realestate

2026 Property Market Forecast

Lowcountry realtor Mikki Ramey forecasts the local market for buyers and sellers.

M
ikki Ramey

    Curious about Charleston’s 2025‑2026 housing outlook? Homebuyers and sellers fear a crash but also want to time the market right. After examining current data and expert predictions, three trends stand out for 2026:

    1. **Steady price movement** – Zillow projects a 0.4 % national rise from mid‑2025 to mid‑2026. Prices may dip slightly in high‑cost areas, but demand in growing metros and suburbs keeps values up. Expect a stable market, not a sharp correction or spike.

    2. **Sales rebound tied to rates** – Two slow years could be followed by a 14 % jump in new home sales and a 9.6 % rise in existing‑home transactions, but only if rates fall. Mortgage rates hover near 7 % now; a drop to the mid‑6 % range would unlock buyer demand, especially for mid‑tier and entry‑level homes.

    3. **Inventory and buyer power recover** – Tight inventory persists because many homeowners lock in low rates. As rates ease, more may list, gradually increasing supply. More listings mean more choices and fewer bidding wars for buyers, while sellers will need sharper pricing, staging, and flexibility to stand out.

    Overall, 2026 should bring a more balanced market where buyers and sellers can act strategically. Understanding local conditions and national trends will be key.

    If you’re planning to buy or sell in 2026, start preparing now. Call, text, or message me for a free consultation. I’m here to help: [email protected]

    #MikkiRamey #HealthyRealty #MountPleasantRealEstate #CharlestonRealEstate

Line chart depicting 2026 property market forecast for major cities.