The Top Ten 2026 Housing Markets for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re buying or selling this year and need to know the top housing markets, you’re in luck. Here are two lists for the 2026 housing market, one for sellers and one for buyers. But before you scroll to the lists, keep this in mind:

If you’re planning a move for 2026, the most important takeaway is this: there are many housing markets to look at this year.

Experts agree 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most geographically split housing markets in years. Some areas are leaning toward sellers, while others are finally opening real doors for buyers. Who has the advantage depends almost entirely on where you live. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, explains it this way:

“Looking ahead to 2026, regional differences will remain pronounced, with demand favoring areas that offer both economic opportunity and relative affordability.”

To show just how divided the landscape is, here’s a look at where sellers may have the upper hand and where first-time buyers may find their opening.

Where Sellers Stand To Win Big in 2026

Zillow identified the following metros as some of the strongest seller markets for 2026, based on buyer demand, pricing momentum, and how quickly homes are expected to sell:

Hartford, CT
Buffalo, NY
New York, NY
Providence, RI
San Jose, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Boston, MA
Los Angeles, CA
Richmond, VA
Milwaukee, WI

In markets like these, buyers are likely to compete for limited inventory, which can give sellers more leverage.

What sellers can expect in these markets

If you’re a homeowner in a seller-friendly metro, you may see:

Stronger buyer interest
Shorter time on market
Better odds of selling close to (or above) asking price

That doesn’t mean every listing is guaranteed to fly off the shelf. But it does mean sellers who price strategically, prep their home well, and follow a good agent’s guidance can be in a strong position in 2026.

Markets Where There’s More Opportunity for First-Time Buyers

On the other hand, some metros are giving buyers more breathing room, especially first-time buyers who have had the toughest time getting in lately. Realtor.com points to 10 top metros where first-time buyers are expected to enjoy advantages in 2026:

Rochester, NY
Harrisburg, PA
Granite City, IL
Birmingham, AL
North Little Rock, AR
Syracuse, NY
Baltimore, MD
St. Louis Park, MN
Pittsburgh, PA
Garfield Heights, OH

These housing markets are top contenders thanks to a mix of:

More affordable home prices
Better housing availability
Strong local amenities and economic health

For first-time buyers, that combination matters. It’s often the difference between wishful thinking and a real path to homeownership.

What buyers can expect in these markets

In more buyer-friendly areas, first-time buyers may find:

Less intense competition
More room to negotiate
A clearer path to getting an offer accepted

What Matters More Than Any Top 10 List

Not seeing your city on either list? Don’t worry. This is a snapshot at the national level, not a definitive statement on your local market. These lists simply show how different conditions can be from one metro area to the next.

And remember: you can buy or sell no matter which side your local market favors. All you need is the right strategy for your market’s unique conditions.

Here’s what that can look like:

Sellers in a more buyer-friendly metro may need to price competitively and focus on strong prep (repairs, staging, and marketing).
Buyers in a seller-leaning area may still need to come prepared with a clean, compelling offer and a smart plan for competing.

To find out where your market falls and what you should expect, a local expert can help you interpret the trends and build a game plan.

Conclusion

The housing market in 2026 isn’t one-size-fits-all. Local conditions matter more than ever, and knowing whether you’re in a buyer-friendly or seller-friendly area can shape everything from pricing to negotiations.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options, the right strategy (and the right agent) can put you in a strong position this year. If you’re a buyer or seller ready for the next step, search the top housing markets now, or reach out to us for help today.