Midwestern and southern metros may dominate buyer interest in 2026, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

Geographically, trends varied widely, with formerly hot areas like Florida and the Southeast posting the deepest declines and formerly cool areas, like the Midwest, showing healthy gains.

Inventory climbed in Boston and existing-home sales were on the rise, according to the latest Housing Scorecard.

The median price for a single-family home in Boston hit $900,000, a 5.9% year-over-year increase.

Spa-style amenities, customizable lighting options, integrated technology, storage solutions — and ample space for these features — all surfaced as top trends.

By region, sales rose in the Midwest, Northeast and South but fell in the West. 

Bold, geometric designs like chevrons, sunbursts, zigzags and stepped shapes are making a huge comeback as of late — and Houzz said that will continue into 2026.

The typical asking rent for an average rental unit reached $2,917.

Average rental costs for a single-family home have been decreasing for four consecutive quarters.

The chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS® also predicts home prices will climb 4% compared to 2025. 

Boston climbed four spots in the rankings last year, from No. 9 to No. 5.

Closings grew 5.6% year over year, with 3,921 single-family homes sold.

At the same time, the average age of the first-time buyer hit an all-time high of 40, according to the 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. 

At the top of the list? WaterSense fixtures — the plumbing solution, which claims to reduce water use by more than 20%, increased in popularity by 289.6%.

Nationwide, the median price for a single-family home increased 1.7% year over year to $426,800. Prices increased by the same annual rate during the second quarter.

Pew’s original research found building single-stairway multifamily buildings to be 6% to 13% less expensive than dual-stairway structures of similar size.