After a few years where the housing market felt stuck in neutral, 2026 could be the year things pick up speed again. Expert forecasts show that more people are expected to move – and that could open the door for you to do the same.
More houses will be sold
With all the affordability challenges in recent years, many would-be movers have hit pause. But that pause button won’t last forever. There are always people who have to move. And experts think more of them will take action in 2026 (see graph below):
What’s behind the change? Two important factors: mortgage rates and house prices. Let’s take a look at the latest expert predictions for both so you can see why more people are expected to move next year.
Mortgage interest rates could fall further
The No. 1 thing that almost every buyer is looking for is a lower mortgage rate. And after peaking almost 7% earlier this year, rates began easing.
The latest forecasts show that this could remain the case in 2026, but it will not be a straight line downwards (see graph below):
There is a saying: when rates rise, they take the escalator. But when they come down, they take the stairs. And that is important to remember. It will be a slow and bumpy process.
Expect modest improvement in mortgage rates over the next year, but be prepared for some volatility. There will be volatility as new economic data emerges. However, don’t let it distract you from the bigger picture: the overall trend will be a slight decline. Predictions Suppose we can reach the low 6s, or maybe even the high 5s.
And remember: It doesn’t have to be a big drop to feel a change. Even a smaller dip helps your bottom line.
Comparing where rates are now versus where they were at 7% earlier this year will already save you hundreds of dollars on your future mortgage payments. And that’s very good. It’s enough to make a real difference in affordability for some buyers.
House price growth will be moderate
What about the prices? On a national scale, predictions say they will still rise, but not by much. Now that rates have fallen from their peak earlier this year, more buyers will be re-entering the market. And that increased demand will keep some upward pressure on prices nationally – and keep prices from falling.
So even though some markets are already seeing a slight drop in prices, you can rest assured that a major crash isn’t in the cards. Thanks to the surge in prices over the past five years, even the markets that are seeing a decline now are still up compared to just a few years ago.
Price developments will of course depend on where you are and what is happening in your local market. Inventory is a big driver of why some places will see different levels of appreciation in the future. But experts agree that we will see prices rise nationally (see graph below):
This is again a good sign for buyers and overall affordability. Although prices will still rise nationally, this will happen at a much more sustainable pace. And that predictability makes it easier to plan your budget. It also gives you peace of mind that prices won’t suddenly skyrocket overnight.
In short
After a few quieter years, 2026 is expected to bring more movement – and more opportunities. With sales expected to rise, mortgage rates lower and price growth slowing, the stage is set for a healthier, more active market.
So the big question: Are you one of the movers who will make 2026 your year?
Please contact an agent if you would like to prepare.
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