Should I Buy a House in Portland, Oregon in 2026?

Timing your home purchase right can be highly beneficial. Depending on when you buy, you could save yourself quite a bit of money. The question is, should you buy a home in Portland, OR in 2026? 

“Should I buy a home in Portland, Oregon? Is 2026 a good time to buy? Is a house a good investment right now?”

These are the kinds of questions Portland home buyers are asking themselves. And they’re certainly great questions to ask. Below, we have gathered some information to help you answer these and other real estate-related questions.

Should I Buy a Home in Portland, Oregon Right Now?

For many residents, buying a home in Portland, Oregon makes a lot of sense right now. The local housing market is relatively healthy right now, with home prices expected to inch up over the coming months. 

While higher home prices doesn’t really sound enticing when it comes to buying a home in Portland, it could make a great argument to get into the market sooner rather than later. 

Not only can you spend less today than you would a few months from now, but you would also benefit from home price appreciation after buying and ride the wave of home equity increases.

Of course, these are all external market factors. From a market perspective, one could argue that now is a good time to buy a home in Portland, Oregon. But you have to make sure it’s a good time for you personally.

If you answered yes to these questions, then buying a home in Portland might be a good move for you in 2026.

Is it a Buyers’ or Sellers’ Market Right Now?

As we head into 2026, Portland is still favoring sellers. That’s because there’s a lot of housing demand, but not enough inventory to satisfy it. In other words, there are more buyers in the market than homes for sale.

This was the story for a long time, and most analysts expect the trend to continue over the near future. The Portland housing market is still somewhat competitive. 

According to Redfin, homes in Portland sell after 42 days on the market, down 9 days from the same time last year. Listings typically only need 2 offers before selling. Homes sell for about 1% over listing price, so sellers are getting even more than what they’re asking for. Hot properties also can sell for about 1% over listing price and go pending in as little as 9 days.

Housing inventory in the city is not nearly enough to shift the market. In fact, there is only a roughly 3.3-months supply of inventory in Portland, which is well below what is considered a balanced market.

Live Portland Mortgage Rates Jan, 22, Thu, 2026

Anyone planning to buy a home in the metro area in 2026 should be prepared for a high level of competition from other buyers. In this context, being prepared means having your financing lined up ahead of time, and making a strong first offer on a home.

Pro Tip: Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your loan costs.

Will Portland Home Prices Rise in 2026?

According to real estate research firm Zillow, Portland home prices saw a 1.5% decrease over the last 12 months. At the time this article was published, the median home value in Portland, Oregon sits at around $516,539.

Portland home prices are expected to rise modestly in 2026, though gains will likely be slower and steadier than in previous years. Most local forecasts project low-to-mid single-digit appreciation as buyer demand remains solid and inventory stays relatively tight, but affordability and interest rates could keep increases moderate rather than dramatic.

As a Homebuyer, How Can I Improve My Chance For Success?

There is still a lot of competition among homebuyers in Portland, Oregon, even though the local market has slightly cooled. Still, there are things you can do to improve your chance for success. Here are some ways to tip the scales in your favor.

• Have your financing squared away. If you’re a cash buyer, you should be prepared to show the seller bank statements or some other “proof of funds.” If you’re using a mortgage loan to buy a house in Portland, get pre-approved before you enter the market.
• Know the market, and move swiftly. Efficiency is key when operating in a competitive real estate market, and a little research goes a long way. Do your homework in advance to find out which neighborhoods and homes fall within your budget. Narrow your search to these realistic targets.
• Make a strong first offer. Portland is a competitive real estate market right now. To succeed in such a market, you’ll want to make a strong purchase offer backed up by recent sales prices. This will make the seller more inclined to accept your offer.
• Don’t quibble over nickels and dimes. If you find a home that meets most of your needs and falls within your budget, it’s probably time to seal the deal. You can be sure there are other buyers who want that same property. Keep this in mind as you negotiate with the seller. Focus on the big picture, not the “nickels and dimes.”

So, should you buy a home in Portland in 2026? That’s a question only you can answer. But hopefully, we’ve given you enough information to reach that conclusion.

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Need a Home Loan in Portland, OR?

If you’re in the market to buy a home in Portland, Oregon, Sammamish Mortgage is available to help. We offer a wide variety of mortgage programs and tools with flexible qualification criteria. We’ve been helping buyers obtain the mortgages they need in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, and California since 1992, and we’d love to help you too. Please contact us today to get started or to get an instant rate quote.