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For many months now, we’ve heard how competitive the real estate market is in Boise, Idaho.
A massive influx of home buyers from other parts of the country drove prices up and sent inventory levels to record lows. This transformed the Boise real estate market into one of the most challenging markets in the country, from a home buyer’s perspective.
But like many cities across the country, this real estate market cooled down a bit from its peak a few years ago, though it’s still healthy. So 2026 could be a very good time to buy a house in the Boise area.
Here are three reasons why 2026 could be a good time to buy in the Boise area.
Over the past 12 months, Boise’s housing market saw inventory levels rise compared with very tight conditions in prior years. Metrics show about 3,857 active listings on average, with roughly 3.1 months of supply of homes available for buyers. This means at current sales speeds, it would take about 3.1 months to sell those listings — a sign the market was loosening compared to earlier seller-dominant conditions.
Analysts and forecasts suggest inventory will likely continue rising modestly in 2026 as new listings and construction add homes to the market. One regional report shows the Boise metro area — including Ada County — trending near 3.2 months of supply by early 2026, the highest since early 2022.
With additional new construction and more sellers possibly entering the market due to higher home values, months of supply could move closer to the mid-3-month range or above in 2026, though still generally below the 5–6 months typically associated with a fully balanced market.
The bottom line is that home buyers in the Boise area should have an easier time finding a property these days, compared to those who purchased in years past. If inventory continues to increase, the real estate market could become even more buyer friendly in 2026.
According to Zillow, the Boise metro area saw a slight increase in the average home price. Over the past 12-month period, Boise’s median sale price increased 1.3% and now sit at $487,717 as of February 2026.
That means homes are selling for slightly more than what they did a year ago. This trend still bodes well for home buyers planning to make a purchase in the Boise area during 2026, as the price increase is only modest. It’s another sign that the market may still favor sellers.
So what does this mean for buyers? Will 2026 still be a good time to buy a home in Boise? Perhaps, especially given the fact that mortgage rates are on their way down.
With all of these reports about a “cooling” real estate market, home buyers might question whether or not it makes sense to buy a house right now. Anytime the market decelerates, there’s a concern among some that house values begin to drop.
But the Boise real estate scene still has strong fundamentals that could put upward pressure on prices for the foreseeable future.
The supply situation has improved, as mentioned above. But even so, this housing market will probably continue to have a shortage of homes relative to demand for a while longer. Those kinds of conditions tend to support house values.
Despite the rapid rise of home prices over the past couple of years, Boise is still more affordable when compared to other West Coast metros. The median price in Boise is roughly one-third what it is in the San Francisco Bay Area.
As a result, Idaho’s capital city will probably continue to attract buyers from more expensive cities. So the Boise real estate market should continue to benefit from strong demand, going forward.
Disclaimer: This report makes general predictions about future real estate conditions. They are the equivalent of an educated guess and should be viewed as such.
Do you have questions about rates this week and home loans in Boise, ID? Or are you ready to apply for a mortgage to buy a home? If so, Sammamish Mortgage can help. We are a local mortgage company from Bellevue, Washington, serving the entire state, as well as Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado. We offer many mortgage programs to buyers all over the Pacific Northwest and have been doing so since 1992. Among our programs includes the Diamond Homebuyer Program, Cash Buyer Program, and Bridge Loans. Contact us today with any questions you have about mortgages, or visit our website to get an instant rate quote.
Yes — Boise continues to attract buyers thanks to its outdoor lifestyle, job growth, and strong community feel.
Yes, prices are still rising, though not at the same pace they were during peak years.
Competition varies by neighborhood, but well‑priced homes still draw quick interest.
Yes — nearby cities like Nampa, Caldwell, and Meridian often offer more budget‑friendly options.
Higher rates have slowed some demand, but many buyers are still active due to long‑term confidence in the area.
Yes — Boise and its surrounding suburbs offer a wide range of new‑build communities.
Often they are, making them a popular choice for first‑time buyers.
Expect strong demand, diverse neighborhoods, and a mix of older homes and new developments.
They’re less common than during the peak market, but desirable homes can still receive multiple offers.
Many buyers see Boise as a strong long‑term market due to steady population growth and economic stability.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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