How to Buy a House in the First Half of 2026 — What You Need to Know

Thinking about buying a home in the first half of 2026? You’re not alone. Many prospective buyers are watching interest rates, inventory levels, and price trends to decide whether now is the right time to make a move. While no one can predict the future with absolute certainty, a range of mortgage and real estate experts expect 2026 to offer modest improvements that could benefit buyers — especially those who prepare early.

At Your Property Pros, we help buyers understand what national forecasts really mean for local markets — and how to position yourself to succeed.

1. Mortgage Rates May Be Slightly Better in 2026

One of the biggest factors in homebuying affordability is mortgage rates. Most forecasts suggest:

• Rates are expected to remain high compared with the pandemic era but may ease slightly as the year progresses.
• Experts anticipate that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate could sit in the mid-6% range through 2026 — lower than some 2025 averages, but not plunging back into the very low rates we saw earlier in the decade. 

Lower rates — even modestly — can make monthly payments more affordable and increase purchasing power for many buyers.

What this means for you:
Don’t expect a dramatic drop, but a slight reduction in borrowing costs could help your budget stretch farther if you’re ready in the first half of the year.

2. Inventory Could Continue To Improve — Slowly

Another trend buyers are watching is inventory — that is, how many homes are actually for sale.

Experts expect:

• Housing inventory to grow slightly compared with earlier years, giving buyers more choices. 
• A more balanced market overall, with fewer bidding wars and more negotiation room than sellers had during the super-tight pandemic years. 

More listings don’t guarantee you’ll find your dream home the first weekend you start looking — but it does mean you may have a better shot at finding the right one.

3. Home Prices Are Expected to Stay Steady or Grow Modestly

Home prices aren’t forecasted to drop drastically — but they also aren’t expected to skyrocket:

• Most forecasts forecast small price increases in 2026, often in the low single digits. 
• Some regions may see faster growth than others, while others may stay flat year-over-year.

This more gradual price growth helps buyers because it reduces the urgency to “rush” just to beat rising prices — especially in balanced markets where supply and demand are closer to even.

4. Affordability Is Gradually Improving

When you put slightly lower mortgage rates and slower price growth together, the result is a market that’s a bit more affordable than before.

That doesn’t mean buying a home suddenly gets easy for everyone. But it does mean:

✔️ Monthly mortgage payments may be a little lower in 2026 than they were in 2025.
✔️ More inventory could make shopping easier.
✔️ Buyers may have slightly more negotiating room as markets balance out. 

Affordability still won’t feel like the pandemic era — but for buyers who have prepared financially, 2026 offers some welcome relief.

5. When to Get Started: Early Preparation Is Key

If you want to buy in the first half of 2026, now is the time to start planning. Waiting until the spring market could mean:

• Less time to prepare your financing
• Harder competition if buyer activity picks up
• Missed opportunities on listings that move quickly

Here’s what experienced buyers are doing now:

• Getting mortgage pre-approval
• Reviewing debt and improving credit where possible
• Researching neighborhoods ahead of time
• Talking with a local agent about timing and strategy

Preparation can make the difference between finding a home and settling for one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying in Early 2026

Will mortgage rates definitely fall in 2026?

Experts expect rates to ease slightly, but not drop back to pandemic-era lows. Stable mid-6% rates are the central forecast for the year. 

Should I wait to buy until later in 2026?

There’s no guarantee rates or prices will be much lower in late 2026. If you’re ready financially and find the right home early, waiting could cost you. Preparation is more important than timing the perfect moment.

Does this mean home prices will fall?

Forecasts indicate prices will continue to rise modestly or stay fairly steady — not plummet. That stability can help you plan your budget with more confidence. 

Getting Ready with Your Property Pros

National forecasts are useful, but real estate is local. Mortgage rates, inventory, price trends, and buyer activity vary from town to town.

At Your Property Pros, we help buyers like you:

• Understand what these national trends mean in your local market
• Get pre-approved and strategically positioned
• Move quickly when the right home hits the market

📞 Call Brayden: (435) 201-2150
📞 Call McCall: (801) 616-2012

Whether you want to buy in the first half of 2026 or just get your plan ready, we’d love to help you make your next move with confidence.