Expert Forecasts Point to Affordability Improving in 2026
If you’ve been watching the housing market and wondering when affordability would finally improve, you’re not alone. For several years, rising mortgage rates, limited inventory, and fast-moving prices made buying or selling feel overwhelming. But according to expert forecasts, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of renewed opportunity, especially for those exploring houses for sale in Central Florida.
National economists and housing authorities agree: affordability is improving, inventory is growing, and the market is regaining balance. For buyers and sellers working with experienced real estate agents in Central Florida, this shift opens doors that haven’t been available in years.
As a Central Florida Realtor, Robert Michael has seen multiple market cycles over his 34-year career. And one thing is clear: the most successful moves happen when clients understand market timing, local trends, and negotiation strategies—all of which matter more than headlines.
Expert Forecasts Point to Improving Affordability in 2026
The biggest barrier in recent years has been affordability. But in 2025, affordability reached its best level in three years, and experts say that momentum will continue into 2026.
This optimism is based on three major factors:
Mortgage rates
Housing inventory
Home price growth
Together, these trends are reshaping how buyers and sellers approach the market—especially in competitive regions like Central Florida.
Mortgage Rates: Lower, Stable, and More Predictable
Mortgage rates have already dropped nearly a full percentage point from their peak. While that may not sound dramatic at first glance, even a small rate reduction can significantly impact monthly payments and overall buying power.
Forecasts suggest they’ll stay pretty much where they are now and hover in the low 6% range throughout 2026 (see graph below):
Rates are lower than they were a year ago—and stability matters.
What This Means for Buyers
Lower monthly payments
Increased purchasing power
Ability to qualify for homes that once felt out of reach
For those searching for houses for sale in Poinciana FL or homes for sale in Altamonte Springs, this shift could mean the difference between waiting and winning.
What This Means for Sellers
Rates in the 6% range are becoming the “new normal”
Buyers are adjusting expectations and re-entering the market
Sellers with equity still have strong leverage
Inventory Is Growing: More Choices, Less Pressure
In 2025, housing inventory increased by approximately 15% nationwide, giving buyers something they hadn’t had in years—options.
More inventory means:
Less urgency
More time to evaluate homes
Increased negotiation power
In 2025, the number of homes for sale improved by about 15%. As inventory rose, buyers regained things they hadn’t had in years: options, time to consider those options, and negotiating leverage. That helped restore more balance to the housing market.
Not to mention, the inventory gains are a big piece of what’s helped price growth slow down – which in turn improves affordability.
Experts at Realtor.com project inventory to grow another 8.9% in 2026, which is excellent news for buyers searching across Central Florida communities.
Buyers Gain Leverage
With more homes on the market, buyers are no longer forced into bidding wars on every listing. Whether you’re relocating, upsizing, or buying your first home, 2026 brings breathing room.
Sellers Must Price Strategically
As inventory grows, pricing becomes critical. Homes that are staged, marketed correctly, and priced based on local data—not emotion—sell faster and for stronger terms.
This is where experience matters most.
Home Prices: Slower Growth, Stronger Stability
Despite rumors on social media predicting a housing crash, experts overwhelmingly agree: home prices are not crashing.
With more homes for sale, there isn’t as much upward pressure on prices right now. And we’ve seen that shake out over the past year. Even so, the overwhelming majority of experts say, nationally, prices will continue rising in the year ahead – just at a slower pace. On average, they say prices will rise by 1.6% in 2026 (see graph below):
That’s good news for everyone.
Why This Matters Locally
Real estate is hyper-local. Some Central Florida neighborhoods will outperform the national average, while others may see flat or slightly reduced prices. This is why working with a knowledgeable local professional like Robert Real Estate Team matters more than ever.
As Realtor.com explains:
“For homebuyers and sellers, the shift signals a more balanced market—one where price growth steadies, rate relief offers breathing room, and negotiating power tilts subtly toward buyers.”
Make it stand out
Even in a balanced market, presentation sells homes faster and for more money.
Home Staging Still Matters: Use a Home Staging Checklist Template
A professional home staging checklist template helps sellers:
Declutter and depersonalize
Highlight space and natural light
Create emotional appeal for buyers
Staging isn’t about luxury—it’s about clarity. Buyers need to see themselves living in the home, and strategic staging makes that happen.
More Homes Will Sell in 2026
With improving affordability, stable rates, and increased inventory, economists expect more homes to sell in 2026.
Zillow’s Chief Economist, Mischa Fisher, notes:
“Buyers are benefiting from more inventory and improved affordability, while sellers are seeing price stability and more consistent demand.”
This means:
Buyers gain confidence
Sellers attract qualified demand
Transactions move forward with fewer surprises
Why Local Expertise Matters in Central Florida
Markets like Orlando, Poinciana, and Altamonte Springs each behave differently. National trends set the tone—but local insight drives results.
That’s where Robert Michael & Co - Real Estate Team stands apart.
With decades of experience, deep market knowledge, and a proven negotiation strategy, Robert Michael helps clients navigate shifting conditions with confidence.
Meet Your Central Florida Realtor: Robert Michael Diaz
Robert Michael Diaz
Broker – Owner | RobertMichael.com
Multi-Billion Dollar Producer
34 Years of Experience | Gulf War Veteran
Office Information
📍 Robert Michael & Co – Real Estate Team
618 E. South St. Ste 500
Orlando, FL 32801
Contact
📞 Tel: 407-545-2272
📱 Text: 941-676-9780
✉️ Email: Robert@RobertMichael.com
Hours
🕘 Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🗓 Saturday: By Appointment Only
Whether you’re searching for houses for sale Central Florida, evaluating homes for sale in Altamonte Springs, or planning to sell with confidence, Robert brings unmatched experience and results-driven strategy.
Bottom Line: 2026 Brings Balance and Opportunity
Affordability won’t change overnight—but 2026 is the most balanced housing market we’ve seen in years.
✔ Lower, stable mortgage rates
✔ More homes for sale
✔ Predictable price growth
✔ Increased negotiating power
For buyers and sellers alike, the opportunity is real.
If you’re ready to explore what’s possible in Central Florida real estate, now is the time.
Let’s chat—and make your next move a smart one.
