why now may be a great time to get into the real estate market in Kent.
In its latest finance forecast, the Mortgage Bankers Association estimated that the average rate for a 30-year fixed home loan would be about 6.0% or lower by the end of 2026. Right now, the rate stands at 6.15%, so the time to buy is definitely now before interest makes buying completely more unaffordable.
Granted, these are just for housing forecasts and projections. They are the equivalent of an educated guess. So you probably shouldn’t “bank” on them.
But it’s helpful to know what the experts are thinking. And with the general consensus being that home prices are rising and mortgage rates are expected to dip, a case could be made for buying a home sooner rather than later.
Disclaimer: This article includes predictions and forecasts for the Kent, Washington housing market through 2026. These outlooks were provided by third parties not associated with our company. We have presented them here as an educational service to our readers.
Is 2026 the year you buy a home in Kent, WA? If so, you’ll need to finance it with a home loan, and Sammamish Mortgage is here to help. We are a local, family-owned company based in Bellevue, Washington. We currently provide a variety of mortgage programs in all of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and California and have been doing so since 1992. Use our mortgage calculator online or start the process by getting pre-approved. Please contact us if you have mortgage-related questions.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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