The real estate market was largely frozen in 2025. Home sales continued to slow, as low inventory, high prices and relatively expensive mortgage rates kept many would-be homebuyers locked out of the market. The annual buyer and seller profile from the National Association of REALTORS® found the share of first-time buyers to be at its lowest level in history, as the median age of these buyers hit a record high of 40.

A pair of highly anticipated Fed rate cuts in the fall, alongside some price softening and inventory increases, pointed to what many expect to be a return to normalcy after five years of pandemic-driven disruptions. What other changes might be in store for 2026? Boston Agent asked some of the area’s top brokerage executives, mortgage lenders and developers for their predictions for the coming year. Will the industry return to “normal”? What are the keys for agents to have a successful year? What’s the mortgage rate outlook? What segments of the residential market are poised for growth?

Our contributors expressed cautious optimism for 2026, while also setting realistic expectations for what might lie ahead, given the numerous opportunities for disruption that are part and parcel of today’s economy. We thank all of them for taking the time to share their expertise with our audience.