2026

Over 4 billion people live in cities, expected to rise to nearly 70% by 2050, driving major real estate shifts globally. Urbanization fuels housing demand, asset optimization, and infrastructure needs. Cities investing in transit and mixed-use developments see property value growth. Strategic urban planning, like Dubai’s 2040 Master Plan, emphasizes accessibility, sustainability, and livability. Trends...

Comparing mortgage offers is key to saving money on interest and fees. Get preapproved before house hunting to know your budget and strengthen offers. A 20% down payment isn't always required; some loans need as little as 3%. Avoid emotional decisions, overbuying, and making big purchases before closing. Research loan options, maintain an emergency fund, and explore first-time buyer assistance...

Rental vacancy rates rose to 5.7% in 2024 after a construction surge but remain below the long-term average of 6.6%. Owner vacancy rates stayed under 1%, a record low. The U.S. faces a structural housing shortage, needing about 1.2 million additional units to reach equilibrium. Vacancy rates vary by region, with some resort areas showing higher rates and major California metros below 4%. The housing...

Slide 1 San Diego housing is finally waking up after years of quiet listings and wait. Slide 2 Coastal homeowners are listing again—inventory near six-year highs, boosting your buying choices. Slide 3 Purchase applications are rising, signaling buyers are re-entering cautiously but steadily. Slide 4 More moves happen for life changes, not...

The 2026 housing market is expected to rebound with a 14% increase in home sales, aided by more inventory and lower mortgage rates. Home price growth will be modest, around 2-3%, improving affordability as incomes rise faster than prices. New home construction is set to grow slightly, though a housing deficit persists due to zoning limits. Demographic shifts include more single female buyers and dominant...

Southern California's median rent change over the past year was flat, with typical rents at $1,942 for one-bedroom and $2,378 for two-bedroom units. Rents fell in 25 cities by a median of 1.6%, mostly in lower-cost areas, while rising 1.5% in 25 cities, often in wealthier regions. Rent declines were notable in cities distant from job hubs, while increases occurred mainly in affluent Orange County....

Home sales rebound: Economists expect roughly 14% higher sales as inventory improves and lock-in effects fade. Prices rise modestly: National home prices forecast to grow about 2–3%, supporting stability without overheating. Inventory expands: Listings are up around 20%, easing competition and reducing bidding-war pressure. Market balance returns: Buyers gain...

Home values soften modestly: Prices are expected to edge slightly lower in early 2026 before stabilizing, with no sharp correction projected. Sales activity improves: Lower mortgage rates should gradually bring sidelined buyers back, lifting transaction volume. Rates drive momentum: Mortgage rate easing toward the low-6% range is the key catalyst for renewed...

Southern California's housing market showed stability at the end of 2025, with a 1.7% year-over-year sales increase and a slight 0.6% rise in median home prices. Sales surged 13.5% month-over-month in December, driven by lower mortgage rates averaging 6.19%. Inventory tightened to 2.9 months, and homes took about 35 days to sell. Price growth is expected to slow to 2-4% in 2026, with steady demand...

California's housing market ended 2025 with a 0.9% sales increase and a slight price cooling, signaling stabilization. December saw 288,200 annualized home sales and a median price of $850,680, down 0.4% from November. Inventory growth slowed, and mortgage rates dropped to 6.19%. For 2026, sales are projected to rise 2%, median prices to reach $905,000, with improved affordability and inventory,...