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Whether you are thinking about buying or selling a home this upcoming year, it is crucial to understand both the current and the projected states of the housing market. Thus, here are a few housing market trends to keep an eye on for spring 2026.
The housing market across the US has been very stable but cautious over the past year, shaped by affordability challenges and gradual shifts toward balance. Home prices generally rose modestly year over year. High mortgage rates for much of the year limited buying power, keeping some buyers on the sidelines and reducing transaction volume.
As a result, home sales remained below long-term averages, especially for existing homes.
That said, spring 2026 is widely projected to be a strong home-shopping season in the US due to a convergence of factors that typically drive buyer activity this time of year.
Spring has historically been the busiest period in real estate, as warmer weather encourages more listings and buyers re-enter the market after winter. In 2026, mortgage rates are showing signs of easing compared with the previous two years, which tends to increase buyer confidence and affordability. Lower borrowing costs often encourage first-time buyers and move-up buyers to get serious about touring homes, submitting offers, and entering into contracts.
In addition, inventory levels have been slowly increasing across many regions, giving would-be buyers more options than they’ve seen in past tight-supply markets. Even though total supply remains below balanced levels in many metros, the uptick in listings helps reduce some buyer frustration and can catalyze more showings and offers.
Further, an increase in builder confidence and residential building permits translated into an uptick in new residential construction. As a result, there will definitely be newly built homes on the market come spring. The good news here is that having access to more inventory will help spur things along.
However, there will likely not be enough inventory to meet the ever-increasing demand for homes. Thus, to no one’s surprise, a continued seller’s market during springtime and the remainder of 2026 is almost a guarantee.
Virtual home buying continues to grow in the U.S. as more buyers use digital tours, live video walkthroughs, and 3D home models to explore properties remotely. This trend improves convenience, expands search options across markets, and accelerates decision-making — especially for out-of-state buyers navigating competitive housing conditions.
In 2026, home prices are generally forecast to continue rising, but at a slower, more sustainable pace compared with the rapid gains seen earlier in the decade. Most major housing analysts expect modest annual appreciation in the low single digits (often in the 3–5% range) as mortgage rates stabilize and supply gradually improves. Elevated borrowing costs and ongoing affordability constraints are expected to keep some buyers on the sidelines, which will temper pricing pressure in many areas.
Overall, the 2026 forecast anticipates a balanced housing market with moderate price growth, reflecting a transition from the seller-dominated environment of recent years toward more equilibrium between supply and demand.
In the event of rapid price growth, more than a few home buyers may have trouble affording their dream home later this year. At present, home prices are steadily climbing, though mortgage rates are dipping. Therefore, making a move now or in early spring might be the best decision for buyers to get in before prices, especially those looking to purchase their first home.
Ultimately, these are just a few major spring 2026 housing market trends to be mindful of when considering a home purchase or sale.
Are you curious about mortgages, or are you ready to apply for one to buy a home? If so, Sammamish Mortgage can help. We are a local mortgage company from Bellevue, WA, serving Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and California. We offer many mortgage programs to buyers all over the Pacific Northwest and have been doing so since 1992. Contact us today with any questions you have about mortgages, get pre-approved for a mortgage, or visit our website to get an instant rate quote.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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