USA Real Estate 2026

Thinking of buying or selling a property in the USA? The U.S. real estate market in 2026 is forecast to enter a period of cautious but steady recovery, marking a rebound from the low transaction volumes of the preceding high-interest-rate environment.¹ This stabilization, driven by improving affordability and high economic confidence, is expected to attract significant capital, particularly from international investors seeking long-term stability and growth.

Key Market Trends for 2026

The dominant trends shaping the 2026 market will revolve around the easing of financing costs, an increase in sales volume, and continued regional divergence.

• Moderating Mortgage Rates: The most critical factor is the expected gradual decline in mortgage rates.² After hovering in the high-6% range, the average 30-year fixed rate is forecast to drop to around ³$6.0\%$ in 2026.⁴ This modest improvement is expected to unleash significant pent-up buyer demand, especially from homeowners who were previously locked into low COVID-era rates.⁵

   

• Sales Volume Rebound: With improved affordability, transaction volumes are predicted to rise measurably.⁶ The National Association of Realtors (NAR) forecasts existing home sales to increase by as much as ⁷$14\%$ in 2026, marking a powerful rebound in market activity.⁸

   

• Modest Price Appreciation: Home prices are not expected to decline sharply.⁹ Instead, price growth will be modest and sustainable, likely in the ¹⁰$1.3\%$ to ¹¹$4\%$ range nationally.¹² This growth is supported by a persistent housing supply shortage (estimated at 5-7 million units) and solid job market growth.¹³

   

• Market Divergence: The market will continue to bifurcate. Supply-constrained markets in the Northeast and Midwest are expected to hold firm, while some Sun Belt markets (like parts of Florida and Arizona) that saw explosive growth may experience slight cooling or stabilization as new construction inventory is absorbed.¹⁴

   

• Technology Integration (PropTech): The industry is accelerating the adoption of PropTech.¹⁵ Expect to see increased use of AI-driven valuations (AVMs), virtual transaction platforms, and blockchain-based property ownership (tokenization), making property acquisition and management more efficient for international buyers.¹⁶

   

Why International Buyers Are Investing in the U.S.

International investment in U.S. real estate surged significantly, driven by fundamental financial and geopolitical factors.¹⁷ The U.S. remains the world’s premier destination for foreign capital for several key reasons:

• Financial Security and Stability: The U.S. offers the most liquid, transparent, and legally secure real estate market globally. This stability provides a vital safe haven for private and institutional wealth against geopolitical uncertainty elsewhere.

• Ease of Investment: The U.S. system is generally friendly to foreign nationals, lacking the foreign buyer taxes, severe stamp duties, or outright restrictions seen in countries like Canada, Singapore, or Australia.¹⁸ Many U.S. banks specialize in non-resident mortgage options, simplifying the financing process.

   

• Favorable Currency Dynamics: Fluctuations in the U.S. dollar’s value can create opportunities, making U.S. assets more affordable for buyers holding strong foreign currencies.

• High Rental Yield and Appreciation: The U.S. offers a powerful combination of strong capital appreciation potential (driven by low supply) and strong rental yields (driven by robust job growth and migration).¹⁹ This allows investors to generate positive cash flow while anticipating long-term equity growth.

   

• Education and Lifestyle: A large portion of foreign investment is linked to educational drivers. Parents often purchase property near top U.S. universities for their children, providing peace of mind, avoiding expensive rental costs, and securing an appreciating asset.

🗺️ Most Popular Destinations for Foreign Investment

International capital flows are highly concentrated in cities offering diverse economies, major international connectivity, and tax-friendly environments.

Other popular markets for international investors include Orlando (for short-term vacation rentals due to theme park demand), Tampa/St. Petersburg (Florida tax benefits and population growth), and key tech hubs like Austin.