Reasons To Be Optimistic About the 2026 Housing Market

If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while.

After a stretch where many people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with more balance, more options, and more clarity for people who want to make a move. Not because the market is suddenly “easy,” but because several key conditions are shifting.

What Experts Are Saying About the 2026 Housing Market

A Healthier, More Balanced Market

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com:

“After a challenging period for buyers, sellers and renters, 2026 should offer a welcome, if modest, step toward a healthier housing market.”

This shift toward balance aligns with emerging trends in Riverside County's housing markets, where thoughtful pricing and steadier buyer demand are becoming more prevalent.

Rising Inventory and Opportunity for Buyers

The National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Top economists have one word to sum up the housing market for 2026: opportunity. Lower mortgage rates and a rising supply of homes are expected to open up the housing market . . . something the real estate industry and potential home buyers and sellers have been waiting for, following three years of stagnation.”

For buyers in Riverside County, increased housing inventory may mean more options and less pressure, while sellers benefit from continued demand in a more sustainable market environment.

Gradual Improvements in Housing Affordability

Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American:

“. . . for the first time in several years, the underlying forces are finally aligned toward gradual improvement. Mortgage rates may drift down only slowly, but income growth exceeding house price appreciation will provide a boost to house-buying power — even in a higher-rate world. Affordability won’t snap back overnight, but like a ship finally catching a steady tailwind, it’s now sailing in the right direction.”

This trend is particularly relevant for Southern California homebuyers, who have faced affordability concerns in recent years.

A Market That Benefits Both Buyers and Sellers

Mischa Fisher, Chief Economist at Zillow:

“Buyers are benefiting from more inventory and improved affordability, while sellers are seeing price stability and more consistent demand. Each group should have a bit more breathing room in 2026.”

This more balanced environment supports strategic home selling and confident home buying throughout Riverside County communities.

Why Local Market Insight Matters in Riverside County

Although national housing trends point toward improvement, local real estate conditions within Riverside County will continue to vary by city, neighborhood, and price point.

As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:

“Market performance will hinge on local economic conditions, making 2026 one of the most geographically divided markets we’ve seen in years.”

That’s why working with a local Riverside County real estate expert is essential. National forecasts provide context, but local data and market knowledge determine how these trends affect your specific goals.

Bottom Line: Opportunity Is Returning to the Riverside County Housing Market

The 2026 housing market outlook for Riverside County is more encouraging than it has been in years. With stabilizing prices, rising inventory, and gradual improvements in affordability, both buyers and sellers may find new opportunities ahead.

If you’d like to discuss what these trends mean for your Riverside County real estate plans, we’re here to help.