2026

First-time homebuyers often make costly mistakes like breaking their budget, skipping mortgage preapproval, and foregoing home inspections. It's crucial to set a comfortable budget including maintenance costs, get preapproved (not just prequalified) for a mortgage, and never skip a home inspection to avoid hidden repair costs. Also, comparison shop lenders for the best rates and terms, and hire your...

California's housing market in 2026 is expected to stabilize with modest home price increases of 2-3%, reaching a median of $905,000. Mortgage rates are predicted to ease, staying below 6%, improving affordability. Housing inventory is rising about 20% from last year, offering more choices, especially in Northern California and the Central Valley where prices are more affordable. These trends may...

In 2026, the housing market may improve as more homes become available amid sluggish demand, reducing competition for buyers. Median home prices have slightly dipped, and mortgage rates have eased to around 6.15%, potentially saving buyers money. Buyers are advised to prepare by setting budgets, saving for down payments, improving credit, and getting pre-approved. Homes still sell quickly, averaging 40...

The housing market in 2026 is expected to improve with a predicted 14% rise in home sales and a 4% increase in prices, signaling balanced growth. Key factors include steady job growth, modestly lower mortgage rates around 6%, and increased homebuilder activity. However, challenges remain for first-time buyers due to high rents, student debt, and childcare costs. Sellers may need to adjust prices if homes...

Fall 2025 saw unexpected buyer activity, suggesting demand could carry into 2026. 2026 may bring a more balanced market with increasing inventory and slower price acceleration. Median California home prices are expected to climb about 3.6% to ~$905K. Mortgage rates drifting into the low-6% range could improve buying....

U.S. rents continue falling into early 2026 after years of rapid increases. Top 50 metro median rent is $1,693, down ~1% yearly for 28 months. Markets that added large amounts of new housing supply are seeing the most price pressure. San Diego–Chula Vista–Carlsbad rents fell 3.5% yearly in November. Large managed buildings see the biggest drops, with longer...

San Diego home prices saw declines into late 2025 but forecast modest rebound in 2026. San Diego prices may rise roughly +2–5% in 2026. Mortgage rates likely ease to ~6.0% by 2026, boosting buyer confidence slightly. Luxury properties may grow 3–5% annually through 2026 with strong equity positions. San Diego rents are forecast to grow ~5% by mid‑2026....

A 1% drop in mortgage rates could add about 5.5 million potential homebuyers, including 1.6 million renters, by improving affordability. For example, on a $450,000 loan, monthly payments could decrease by over $200, easing the burden for first-time buyers and current homeowners. Lower rates may boost home sales and inventory, with some metro areas seeing up to an 8% increase in qualifying households....

California remains one of the most competitive rental markets in the U.S., with several metro areas ranking in the top 30 nationwide for 2025. Silicon Valley leads in California with a competitiveness score of 81.4, followed by Eastern Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County. San Francisco saw the largest increase in rental competition due to tech job growth and housing shortages. Nationally, the...

New California construction laws effective in 2026 streamline environmental reviews, expand housing near transit, and update building codes. CEQA exemptions increase for various projects, and transit-oriented development height limits rise with streamlined approvals. Title 24 introduces wildfire-resistant construction codes and electrification requirements. Private construction contracts face a 5%...