Nationwide Real Estate Forecast 2025 - 2026

Let’s dive into this Nationwide Forecast crystal ball for 2025 and 2026—it’s like a sneak peek into the housing market’s future, and I’m here to break it down for you with some fun facts. This chart has the scoop on home sales, prices, mortgage rates, and even job growth, so let’s see what it means for you!

For Potential Home Buyers: Your Ticket to the Dream Home

• Existing Home Sales Are Poppin’: In 2025, sales of existing homes (think pre-loved houses) are expected to jump by 6%, and then soar even higher in 2026 with an 11% boost. Translation? More homes will hit the market, giving you a bigger buffet of options to choose from. Time to start practicing your “oohs” and “aahs” for those open houses!

• New Home Sales: Fresh Builds Incoming: New home sales are set to rise 10% in 2025, then ease to 5% in 2026. If you’re dreaming of a shiny, never-lived-in house with that new-construction smell, 2025 might be your year to snag one before the pace slows a bit.

• Median Home Price: A Gentle Climb: Home prices are creeping up—3% in 2025 and 4% in 2026. It’s not a wild rollercoaster, but a steady uphill stroll. So, if you’re saving up, keep stacking those pennies; a little more cash might go a long way!

• Mortgage Rates: A Tiny Dip: Rates start at 6.4% in 2025 and slide to 6.1% in 2026. It’s not a huge drop, but it’s like getting a coupon for your monthly payment—every little bit helps when you’re borrowing hundreds of thousands of dollars!

• Job Gains: More Paychecks, More Power: With 1.6 million new jobs in 2025 and 2.4 million in 2026, the economy’s flexing some muscle. More jobs could mean more confidence to buy, and maybe even a raise to help with that down payment.

Buyer Bottom Line: The market’s warming up with more homes to pick from and slightly friendlier mortgage rates by 2026. If you’re ready to leap, 2025 could be your launchpad—more options, decent prices, and a growing job market to back you up!

For Home Sellers: Cashing In on the Boom

• Existing Home Sales Surge: That 6% jump in 2025 and 11% leap in 2026 means buyers are hungry for homes like yours. It’s like hosting a yard sale where everyone’s waving cash—perfect time to list and watch the offers roll in!

• New Home Sales Competition: New homes are stealing some spotlight with a 10% sales bump in 2025, dropping to 5% in 2026. Your existing home might need to strut its stuff—think charm, upgrades, or a killer location—to stand out against those fresh builds.

• Median Home Price Boost: Prices ticking up 3% in 2025 and 4% in 2026? That’s extra cha-ching in your pocket. Selling sooner might lock in a solid profit before prices climb higher and buyers get pickier.

• Mortgage Rates Impact: At 6.4% in 2025 and 6.1% in 2026, rates are still hefty enough to keep some buyers cautious—but not too high to scare them off. Price your home right, and you’ll catch those eager beavers ready to borrow.

• Job Gains Fuel Demand: More jobs (1.6M in 2025, 2.4M in 2026) mean more people with money to spend. A growing workforce could bring more buyers knocking, especially if they’re relocating for work.

Seller Bottom Line: The forecast screams opportunity! With sales spiking and prices nudging up, 2025 and 2026 could be your golden window to sell high. Spruce up your place, price it smart, and ride the wave of buyer demand.